A security system’s video management software (VMS) is a critical component for camera operators to control the recording, storage, and management of security, surveillance, or other video footage. Traditional systems have historically relied on a centralized network video recorder (and NVR software) or digital video recorder (and DVR software) to initially capture footage. But some modern systems today feature cameras with internal recording capability that allows video to be routed directly into a centralized command center, or dashboard, that is managed with the VMS.
Featured Video: VMS Software that Empowers the End User
Along with the quality and reliability of the underlying technology, users are typically most concerned with two aspects: feature-rich capability and ease of use. There are a wide variety of features available and different types of users will naturally have different priorities with any type of security camera software. Beyond this, all users want to be able to get the most out of their devices and VMS. This means that user-friendly controls — plus the ability to quickly onboard and train end users — are of utmost importance for many organizations today.
Jump to each section to learn more:
Features to Look for in Video Management Software
• Advanced Search Filters
• Link Sharing
• System Health Alerts
Features to Look for in VMS User Management
• Single Sign-On (SSO)
• User Permissions
• Active Directory
Video Management Software FAQs
• What is Secure Single Sign-On?
• Does SSO use SAML authentication?
• How is Active Directory used?
• What is the difference between NVR and VMS?
Features to Look for in Video Management Software
There is a wide range of features that are now common among VMS software solutions. Some are near universal and can effectively be seen as requirements. Others can be considered higher-level value-adds or optional inclusions that will appeal to some but not others. The following represent a few of the most notable features that most users will want to look for when selecting a VMS.
Advanced Search Filters
In traditional systems, reviewing captured footage can be tedious. Even quickly locating specific times is often onerous, but the task becomes even more difficult when the user doesn’t know exactly what they are looking for. This is where Advanced Search Filters can play such a valuable role. One usage, for example, can be jumping immediately to a moment when motion occurs or even when the footage contains a moving vehicle. Motion Detection and Vehicle Detection options within security camera software are just a few of these types of Advanced Search options, and most modern users prefer a VMS that has as many related features as possible.
Link Sharing
Link Sharing, and Live Link Sharing, allows a user to share a real-time video feed with other people. This can be access-protected for certain users or made publicly available to anyone who receives the link — something that can allow various stakeholders to immediately see the situation on the ground during an emergency. With a modern VMS, you can often trigger a link to be sent through various means with the click of a button.
System Health Alerts
VMS System Alerts, including System Health Alerts, help to keep users updated about any issues or potential problems in a Video Management System. If there is a technical issue — like a camera going offline — or a change of any sort in camera status, a notification will alert users that something must be addressed or updated. Alerts generally can be sent through email, text, a proprietary app, or other means depending upon the VMS software options.
Features to Look for in VMS User Management
Single Sign-On (SSO)
Single Sign-On (SSO) is an increasingly desired feature that offers users an ideal blend between security and ease of use. SSO allows users to quickly and easily log in to multiple systems at once through their SAML/OAuth provider — all without sacrificing security. The combination makes is a popular choice among both IT professionals and end users of video management software.
User Permissions
User permissions are needed to grant access to Video Management System (VMS) software and system cameras while protecting them from bad actors. Various permission levels are required to make sure that users only have access to the parts of the system and cameras that they actually need to use. IT and systems administrators, for example, may have “roles” with the highest level of access, while those people who will never need to do more than view a camera feed will have no ability to view or change sensitive settings that could disrupt operations or introduce security vulnerabilities. Depending upon the sophistication of the system and number of users, there may be anywhere from two to four or even more role levels while the user permission structure.
Active Directory
Active Directory, a Microsoft Windows directory service, can be attached to a VMS to help centralize and monitor User Permissions, access controls, and various applications within a camera system. This effectively serves as the internal database that will manage the who’s, what’s, and where’s of the VMS and, potentially, the wider organizational management system. Because it is repository for this critical system info, it is a highly sensitive target for attackers and must be protected with advanced security strategies.
Video Management Software FAQs
What is Secure Single Sign On?
Single Sign-On (SSO) is an increasingly desired feature that offers users an ideal blend between security and ease of use. SSO allows users to quickly and easily log in to multiple systems at once through their SAML authentication or OAuth provider — all without sacrificing security. The combination makes a popular choice among both IT professionals and end users of video systems.
Does SSO use SAML authentication?
With Single Sign-On (SSO) for Verkada on iOS and Android, customers can log in with their SAML authentication or OAuth provider, including Okta, OneLogin, ADFS, Google’s G Suite Business Apps, and others. This simple, role-based access control provides the enterprise with an ideal blend between high security and easy accessibility — across both mobile and desktop platforms.
How is Active Directory used?
Active Directory, a Microsoft Windows directory service, can be attached to a VMS to help centralize and monitor User Permissions, access controls, and various applications within a camera system. This effectively serves as the internal database that will manage the who’s, what’s, and where’s of the VMS and, potentially, the wider organizational management system. Because it is repository for this critical system info, it is a highly sensitive target for attackers and must be protected with advanced security strategies.
What is the difference between NVR and VMS?
A Network Video Recorders (NVR) is a local storage option for closed-circuit television (CCTV) security systems (read more here), whereas a Video Management System (VMS) is a centralized, more robust solution that can control the recording, storage, and management of video footage on a larger array of cameras across various locations.
