We currently use Exacq VMS exclusively for all new customers regardless of the size of install (1 camera, 60+ cameras). I haven't seen a scenario in which there was a better choice than Exacq, but I am curious to know if there is something comparable or better out there.
Here are the reasons we like Exacq :
#1 - Native client for Mac, Windows and Linux. - AFAIK (as far as I know) no other VMS offers this
#2 - Free apps for iOS, Android, Windows Phone Mobile plus a web client
#3 - Server can run on Windows or Linux - AFAIK most VMS is Windows server only.
#4 - You do not need to buy hardware from Exacq - can build your own custom servers
#5 - Supports every major brand of IP camera and many obscure brands. I haven't yet found a camera that won't work (except AirLink which I think is a webcam)
#6 - Supports camera side motion detection which takes the burden off the server. Configuration is still all done within Exacq. Best of both worlds.
#7 - Is extremely affordable (dealer cost $36 per license for "Start" or $100 for "Professional")
I realize that Exacq is not perfect. I've had lots of small issues over the years and found many bugs. They introduced a bug that caused all HIKVision cameras to just continuously record all the time and didn't fix it for 3 versions. There are mouse-scrolling issues in the Mac client and the UI is not as sexy as it could be. But let's be realistic - ALL VMS has bugs. Any software is going to take a bit of effort to learn and every UI can be confusing until you're used to it.
I would like to know if there is a competitor to Exacq out there that meets or exceeds the above 7 points. All 7 of those points are deal breakers. No Mac client? No good. Server can't run on Linux? No good. I'm not looking to start a fanboy flame war, but I do honestly want to know if there is a better option out there than Exacq.