Questions & Answers on
Video Management Software

1. What is a Video Management Software?

The video management software (VMS) is an essential part of video surveillance systems. It provides real-time access to video, the ability to record, store, and playback recorded videos, and the ability to derive valuable insights from video footage.

2. When to upgrade a Video Surveillance System?

Modern Video Management Systems can offer much more than just security, so upgrading a VMS system becomes as important as upgrading other assets of the organization. A VMS system may need to be upgraded for the following reasons:

• It is mandatory that you upgrade your CCTV surveillance system if you are using old cameras and equipment for a traditional CCTV surveillance system
• As you begin to see the recurring high storage costs of the existing surveillance system, it is time to switch to a system that saves your bandwidth and storage costs while offering you the best quality video
• Multi-locational expansion (Small to medium to large-sized enterprises)
• Intelligent Video Analytics can be used for monitoring sites, employees, or business processes
• Improve site operations by using Video Analytics to benefit customers, users of the VMS or employees

3. When choosing video surveillance cameras for a VMS system, what factors should be considered?

The variety of surveillance cameras on the market today is diverse, with a broad range of sizes, shapes, features, and functions. They are designed to perform well in a variety of environmental conditions. Choosing video surveillance cameras for a VMS system requires users to take a few factors into consideration. The following things must be considered:

• Image quality (resolution) of the camera
• Cameras compatible with outdoor or indoor environments
• Wired or wireless cameras
• Detection of Low- light sensitivity camera
• Camera type (box type, bullet type, dome type)
• Frame rate (more frames per second –fps defines more clear video)

4. How do cloud-based video management systems benefit enterprises rather than traditional CCTV systems?

Typical CCTV systems are analog devices that provide limited monitoring and tracking capabilities, while cloud-based video management systems have the functionality to record, store, playback, and analyze the captured events in real-time and over time.

As the data is stored on the cloud, there is no concern of storage wastage as all the data is stored on the cloud and can be retrieved anytime. Cloud-based video surveillance is equipped with high-quality IP cameras, which provide a high-quality image at high frame rates for system networks.

Users of cloud-based video management systems rely on simply plugging and playing these devices for small installations. These systems can be modified in terms of number of cameras, features in the software, type of video analytics, etc.

5. How can IP cameras and surveillance systems be used to secure small businesses?

The main categories of Video Management Software are small, medium and large installations, based on the number of cameras supported. Small size installations support 10-20 cameras and are suitable for medium companies, usually operating in only one location. Small to midsize enterprises can utilize mid-sized CCTV systems (connecting 20 to 50 cameras). Larger CCTV installations (connecting more than 50 cameras) are best suited for multi-site or multi-location companies.

VMS packages can be purchased by small businesses and installed by technicians. For medium and large sized projects, businesses can either rely on VMS service providers or use system integrators.