Not all video surveillance solutions are the same and, as a result, management systems vary based on user needs. In this article Geneteca global technology company that has helped transform the physical security industry for over 25 years, explains the difference between a NVR (Network Video Recorder) and a system VMS (Video Management System).
The NVR system
NVR is a device designed to record and archive video of a simple video surveillance system with a few networked cameras (between 8 and 32). A simple web-based application is used to view cameras or retrieve video recordings. A typical NVR offers basic viewing, searching and exporting functionality.
An NVR is suitable for small to medium-sized video surveillance systems and is easy to set up because you generally do not need to install or maintain any software. Users can simply turn on the NVR, connect it to a network, and configure their cameras via a web-based app. The simplicity of an NVR security system helps keep costs down.
An NVR has limited functionality and does not allow access to video analytics. Furthermore, if the NVRs are proprietary, the choice of cameras remains tied to certain suppliers without the possibility of integrating other types of devices or physical security systems, such as access control.
VMS and its features
A VMS is a software application that allows you to monitor and manage numerous IP cameras from anywhere. It is hosted on a network-connected server or can function as a cloud-based service.
This software allows you to monitor videos in real time and access footage, whether it is on an on-premise server infrastructure or in the cloud. A VMS that offers many more features than an NVR. For example:
- Receive real-time notifications when a camera goes offline or motion is detected in a specific area;
- View camera locations or alarms on a facility map, or switch between cameras to track suspicious movement;
- Use built-in cybersecurity and privacy features to protect your videos and data;
- Integrate other business or physical security systems to improve response.
Essentially, the advanced features of a VMS help simplify video management tasks.
VMS were designed to be scalable. They can support hundreds or thousands of cameras. Additionally, multiple VMS systems in different locations can be connected into a security operations center (SOC) to facilitate centralized video management. Thanks to the open architecture, VMS systems allow you to easily unify video software with other physical security systems, such as access control and intrusion solutions, as well as connect cameras to various sensors. Some VMS solutions are equipped with application programming interfaces (APIs), which allow you to customize and adapt the solution to the specific needs of your environment.
A VMS is characterized by flexibility and scalability and a higher budget, in fact, the costs of licenses and maintenance must be considered, while on the server side there are purchase and management costs. VMS solutions have a more complex installation than NVR, which typically requires the support of a system integrator.
VMS, NVR and cybersecurity
As regards aspects of cybersecurity and privacy regulations, the VMS solution is certainly better than the NVR as it offers multiple levels of defense and a series of built-in tools (including encryption, multi-factor authentication, authorization and real-time monitoring of system status) to protect videos and prevent data from falling into the wrong hands.
The main elements to analyze to arrive at the best decision between the two systems are: dimensions of the installation, methods of use of the video system – in real time or only following incidents -, video preservation needs, unification and integration, cybersecurity , growth and scalability.
Genetec Streamvault: a single simple, economical and scalable system
But as an alternative to an NVR or VMS, there is also the option of an “all-in-one” and “plug-and-play” security device. Genetec Streamvaultfor example, is a purpose-built solution that comes preloaded with the software Genetec Security Center, although not an NVR, allows you to quickly start implementing a video surveillance system and access all the latest video management features. This Genetec solution offers the best of a VMS and an NVR, in a single cost-effective system, easy to install and, at the same time, extremely scalable and which allows you to use a high number of cameras and guarantee maximum IT resilience.
