3 things to consider when integrating your IP camera with your VMS

Aging video management systems (VMS) aren’t built to keep up with today’s security demands. Most organizations today want more security cameras, higher resolution videos, and longer retention periods for footage — all of which can put a strain on your existing system. Adding more network-connected cameras needs to be done properly and carefully, with cybersecurity and privacy concerns top of mind. Ask your vendor to guide you through the necessary steps to protect your data and harden your system’s security to minimize the risk of introducing new vulnerabilities.

Just because a VMS is newer, doesn’t mean it’s immune to cyber threats or capable of doing everything you want it to do in the future. Before you select a new VMS, take a moment to map out your needs.

 

 

Preparing your system for camera integration

There’s more to integration than just the ability to plug in another camera. Does your VMS allow you to take advantage of the latest IP camera technologies, or does it lock you into using hardware from only a small group of manufacturers? Does it support open architecture?

Closed architecture systems offer limited integration. Selecting an open architecture system allows for a deeper, seamless level of integration, and allows you to upgrade hardware at your own pace. It also allows you to expand your suite of security solutions in the future, as your needs change.

Here are 3 questions about camera integration to consider when deciding on a VMS system:

1. Does your system provider offer support to improve cybersecurity protocols beyond simply changing system default passwords? For example, are you able to request a cybersecurity assessment from a professional to assist you in hardening your security features to mitigate online threats?
2. Can you easily add other security products like automatic license plate recognition (ALPR)  to your VMS, or would this require integrating with a separate system?
3. Does the VMS support server-based analytics? Processing and analyzing video on the server, rather than within the camera itself, provides better performance — and means you can prioritize video quality when purchasing new IP cameras.

IP camera configuration checklist

Are you able to program all of your cameras within the VMS, or do you need to manually configure the following parameters:

• Discover an IP network and set IP address

• Frame rate

• Resolution

• Motion detection: within camera or server-based

• Bitrate: ability to configure variable or fixed bitrate per camera

• Keyframe interval

• Digital I/O

• Audio inputs/outputs

• Ability to update the camera firmware and passwords

• To minimize network traffic, your VMS also needs to have the ability to configure the keyframe interval (I-frame) per second, and control key protocols. Look for a VMS that can:

• Control any analog PTZ protocol (not limited to PTZ protocols supported by a video encoder)

• Make configuration changes without requiring the server services to be restarted

• Manage unicast and multicast directly from the camera

• Be licensable per total number of camera connections, not by MAC address

Don’t forget about cybersecurity

What encryption and other security features does your VMS offer?

• Are there embedded tools and services that allow you to track your cybersecurity posture?

• How easy or difficult is it to maintain good security hygiene, like changing passwords, using secure connection protocols, updating to the latest firmware, or disabling less secure ways of accessing cameras?

• Does the VMS support encryption in transit and at rest, for video exchanged and stored on-premise and in the cloud?

• Does the VMS support end-to-end encryption (SRTP)? This the most secure protocol to exchange video from camera to client interface.

• Does the vendor offer professional support and clear recommendations when migrating to the new system, to ensure there are no security holes?

• What systems are in place to ensure no one can tamper with video evidence?

• Is there a unified login system to access security systems?

Make privacy a priority

As video surveillance becomes more prevalent, governments are introducing new regulations that restrict where companies can place cameras and how they can use the footage they collect. To make it easier to remain compliant with your local privacy laws, ask your VMS supplier:

• Is video footage anonymized when it is not necessary to identify people?

• Can the VMS adjust the level of privacy in different areas? (i.e. in the lobby or cafeteria, vs employee-only zones)

• Does the VMS system allow people to access their personal data securely?

• Do you really need to install a video camera to secure certain areas, or can your security solution support a different option that allows for greater privacy, e.g. other types of connected sensors?

• How easy or difficult is it to automate retention policies, if regional or industry regulations change how long data is to be archived for?

Choose open architecture for your next VMS

Technology is continuously evolving, why limit your options? Invest in a VMS that meets your needs today and for years to come.

When you choose a VMS solution with open architecture you can select from a wide network of partners to find the hardware that best suits your budget and requirements. Open architecture also allows you to scale up your security as needs change, connecting your video surveillance system with access control, intercoms, license plate recognition, or other technologies further down the line.