As video surveillance systems evolve, so do the technologies that connect and empower them. The introduction of the ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) standard fundamentally changed how organizations integrate and scale their camera systems and it continues to shape the future of security interoperability today.
For organizations managing mixed camera environments and frequent technology refresh cycles, ONVIF has become a critical way to reduce integration complexity and avoid vendor lock-in.
Open standards play a critical role in delivering flexible, scalable, and future-ready video surveillance systems. At Salient Systems, we’ve long recognized this importance. That’s why we recommend using the native ONVIF driver when connecting cameras to our CompleteView Video Management System (VMS), which provides users with freedom of choice, faster deployment, and long-term compatibility in an ever-changing technology landscape without waiting on proprietary drivers or custom integrations.
Freedom of Choice Through an Open Standard
With more than 25,000 ONVIF-conformant devices from hundreds of manufacturers, ONVIF gives users unmatched flexibility. CompleteView’s ONVIF integration allows organizations to select the right camera for each application whether it’s a wide-area outdoor camera, multi-sensor unit, or an AI-enabled indoor device.
Because ONVIF is an open, standardized protocol, its use ensures that new and existing components can communicate seamlessly. For end users, that means lower total cost of ownership, no vendor lock-in, and greater scalability across their infrastructure.
Mature, Reliable, and Ready for What’s Next
Once considered a basic connection method, ONVIF has matured into a comprehensive and dependable standard that supports modern camera technologies, advanced codecs, and emerging cloud recording capabilities making it viable for large-scale, long-term deployments.
Salient’s CompleteView VMS is Profile S conformant, covering core streaming, event, and control functions and includes Profile T features like H.265 compression and dynamic event handling. This ensures that users not only benefit from interoperability but also from ongoing innovation aligned with the latest industry advancements.
The Case for ONVIF: Future-Proofing Camera Integration
The pace of innovation in camera technology is accelerating. New models are released constantly; firmware updates add cutting-edge features, and AI-driven analytics expand what cameras can do. Traditional integration models where VMS providers create individual drivers for each camera simply can’t keep up with the pace of innovation or the operational demands placed on security teams and integrators.
By adopting ONVIF, CompleteView removes that limitation. Instead of waiting for proprietary drivers, users can add new conformant cameras as they become available, update firmware to unlock new capabilities, and fully leverage their investment in modern surveillance equipment. This flexibility means your system can evolve at the same speed as your security needs.
How ONVIF Works with CompleteView
When a camera is added to CompleteView using the ONVIF driver, the VMS automatically queries the camera for its available capabilities such as resolution, compression options, and events and builds a driver on-the-fly. If a firmware update adds new features, re-querying the device instantly enables those new capabilities. This automation simplifies system setup, speeds deployment, and ensures the software remains in sync with rapidly evolving camera hardware all without manual intervention or driver delays. For integrators and IT teams, this means less ongoing maintenance and fewer compatibility issues over time.
Interoperability That Protects Your Investment
ONVIF is more than a protocol; it’s a commitment to sustainable interoperability. By adopting this standard, CompleteView ensures that your investment today remains valuable tomorrow. Whether you’re expanding your system, replacing devices, or modernizing your infrastructure, ONVIF gives you confidence that your cameras will integrate easily and perform reliably.
As a proud ONVIF Contributing Member, Salient Systems actively supports the evolution of the standard to meet new security challenges from camera-to-cloud recording to enhanced metadata management. These efforts directly benefit our customers by extending the lifecycle and adaptability of their surveillance systems.
Open Standards, Built to Evolve
In a connected world, flexibility and scalability are not optional; they’re essential. ONVIF’s open, proven standard enables Salient CompleteView users to build video surveillance systems that are interoperable, future-ready, and designed to evolve.
As technology continues to advance, our commitment remains the same: ensuring that you can choose the best camera for your needs while maintaining the simplicity and power of a unified video management platform.
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