What is a CCTV VMS

VMS: (a) Video Management System, (b)Video Management Software, (c) Video Management Server, in short a VMS solution is a software package specifically designed to manage digital video typically for surveillance applications. We used to typically refer to these systems as CCTV Closed Circuit Television systems but with the introduction of network based cameras and the internet many surveillance systems are no longer contained within a closed circuit and may indeed share connectivity across networks with many other systems.

Although manufacturers such as Dahua often have free to install use VMS or even CMS, Central Management Software, these software solutions are typically designed to be closely tied to the manufacturers own brand of Cameras, DVR & NVR IP Video Recorders with additional support for ONVIF compliant band third party CCTV equipment. These, generally free to install software applications, are ideal where you have the same CCTV surveillance equipment throughout your system and as a UK Dahua Integrator Partner Videcom Security do recommend and install Dahua Smart PSS CMS software for some of their customers.

Where we talk about VMS solutions, such as Luxriot EVO, we are referring to open architecture solutions, without specific manufacturer focus, and these VMS systems are often chosen for their flexibility, independence and advanced user functionality.

A VMS carries out many of the traditional tasks of a CCTV system.

• Collects video from cameras.
  
• Stores video footage.
  
• Provides user interface for live and reviewing.

Manufacturers such as Luxriot then add additional features to make their VMS stand out and become your product of choice.

A VMS delivers a degree of integration and often allows for multiple cameras from multiple manufacturers to be viewed, controlled and recorded in a common simple to use user interface.

A VMS can be part of a hardware based recording system often referred to as a NVR Network Video Recorder or DVR Digital Video Recorder, these systems are often limited to manufacturer cameras and cameras that support ONVIF.

A software VMS, such as EVO enhance the user experience through deeper level integration such as integrating with camera side analytics, bi-directional audio, GIS interactive maps, ANPR, FR and VCA Video Content Analytics.

Often integrators work with VMS software houses helping enhance their control software and maintain a list of desirable features above and beyond manufacturer tied systems.