Leonid Levit appointed chair of ONVIF Steering Committee

ONVIF, the global standardisation initiative for IP-based physical security products, has announced the appointment of Leonid Levit as the new chairman of the ONVIF Steering Committee.

Levit serves as director of systems integration at ONVIF member company Axis Communications and brings to the chair’s role a strong technical background in tandem with more than a decade of product management, marketing and sales experience. He takes over as chair from Per Björkdahl, who’s stepping down after nine years.

“For the past decade, ONVIF has worked to facilitate the nearly universal interoperability of IP physical security devices and clients, enabling end users and systems integrators to have freedom of choice in their selection of video surveillance and access control products,” explained Levit. “I look forward to being part of the next evolution of ONVIF as it continues to support an evolving industry and the deepening relationships between analytics, the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and other technologies.”

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Focus on analytics

Prior to his role as director of systems integration, Levit (pictured, above) was global product manager for analytics solutions at Axis. He has also held roles at Sony Mobile Communications and Ericsson Mobile Platforms.

Founded in 2008, ONVIF actively drives interoperability for IP-based physical security products. The organisation has a global member base of established camera, video management system and access control companies, in addition to more than 19,000 Profile-conformant products.

ONVIF offers Profile S for streaming video, Profile G for recording and storage, Profile C for physical access control, Profile Q for improved out-of-the-box functionality, Profile A for broader access control configuration and Profile T for advanced streaming. The organisation continues to work with its members to expand the number of IP interoperable solutions ONVIF-conformant products can provide.

*Further information about ONVIF conformant products, including details of member companies and their conformant models, is available on the ONVIF website at: www.onvif.org

ONVIF hosts 22nd Developers’ Plugfest as virtual event

ONVIF, the global standardisation initiative for IP-based physical security products, recently hosted its 22nd Developers’ Plugfest as a virtual event, duly supporting the continued demand for interoperable solutions.

Circa 50 developers and engineers from 26 ONVIF member companies gathered virtually over two weeks and completed nearly 200 hours of testing. Developers could test products independently for Profile conformance, as well as assess interoperability between their devices and those from other manufacturers. 

“Like so many other organisations, ONVIF has had to adapt to new ways of collaborating and exchanging ideas,” said Per Björkdahl, chair of the ONVIF Steering Committee. “Interoperability doesn’t happen in a vacuum and, while nothing will replace valuable face-to-face interaction with our members, we’re grateful for the continued participation of member companies in supporting ONVIF Profile conformance.”

Profiles tested at this event included Profile A for access control configuration, Profile C for door control and event management, Profile S for basic video streaming, Profile T for advanced video streaming, Profile G for edge storage and retrieval, Profile Q for quick installation and the Profile M Release Candidate for metadata and analytics for smart applications.

Impact of COVID-19

ONVIF Developers’ Plugfests are typically held twice a year around the world, allowing the global members of ONVIF to gather and test their implementations. Due to the uncertain nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, details of the 23rd ONVIF Developers’ Plugfest will be announced at a later date.

Founded in 2008, ONVIF is a well-recognised industry forum driving interoperability for IP-based physical security products. The organisation has a global member base of established camera, video management system and access control companies and more than 19,000 Profile-conformant products.

The organisation continues to work with its members to expand the number of IP interoperability solutions ONVIF-conformant products can provide. *Further information about ONVIF-conformant products, including member companies and their conformant models, is available on the ONVIF website at www.onvif.org

ONVIF goes live on GitHub for open source development

ONVIF, the global standardisation initiative for IP-based physical security products, is now live on GitHub, the online open source development platform. The repository at github.com/onvif/specs will help drive the development of ONVIF network interface specifications. 

“By having a repository on GitHub, ONVIF is making its interface specification development process more accessible, transparent and efficient,” explained Per Björkdahl, chairman of the ONVIF Steering Committee. “We encourage ONVIF members and the global developer community to go to our GitHub site and contribute to the standardisation work of supporting greater feature interoperability and innovation.”

ONVIF interoperability specifications are already publicly available as open standards and implemented by more than 400 manufacturers of IP surveillance cameras, video management software and physical access control systems to enable communication between conformant devices and clients from different vendors.

Opening the development of network interface specifications to the greater developer community will allow for input from other industries, such as IoT, Artificial Intelligence, cloud services and other technology domains.

Source files

The ONVIF GitHub site provides the source files of ONVIF specification-related documents, including schema files, which describe the XML framework of specific ONVIF features and functions. Developers with an active GitHub account may propose changes via so-called pull requests.

A dual licence scheme enables ONVIF to publish these extensions and enables further evolution by the open source community. Changes ultimately accepted by the ONVIF Technical Committee will be published on the ONVIF public website. 

The GitHub platform enables greater automation and efficiency by automating key areas of the process. This includes removing the manual handling of change requests via a ticket system and automatically merging accepted changes into a development branch, which eliminates the need for a dedicated editor to update the network interface specification files.

Over the course of its 11-year history, ONVIF has also developed several Profiles (groupings of certain functionalities derived from established ONVIF network interface specifications) that enable the performance of a set of features: Profile S for streaming video, Profile G for video recording and storage, Profile C for physical access control, Profile Q for quick installation, Profile A for broader physical access control configuration and Profile T for advanced video streaming. While Profile development is not open sourced, ONVIF widely expects that specification contributions realised via open source will support the development of future profiles.

*To learn more about ONVIF and contributing via GitHub visit https://www.onvif.org/about/faq/

ONVIF reflects on year’s activities and achievements at 2019 Annual Membership Meeting

ONVIF, the global standardisation initiative for IP-based physical security products, recently held its Annual Membership Meeting to provide members with an overview of important activities that have occurred in 2019 and outline bold plans for the year ahead. Attendees heard presentations on the growth of ONVIF as well as plans for new Profile development.

ONVIF chairman Per Björkdahl highlighted the forum’s achievements over the past year, in particular focusing on the market’s continued support for the Profile concept, with the number of conformant products surpassing 13,000 earlier this year.

With six Profiles to choose from and additional ones in development, ONVIF Profiles have increasingly been included in various bid and specification processes in projects around the world, making it the de facto interface in the industry.

Björkdahl also noted the continued involvement of ONVIF in the International Electrotechnical Commission’s work on international standardisation, in addition to new proposals for cloud connectivity and interoperability between multiple systems.

Contributions recognised

In keeping with tradition, ONVIF recognised the contributions of multiple individuals from various ONVIF Committees. Steve Wolf, who served on several ONVIF Committees on behalf of Pelco, received the ONVIF Service Award, which acknowledges individuals who have provided a long-term commitment to the organisation. While serving on the Technical Committee, Wolf led the Security Working Group and was also an active participant in the Video Enhancement Working Group, contributing towards a number of improvements in how ONVIF approaches video.

Andreas Schneider of Sony received the ONVIF Distinguished Service Award, which recognises individuals who’ve made significant contributions to ONVIF over many years in multiple functions. Schneider’s long-term service to the Technical Services Committee has positioned him as a major facilitator of the ONVIF organisation, with contributions to multiple ONVIF Profiles.

ONVIF chairman Per Björkdahl

“The overarching goal of ONVIF is to provide the market with a single interface through which every system can operate,” explained Björkdahl. “Our award winners have shown significant and long-term commitment to our organisation, in turn making this goal a reality one Profile at a time. We thank both of our recipients for their innovation, hard work and service.”

Specification development roadmap

ONVIF Technical Committee chairman Hans Busch of Bosch spoke to members about the specification development roadmap, which highlights plans for future Profile development, as well as the continued alignment to the standardisation activities within the IEC TC 79 Working Groups for video surveillance and physical access control standards. Specifically, Busch covered what specifications are being examined for future Profiles and how they complement and further enhance existing ONVIF Profiles.

As chair of the Technical Services Committee, Sony’s Schneider gave an overview of the Committee’s work on new and existing Profiles, client and device test tools, updates to the conformance process and tools and the Developers’ Plugfest.

Shi-lin Chan of Axis Communications, who serves as chair of the ONVIF Communication Committee, provided a recap of ONVIF communication efforts in 2019 and discussed the organisation’s plans for the launch of a Mandarin website later this year.

Driving interoperability

Founded in 2008, ONVIF is a leading and well-recognised industry forum driving interoperability for IP-based physical security products. The organisation has a global member base of established camera, video management system and access control companies and, as stated, more than 13,000 Profile-conformant products.

ONVIF offers Profile S for streaming video, Profile G for recording and storage, Profile C for physical access control, Profile Q for improved out-of-the-box functionality, Profile A for broader access control configuration and Profile T for advanced streaming.

ONVIF continues to work with its members to expand the number of IP interoperability solutions that ONVIF-conformant products can provide.

 

ONVIF focuses on common specifications for smart solutions at SiX 2019

ONVIF, the global standardisation initiative for IP-based physical security products, is going to be represented at the inaugural SiX (a new industry event for the security sector focused on growing security installation businesses and recognising smarter approaches towards security itself). Organised by Pro-Activ Publications (the publisher of PSI, Benchmark, Risk Xtra and The Paper), the event will be held on 5-6 November at EventCity in Manchester.

In a seminar entitled ‘The Importance of Common Specifications for Smart Solutions’, Per Björkdahl (chair of the ONVIF Steering Committee) will discuss how ONVIF specifications provide a common interface for video and access control products, allowing hardware from different manufacturers to work together. This results in simplified and streamlined integrations tailored to individual end user needs. This session will be part of the ‘Benchmark: Creating Smart Solutions’ learning track where each seminar is chaired by Brian Sims BA (Hons) Hon FSyI, Editor of Risk Xtra and The Paper.

“We’re looking forward to the opportunity of sharing with installers and integrators the detail of how ONVIF could be the key to them maximising the impact of the latest innovations in today’s solutions,” said Björkdahl. “At the end of the day, the security industry is working to make people safe in the most efficient way possible. ONVIF provides the groundwork to do exactly this by enabling security professionals to create Best of Breed solutions for end users, regardless of the manufacturer.”

SiX is a security event created specifically with the needs of system integrators and security installers in mind. The event provides attendees with access to forward-thinking manufacturers who can support them through the entire integration process: designing, specifying and implementing systems and solutions that deliver value for end users.
 
Founded in 2008, ONVIF is driving interoperability for IP-based physical security products. The organisation has a global member base of established camera, video management system and access control companies and more than 13,000 Profile-conformant products.

Per Björkdahl

ONVIF offers Profile S for basic streaming video, Profile G for edge storage and retrieval, Profile C for door control and event management, Profile Q for quick installation, Profile A for access control configuration and Profile T for advanced video streaming.

The organisation continues to work with its members to expand the number of IP interoperability solutions ONVIF-conformant products can provide. Further information about ONVIF-conformant products, including member companies and their conformant models, is available on the ONVIF website at www.onvif.org

*Register for SiX 2019

Milestone Systems introduces centralised Search feature in capability enhancement for XProtect

In the latest product update of Milestone XProtect 2019 R3 VMS, Milestone Systems has introduced several new features and capabilities. These include centralised Search, a new driver framework, adaptive streaming and enhanced device password management.

With this product update, Milestone Systems highlights that the business is continuing to pursue ever-higher performing software to fulfil the market’s rising demands for cost-effective video technology solutions.

One of the main features of the 2019 R3 release is Search. This is a new centralised search platform in XProtect Smart Client that makes it possible for end users to search for everything in one place. Previously, end users performed several standalone searches, depending on what data they were searching for. With the new Search tool, users can search for motion, alarms, events, bookmarks and other types of data in one single place enabling rapid and efficient video investigations.

Moreover, the new Search platform also smoothly embeds partner integrations and their powerful analytic capabilities via dedicated filtering options. Through specific plug-ins and devices, search criteria such as line-crossing and object-in-field will be enabled directly in the Search Tab, saving time and increasing efficiency.

Milestone Systems provides customers with support for more than 8,000 cameras and devices. In order to allow XProtect device support to grow exponentially with the number of devices in the market, and to provide support for new types of devices such as the Internet of Things, the company has introduced its Driver Framework. Within the Milestone Integration Platform Software Development Kit, this allows device manufacturers to develop their own drivers and provide faster device compatibility and deeper integration that goes beyond the capabilities of ONVIF.

This new feature will enable end users to receive lower resolution streams from the recording server when a high resolution one isn’t required (for example, when displaying video in the smart client or smart wall in window sizes smaller than a full screen). This will give users smoother viewing and a better user experience, a lower total cost of ownership due to less hardware being needed to decode unnecessary high-resolution video and a better use of bandwidth that can then be employed for other requirements within the organisation.

The new Device Password Management continues XProtect’s focus on ease of use and enhanced cyber security during set-up of new installations, as well as when expanding existing ones. This feature makes it possible for system administrators to manage all devices’ passwords directly from the XProtect Management Client for selected device manufacturers.

In the 2019 R3 update, Milestone Systems has doubled the number of supported device manufacturers and added the option to schedule future password changes according to the cadence in given organisations and their password policies, in turn making device password management fully automatic.

ONVIF hosts 20th Developers’ Plugfest in Tokyo

ONVIF, the global standardisation initiative for IP-based physical security products, recently hosted its 20th Developers’ Plugfest in Tokyo. It’s a milestone that, the organisation believes, firmly emphasises the continued growth and demand for interoperable solutions.

Developers and engineers from 22 ONVIF member companies gathered at the three-day event to test their implementations of ONVIF Profiles with other ONVIF Profile-conformant products. Developers can test their products independently for Profile conformance, as well as test for interoperability between their devices and those developed by other manufacturers.

With 47 members testing their implementations of the six ONVIF Profiles, attendees logged nearly 250 hours of testing. In addition to Profile interoperability tests, all ONVIF clients had the opportunity to test using the ONVIF Device/Client Test Tool. From there, attendees were able to discuss with Test Tool developers any issues that arose during conformance testing.

“The continued level of engagement from our member companies at what’s now our 20th Developers’ Plugfest showcases the importance of interoperability to the industry at large,” said Per Björkdahl, chair of the ONVIF Steering Committee. “As new Profiles are developed to meet ever-changing market needs, it’s more important than ever for companies to collaborate and exchange ideas to create the best new conformant technologies possible.”

ONVIF Developers’ Plugfests are held twice each year around the world to enable the global ONVIF membership to gather for testing of their implementations. The next Developers’ Plugfest is scheduled to be held this coming November in Rome.

Per Björkdahl: chair of the ONVIF Steering Committee

Founded in 2008, ONVIF is an industry forum driving interoperability for IP-based physical security products. The organisation has a global member base of established camera, video management system and access control companies and more than 13,000 Profile-conformant products.

ONVIF offers Profile S for basic streaming video, Profile G for edge storage and retrieval, Profile C for door control and event management, Profile Q for quick installation, Profile A for access control configuration and Profile T for advanced video streaming.

ONVIF continues to work with its members to expand the number of IP interoperability solutions ONVIF-conformant products can provide.

*Further information about ONVIF-conformant products, including member companies and their conformant models, is available on the ONVIF website at www.onvif.org

ONVIF makes plans to highlight member companies at IFSEC International 2019

ONVIF, the global standardisation initiative for IP-based physical security products, will be exhibiting at IFSEC International 2019. The show runs at ExCeL in London from 18-20 June. The organisation will be joined by 40-plus ONVIF member companies.

As part of its presence at the exhibition, ONVIF will host the ONVIF Lounge on Stand IF2524, which provides charging stations for attendee use throughout the show. Representatives from ONVIF and various member companies will be present at the booth throughout the event to answer questions about ONVIF and provide insight on how they use the ONVIF standards for their businesses. Participating companies will include Hikvision, Costain, Synectics and TDSi.

“We’re happy to be exhibiting at IFSEC again this year, giving those who are unfamiliar with ONVIF the opportunity to learn more,” said Per Björkdahl, chair of the ONVIF Steering Committee. “ONVIF provides valuable tools that can make things easier for practising security professionals and their host organisations. We hope that, by having member companies present on Stand IF2524, attendees gain the inside track on what it means to be an ONVIF member.”

IFSEC International is Europe’s largest dedicated security exhibition, with more than 27,000 security professionals expected to attend this year’s event.

Founded in 2008, ONVIF has a global base of established member companies whi produce cameras, video management systems and access control solutions, in trun realising more than 12,000 Profile-conformant products.

ONVIF offers Profile S for basic streaming video, Profile G for edge storage and retrieval, Profile C for door control and event management, Profile Q for quick installation, Profile A for access control configuration and Profile T for advanced video streaming.

ONVIF continues to work with its members to expand the number of IP interoperability solutions that ONVIF-conformant products can provide.

*Further information about ONVIF-conformant products is available on the ONVIF website at www.onvif.org

TDSi appearing with BSIA and ONVIF at IFSEC International 2019

Integrated security manufacturer TDSi will be appearing on both the BSIA and ONVIF stands at IFSEC International 2019, which runs from 18-20 June at London’s ExCeL. TDSi’s team will be available to discuss its latest products with customers and partners on the BSIA Stand (IF2755) and ONVIF Booth (2525) throughout the event.

John Davies, managing director of TDSi, commented: “We’re delighted to be appearing with the BSIA and ONVIF at IFSEC International. At this year’s event, we’ll be highlighting our new GARDiS security software and upcoming hardware range. The new GARDiS controller will be fully ONVIF compliant (Profile A and Profile C) and perfect for integrating with a variety of security and access control systems.”

John Davies

The GARDiS range was launched at the end of last year with the first version of the access management software and was recently updated by GARDiS Version 1.1, which provides extra functionality and support for installers and end users. A prototype of the new GARDiS Controller (the first hardware in the range) was also unveiled in April this year and will shortly be available to order.

Davies added: “IFSEC International will provide the perfect opportunity for visitors across the UK and internationally to learn more about the benefits of the TDSi GARDiS range and to discuss specific requirements or project needs with our team. The event is a must-attend for anyone in the security industry, providing access to world-renowned industry leaders and networking with security directors and managers, installers, system integrators and distributors from across the globe.”

Xellip2’s integration with Milestone VMS affords “seamless control” for end users

Castel’s open protocol Xellip2 IP intercom has been integrated with Milestone’s Xprotect video management system (VMS) to offer “seamless interoperability” between systems.

The ONVIF-compatible Xellip2 features a 1200 x 800 wide-angle HD camera. Sporting a sleek and contemporary design with backlit and flushed nameplates, the Xellip2 has two output relays and two inputs for third party integration. It also features two Ethernet ports (one PoE plus an additional one for serial/bus architecture type and loopback).

Other highlights include echo and noise cancellation, a built-in induction loop for compliance with disability discrimination legislation, audio feedback and call status LEDs, power back-up, a built-in web browser and the ability to record audio and video.

The integration enables all the components of the intercom system – ie camera, microphone, speaker and button – to be monitored and controlled from the Xprotect interface.

The VMS enables users to record video via the event button or via motion detection, record audio, trigger actions via the rule engine (such as the display on a matrix or on Xprotect’s dynamic image wall), send pre-recorded messages to the intercom’s speaker, reassign an alarm and display a flashing icon in the case of detection.

“Interoperability between Castel’s intercom systems and video management systems is now a key demand from our markets, with developments in the latest Xellip2 intercom range offering the perfect answer to this challenge,” explained Atmane Bensghir, business development manager at Castel. “This integration with Milestone’s VMS puts end users firmly in control, enabling them to manage their video entry and security systems using a single interface.”

The easy integration of the Xellip 2, combined with the XProtect access module, enriches the Milestone Smartclient with an integrated intercom client. This module allows the display of a pop-up alert to pinpoint a call made from an intercom.

Milestone Access pop-up notification enables video monitoring at the relevant intercom and two-way audio communication with the intercom directly from the Milestone Smartclient, as well as the opening of a door and association of intercom information with access control data.

*Readers of Risk Xtra who would like to test the Milestone solution can register at www.milestonesys.com and request a partner account for free demonstration licences