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 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

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.”

ONVIF set to discuss role of access control in smart buildings environment at ISC West 2019

ONVIF, the global standardisation initiative for IP-based physical security products, will be participating in ISC West 2019, which runs from 10-12 April at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas. The organisation will have a presence in the exhibition area as well as participating in the education programme.

The ONVIF Lounge (Booth L0) is where attendees can catch up on the latest ONVIF-related updates, relax and also recharge their mobile devices.

In addition, ONVIF will also be taking part in a panel discussion from SIA Education@ISC, the Security Industry Association’s educational programming at ISC West. Bob Dolan (director of technology at Anixter), Per Björkdahl (chairman of the ONVIF Steering Committee) and Bryan Montany (principal analyst within IHS Markit’s Access Control Intelligence Service) will present a panel discussion under the heading ‘Driving the Future: How Interoperability Standards in Access Control Can Enable Smart Building Success’. The goal of the session is to highlight the importance of an open platform approach as a building block for future Internet of Things functionality by discussing the role of access control systems within a smart building environment.

“As standards evolve along with the industry, there’s more and more demand for a system-to-system approach towards standards, in addition to the already prevalent interoperability standards within a single system,” asserted Björkdahl. “By examining how access control systems might fit into a bigger system, we can begin to see how different systems can complement each other through a common interface, in turn allowing for cost savings and ease of use for the end user.”

Founded in 2008, ONVIF exists to drive interoperability for IP-based physical security products. The organisation has a global member base of established camera, video management system and access control manufacturers realising nearly 12,000 Profile-conformant products.

Per Björkdahl: chairman of the ONVIF Steering Committee

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 in order to expand the number of IP interoperability solutions ONVIF-conformant products can provide.

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

ONVIF releases Profile A for broader access control configuration

ONVIF, the global standardisation initiative for IP-based physical security products, has announced the final release of Profile A for broader access control configuration that establishes a standardised interface for access control clients and expands the configuration options of ONVIF-conformant access control systems.

The release marks the first open specification that allows for the mixing and matching of access control devices and clients within a system, in turn facilitating interoperability for multi-vendor projects.

ONVIF Profile A encompasses daily access control functions for granting and revoking employee credentials, creating and updating schedules and making changes to access control privileges within the system. Profile A deepens interoperability within the access control market by increasing functionality and system management functions at the client level, enabling the configuration of credentialing, scheduling and access privileges through the Profile A-conformant client interface.

“Profile A is a significant development for the market because it provides a pathway for integrating access control panels and hardware with management software from different manufacturers,” said Per Björkdahl, ONVIF’s Steering Committee chairman. “This pathway for integration also provides future-proofing of an access control system as it allows another manufacturer’s access control management software to be installed in the future, eliminating the need for a hardware ‘rip and replace’ scenario.”

The interoperability established by Profile A allows end users and system integrators alike to make hardware and software choices based on functionality and performance, and will also bridge the gap between legacy hardware and new software if both are Profile A-conformant. The new Profile further enables integration between access control and IP video management systems when combined with ONVIF Profile C for basic access control and Profile S for video streaming.

Profile A has been available in release candidate status in order to provide industry review and feedback prior to the final release. ONVIF circulates a new profile first as a ‘Release Candidate’ for at least six months, allowing members and stakeholders a final implementation review. When that process is complete, the final profile is published and members can then test their products for conformance to the final version of an ONVIF Profile. This process is intended to allow members to more quickly introduce conformant products when the final version of a Profile is released.

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 nearly 8,000 Profile-conformant products.

Backed by 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 and the new Profile T Release Candidate for advanced 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 details of vendors and the conformant models, is available on the ONVIF website: www.onvif.org

ONVIF targets future Profile developments at 2014 Annual Membership Meeting

ONVIF – the global standardisation initiative for IP-based physical security products – hosted its annual Membership Meeting late last month. Attendees heard presentations on ONVIF success stories from 2014 (including the release of two new Profiles), as well as an outline of new initiatives in the pipeline for 2015 (among them the release of Profile Q and a new client test tool).

The audience at this year’s meeting, which for the first time was held via webinar, enjoyed a welcome address from ONVIF Steering Committee chairman Per Björkdahl (of Axis Communications) who spoke about ONVIF’s growth. The organisation now boasts 500 members representing six continents and more than 4,000 Profile-conformant products.

With the successful 2014 releases of Profile G for recording and storage and Profile C for access control, Björkdahl said that, in relation to the issue of future Profiles, ONVIF will continue to build on its vision and mission that all security systems will eventually share a single interface.

“ONVIF’s growth this year indicates just how vital our work is to the wider security and technology communities,” said Björkdahl. “Listening to what the market wants and needs and obtaining feedback will be instrumental in our future Profile developments.”

ONVIF hosted its annual Membership Meeting for 2014 via webinar

Building new relationships

Also speaking at the 2014 Membership Meeting was Stuart Rawling of Pelco by Schneider Electric, the Communications Committee vice-chairman for ONVIF, who discussed ONVIF’s focus on building new relationships and soliciting feedback from the physical security community at large in the coming year.

Rawlings also presented the results from recent market outreach and emphasised ONVIF’s desire to continually integrate such feedback into future Profiles and technical support.

Andreas Schneider of Sony, ONVIF’s Technical Services Committee chairman, updated members on the 2015 release of a Profile Q Device Test Tool as well as on some of the features of Profile Q – for faster installations – and Profile A for access control configuration. These features are both currently in development.

During an update from the Technical Committee, chairman Hans Busch of Bosch noted the success of this year’s Developers’ Plugfest – which was the largest yet – and announced plans for two Plugfests in 2015.

Changes on the ONVIF Committees

Members selected new representatives for ONVIF’s Committees. Neelendra Bhandari of Honeywell was appointed to the Steering Committee along with Michael Luetzeler of Siemens.

For the Technical Committee, Honeywell’s Ramesh Subbiah, Pelco by Schneider Electric’s Steve Wolf and Siemens’ Gero Baese were elected.

The Technical Services Committee’s newly-elected representatives are Bob Dolan of Anixter, Neelendra Bhandari of Honeywell and Scott Hudson of Pelco by Schneider Electric.

Per Björkdahl: chairman of the ONVIF Steering Committee

ONVIF’s Communication Committee now includes Finn Wu of Hikvision, Mike Mao of Honeywell and Stuart Rawling representing Pelco by Schneider Electric.

With more than 500 members and more than 3,700 conformant products under its umbrella, ONVIF is the largest organisation of its kind in the world. Since inception in 2008, ONVIF has seen its membership grow by between 25% and 50% each year, with the number of conformant products increasing by 250% in the last three years alone.

*Further information about ONVIF (including its members and conformant products) is available at: http://www.onvif.org