Security today has taken on much more importance than we ever imagined. Why? Because nearly every half-minute, a break-in occurs, costing homeowners an average of $2,800. While two-thirds of these burglaries happen in residential areas, business owners aren’t in the clear: 34% of annual burglaries target small businesses, causing financial setbacks and disrupting operations that, in some cases, can bring businesses to a screeching halt.

In total, these crimes result in approximately $3.4 billion in stolen property each year, affecting not only private citizens but the public and businesses alike. For business owners, in particular, the stakes are high. The right video security system is no longer just a precaution; it’s a proactive measure to help deter break-ins, protect assets, and capture valuable footage if incidents occur. 

By exploring how ONVIF technology supports modern video security, business owners can see how today’s systems meet the growing need for compatibility and integration across devices. And your team here at EMCI Wireless is here to help.

What is ONVIF?

We hate throwing more acronyms at you because we know they are a dime a dozen. However, ONVIF is one acronym that all business owners and property managers should understand. ONVIF stands for Open Network Video Interface Forum. Basically, this means that ONVIF creates a universal language that lets IP-based video security devices from different manufacturers work together. 

This brings flexibility in choosing devices and building security systems without worrying about compatibility issues. Instead of being tied to one brand, ONVIF allows you to mix and match cameras, software, and other security tools to meet your business needs.

ONVIF was established in 2008 through a collaboration between three industry leaders: Axis Communications, Sony, and Robert Bosch. Their goal was simple but ambitious—create a set of standards that would allow devices from different companies to communicate and work together in a single, integrated system. Since then, ONVIF has evolved to support a range of functions and continues to add new capabilities to meet new demands from developers and business owners.

From video streaming to data storage and advanced video analytics, ONVIF’s standards now cover many functionalities that allow for smarter and more adaptable security solutions. As a result, ONVIF has gained widespread adoption globally, becoming the go-to framework for making sure that security systems can evolve alongside new technology.

How ONVIF Works: The “Common Language” for IP Devices

At this point, you’re likely already intrigued about the opportunity to integrate your video security system with your other existing systems. And we don’t blame you. When businesses are limited to certain brands and models for integration, it can get costly with expenses adding up fast. And before long, that technology can become obsolete. ONVIF works to avoid that very scenario.

So how does it work? We’re glad you asked. ONVIF operates by setting standards, or protocols, that allow IP devices (like cameras and recording systems) from different manufacturers to communicate. These standards allow devices across brands to send, receive, and understand data in a shared way, creating a universal “common language” for security devices.

ONVIF Profiles 

ONVIF achieves this through different profiles, each designed to address specific needs in video security:

• Profile S: Focuses on video streaming. It’s ideal for connecting cameras to video management software, allowing for live and recorded video feeds.
• Profile G: Adds support for video storage and retrieval, so cameras can store footage locally or on networked devices and make it accessible for later review.
• Profile T: Designed for advanced video streaming. It supports newer video compression standards like H.264 and H.265, which reduce storage space without sacrificing quality.
• Profile M: Handles metadata and analytics. This profile enables AI-driven features such as motion detection, facial recognition, and counting people, which are increasingly used in business security.

Need an example to help pull it all together? Imagine you run a retail store and want to cut down on shoplifting. With ONVIF, you could integrate cameras from multiple brands that use Profile M analytics. These cameras can detect unusual movement patterns near high-value items, automatically alerting security personnel or locking exit doors if needed. 

Meanwhile, the Profile G cameras store this footage securely, making it easy to review suspicious activity if items go missing. By combining these profiles, your business can gain a powerful, adaptable security system that’s affordable to scale or upgrade as needed. And no need to lock yourself into one brand or vendor.

Benefits of ONVIF for Video Security Systems

It’s only natural for business owners to want to gain a clear picture of benefits before investing in new technology. So, we’ve summarized all of those benefits that we have alluded to earlier in this article for your quick review and reference.

Here are the benefits you can expect when upgrading your video security systems to ONVIF. 

• Interoperability Across Brands: ONVIF allows you to mix and match devices from different manufacturers, giving you the flexibility to build a system that fits your unique security needs without being tied to one brand.
• Cost-Efficiency: By eliminating the need for proprietary technology, ONVIF lets you avoid costly brand-specific equipment, making upgrades and replacements more affordable.
• Future-Proofing: ONVIF’s open standards help your system adapt to changing technology. As new devices and features are released, your existing setup remains compatible. So, there is little to no need for frequent overhauls.
• Expanded Functionality: With ONVIF profiles like Profile M and Profile T, you can incorporate advanced features like video analytics, object recognition, and high-definition streaming to increase security capabilities.
• Easy Scalability: ONVIF-compliant systems allow you to add new devices, cameras, or sensors as your security needs grow. Expanding your setup is straightforward, even if your system includes different brands.
• Simplified Integration with IoT: ONVIF devices can connect with IoT systems, letting you link video security with other smart devices, such as lights or access control systems, to create a connected, automated environment.
• Reliable Security Standard: ONVIF’s protocols meet industry standards, giving you confidence that your devices will connect reliably and securely.

How to Select ONVIF-Compliant Devices for Your Security System

Choosing ONVIF-compliant devices for your security system can simplify setup and help you get the most functionality across devices from different brands. Here’s what to consider when selecting the right equipment and why working with experts like EMCI Wireless can make all the difference.

• Check for ONVIF Profiles: Make sure the devices you choose support the ONVIF profiles you need. For example, Avigilon cameras with Profile S enable functions like video streaming, two-way audio, and motion detection.
• Compatibility with Video Management Software (VMS): Avigilon’s Control Center (ACC) software is built on ONVIF Profile S specifications, which means it integrates with other compliant devices and systems for a unified security network.
• Look for Quality Standards and Certifications: Avigilon products are SOC2 Type II Certified, NDAA Compliant, and SAFETY Act Designated, providing the utmost in data security and reliability.
• Integration with Third-Party Systems: Avigilon cameras can integrate with third-party VMS, using ONVIF protocols for audio input, digital outputs, and motion recording. 

EMCI Wireless, a proud dealer of Avigilon Video Security Systems, can guide you in selecting the right ONVIF-compliant products for your needs and help provide a flawless and easy integration process.

The Future of ONVIF in Video Security Systems

With ONVIF regularly updating its specifications, devices that adhere to ONVIF protocols are more likely to remain compatible with new technology and future updates. This adaptability supports a forward-looking approach to security, where systems can grow alongside emerging artificial intelligence and analytics trends.

As advanced features like behavior analysis and object recognition become more common, ONVIF’s standardized protocols will simplify the integration of these new capabilities, making it easier and more affordable to add ONVIF-compliant cameras to an existing system. These protocols reduce the complexity and costs typically associated with adding new devices, and that’s a win-win for all business owners.

The ongoing development of ONVIF’s open protocol structure also opens doors for greater integration with IoT and smart building technologies, allowing video security to work hand-in-hand with devices such as access control panels and environmental sensors. As ONVIF drives innovation and collaboration across the industry, companies investing in these standards today will be well-positioned to meet tomorrow’s security needs confidently.

Ready to Get Started with ONVIF Technology?

Investing in new technology for your business can be overwhelming. However, with crimes toward businesses not slowing down, security needs to remain at the top of any business owner’s list of priorities. And EMCI Wireless can help you select the right ONVIF-compliant systems to protect your business and your customers.

To get started, request a free consultation with the team at EMCI Wireless today.