Testing Milestone SmartClient and SmartWall

by John Honovich, IPVM posted on May 02, 2010 About John Contact John

Enhancing the usability of video management clients is a major trend within video surveillance. As VMS offerings increase, superior user interfaces are viewed as ways to differentiate offerings.

In this test, we examine Milestone's VMS client (SmartClient) and their network video distribution add-on (SmartWall). The SmartClient is used by all Milestone VMS versions. However, mapping and the SmartWall are only available for use with the Milestone Corporate edition. We test both the basics and the advanced Corporate only features.

In January 2010, we tested SmartClient 4.1 (as part of the Milestone Enterprise test). This test is of SmartClient 5.0 and reviews changes in the client (which are significant).

Key questions that specifiers should consider include:

  • Will the complexity of key live monitoring and investigations functionalities cause problems?
  • Will the cost of a full system with adds-on be prohibitive or uncompetitive?
Inside the Pro Section

Pro members may read the entire report including 3 video screencasts (35 minutes in total) covering (1) usability, (2) live monitoring/investigations and (3) advanced features for Corporate including mapping and SmartWall video distribution.

We examine pricing, product positioning and competitive contrast to other market offerings.


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