The big IP video software providers have historically been software only - meaning that you could install their software on regular computers (COTS) but you could not get the software pre-loaded on hardware (appliances).

This is changing with Intransa announcing that they are providing NVR appliances pre-loaded with Exacq, Genetec, JDS, Milestone and OnSSI software.

[Intransa is referring to these NVRs as "VideoApplianes". For details, see the Intransa Data Sheet and the A&E Specifications.]

[Update March 2011: Milestone has released its own NVR appliances.]

Why NVRs from Software Only Providers are Needed

IP video software is moving into the mass market. In the past, when the software was for high end niches and early adopters, the complexity of loading and managing software was a minor factor. However, the smaller camera counts and lower technical capabilities of the mass market benefits from a bundled approach where the software is pre-loaded and optimized on the hardware.

How this Offering Works

Intransa is pre-loading the IP video software on two categories of appliances: (1) with video storage built-in to the appliance (the 100 and 200 models) and (2) with video storage external to the appliance (the 10,20 and 30 models). [Note: the Product overview brochure breaks down the distinctions.]

While the IP video software is loaded on the Intransa appliance, you purchase the software and appliance separately from a distributor (Anixter in the US). As such, the manufacturers remain independent (this is not an OEM relationship). However, the integrator/user receives an appliance with the software pre-loaded and tested on the server.