Favorite NVR / VMS Manufacturers 2018

Do these VMSes appear in any order of significance? It starts with #1 Milestone and then ceases assigning value. Is this a descending ranking order based on the results/votes?

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John Honovich

In reply to Undisclosed Manufacturer #1

IPVM

It's explained in the summary up top, copied below for convenience:

The biggest shift since 2016 was Milestone significantly increasing their lead over competitors, receiving nearly twice as many mentions as Avigilon, Exacq or Genetec.

Avigilon moved up from a distinct 4th place to be in the same integrator favorability grouping as Exacq and Genetec. These three were all roughly tied for 2nd place.

While Hikvision received the most negative votes and highest net negative score, they also received significantly more favorite choices than in 2016. Axis barely registered among responses (neither for or against), not a positive sign for their "solutions" offering.

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Ross Vander Klok

IPVMU Certified

The fact that Lenel OnGuard did not even make the list speaks volumes to those of us that still use it. Lenel pushing people towards Milestone is the best decision they ever made.

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John Honovich

In reply to Ross Vander Klok

IPVM

Ross, in fairness, Lenel pushing people to use Milestone, when they have (sort of) 2 of their own VMSes, speaks volumes :)

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Ross Vander Klok

IPVMU Certified

I would argue they (sort of) have 2 great circa 2008 VMS'....... Since that is the last time either of the GUI's has been updated.

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Undisclosed Manufacturer #2

[Note: Poster is from Genetec]

This is the most telling reason for Milestone getting the most votes in the survey:

The only downside for Milestone is that it seems 90% of the security world can install it. It's not a differentiator.

Different VMS manufacturers took different approaches to building their channels. Milestone signed virtually everyone who would take it on as product line.

By comparison, at Genetec we took the approach of selectively adding partners we know would lead with the VMS and grow it out with the full unified product portfolio. It results in fewer dealers, but with much higher revenues per dealer. Those dealers truly do see our product to be a differentiator

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John Honovich

In reply to Undisclosed Manufacturer #2

IPVM

I agree and disagree with parts of this.

I agree that Milestone's wide open access gives it an edge in gaining integrator support. I disagree that it is the 'most telling reason'. More importantly is the fact that Milestone offers a solid 'value' for the mid-market, in terms of pricing and features provided, in particular, the 8 channels free offering (tested) and their lower cost offerings. Most integrators do most of their projects in the mid-market which makes Milestone more applicable than Genetec.

Also, the fact that Milestone's favorability increased in the past 2 years is not the result of Milestone's opening up their access as that has remained the same over the years. It's more of a story of Tyco impacting Exacq while Canon leaving Milestone be.

As for Genetec, I do agree that given your channel strategy, you can't win an integrator popularity contest. But another important point is Genetec's product and pricing strategy, which is clearly focused on larger projects, that to your point generate far higher revenue per customer / integrator but are far less applicable to most integrators anyway.

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Undisclosed Integrator #5

•Feb 14, 2018

In reply to Undisclosed Integrator #5

John - I completely agree with Genetec on this one. If 90% of the world can install Milestone, they aren't going to win the popularity contest. In full disclosure, we are a Genetec dealer and appreciate how they manage their channels. We consistently beat Milestone when we compete for medium sized systems. Milestone can offer the free 8 camera version, but once you get bigger or want any Genetec equivalent options, you are paying a higher price for it. Our customers also appreciate the one system for both access control and video. We put in one box that does both systems for them. IT departments appreciate not having another server to maintain and manage users for.

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John Honovich

•Feb 14, 2018

IPVM

If 90% of the world can install Milestone, they aren't going to win the popularity contest.

By 'they', I think you mean Genetec, if not let me know.

Interpreting that way, I certainly agree that Genetec is at a disadvantage in a popularity contest.

On the other hand, Milestone cannot and did not 'win' just because of its wide distribution. For example, Genetec had more worst selections than Milestone even though lots more integrators use Milestone than Genetec. And as the worst results show, integrators were not criticizing Genetec on functionality but on cost and support restrictions.

I am not knocking Genetec here. I see your points about the unified access/video and the benefits of how Genetec manages their channel for you. I am just emphasizing that Milestone clearly does things well beyond simply being open for anyone to buy and that is the key factor in their results.

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Undisclosed #8

In reply to Undisclosed Integrator #5

It seems the post by Genetec is the opinion of/by Genetec. However your post only speaks for your market, strategy and philosophy. Let me know if you are speaking for all integrators or feel the need to bring your individual perspective in defense that Genetec has some competition. Personally I like both systems but would not go out on a limb and say which business has the best channel building abilities for the sake of a comparison.

Let the chips fall where they may and the best guy win. After all there is nothing wrong with 2nd place.

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Undisclosed End User #3

In reply to Undisclosed End User #3

We're a strong advocate of Genetec VMS at the enterprise level, but no doubt, pay a HEAVY premium and use less that 25% of its potential.

Reminds me of the Apple iOS ecosystem, it's fantastic at what it does, but jumping to Android is always in the back of your mind rather than going "all-in" (PACS, PSIM, Intercom and VMS).

Keeping the analogy going, Google's come out with a decent offering now with the Pixel which is head-to-head with iPhone, but offers unlimited storage at a cheaper price and is more open as an ecosystem.

Just as Apple has to keep innovating and breaking ground with tangible, practical "value-add" features to help the end-user justify the added cost or risk loosing market-share in certain segments, so too must Genetec with respect to licensing and cost of ownership.

To me, according to this unscientific survey, looks like that gaps closing.

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Ralph Azzi

•Feb 14, 2018

IPVMU Certified

You can design and implement genetec solution in different industry sector starting from cities and infrastructure to industrial, to building and education, down to retail and banking.

in other words, it is the right product to go for it in enterprise and SMBs .

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Fabian Muyawa

LONTECH SYSTEMS • IPVMU Certified

This ranking is good in that it gives an integrator an opportunity to stop for 3 minutes and analyze a VMS's features,capability,stability,reliability,cost,suport etc before recommending it to the client as the best solution.

It might be a reference point to start with anyway.

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Undisclosed #8

In reply to Fabian Muyawa

The report does give a good reference and starting perspective for both the integrator, potential customer and manufacturer. However once you start reading the comments I see so much hurt from the Genetec crowd and as an observer this amuses me. Milestone and Genetec are both rock solid(careful there) systems.

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Undisclosed Manufacturer #4

I would be nice to have a single master features list of the VMS brands so you can compare what comes with what as a feature, but I know that would be pretty hard to maintain and it's somewhat subjective how well a "feature" works.

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John Honovich

In reply to Undisclosed Manufacturer #4

IPVM

#4, that's a good point and not the first time this has been raised. We have a new person coming on board next week and the goal is for them to focus on the Camera Calculator and VMSes, two areas that we definitely could improve on.

The single list, as you mention, can be tricky, but it's certainly worth trying to maintain some form of a list to give clarity about differentiators.

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Undisclosed Manufacturer #1

Don’t hold your breath, # 4.

In response to “Anyone else interested in VMS comparisons?”

”We are focused right on China coverage as that is where the big changes are happening right now. We'll get to comparison posts in due time.”

-JH, Oct 16th, 2015

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Undisclosed Manufacturer #4

In reply to Undisclosed Manufacturer #1

Well, it hasn't come due time yet.... :)

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Undisclosed Manufacturer #7

•Aug 01, 2018

In reply to Undisclosed Manufacturer #4

Undisclosed #4 - This is an article recently posted by Security World with several rankings to include VMS software.

https://security.world/securityworld-top10-vertical-leaders/

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John Honovich

•Aug 01, 2018

IPVM

In reply to Undisclosed Manufacturer #7

I doubt its recent and I would not put much weight in it, though I am sure you are happy to promote since your company is on the list.

For example, DVTel is on the list, despite DVTel being acquired nearly 3 years ago and having the brand eliminated immediately thereafter.

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Murat Altu

•Aug 02, 2018

AxxonSoft

So happy to see AxxonSoft!

Does Axxon Next Face Search feature evaluation still in your pipeline?

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Andrew Myers

I just checked on the Internet Archive for that URL. The oldest capture was November 7, 2015 (a few weeks before that DVTel article was published). That puts a cap on how new it could be; it could have been written any time before that.

So, yes, this is a verified old article.

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Fabian Muyawa

LONTECH SYSTEMS • IPVMU Certified

I want to believe that Genetec is a Unified solution unlike Exacq, Milestone, Hikvision and Avigilon which are Integrated Solutions. My basic understanding is that a Unified Solution incorporates different systems in one box and Integrated solution interfaces with other systems sitting on different boxes.

I suggest someone may generating some more comprehensive reading on this particular solutions and indicate if there is any single point of failure particularly in Unified solution.

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Undisclosed Integrator #5

The beauty of Genetec is that they are capable of having the redundancy within a single solution. You can configure standby/failover directory servers if you are truly worried about the single point of failure. Another point to consider is that when you use an access control platform like Mercury, they will operate independently if they lose connection with a server. The master controller will take over and ensure the system operates normally.

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Dan Unser

I do not see a lot of information pertaining to GeoVision solutions with their VMS and NVR/DVR software. The software is free to use with their cameras and works with third-party cameras for a licensing fee. We've been using their NVR/DVR hybrid system and functions for our needs.

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John Honovich

IPVM

In reply to Dan Unser

Dan, Geovision is just not that widely used comparably.

We've tested Geovision's IP cameras most recently Geovision GV-EDR2100 Tested Vs Hikvision. Also note most recent coverage: Geovision Unprecedented Security Vulnerabilities And Backdoor

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Michael Stokes

No mention for Hanua/Samsung. Under the Hanua umbrella lies IP cameras with a one off license payment, QULU SOFTWARE and a good range of quality cameras Samsung NVR’s. All recorders come without a password which must be entered to allow programming. We are a middle of the road CCTV installers for commercial buildings. Wonder if the UK Market is covered by the IPVM Forum

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John Honovich

In reply to Michael Stokes

IPVM

Michael, thanks for your first comment. I appreciate you going straight for the UK / US criticism :)

A few things:

Qulu is a Network Optix OEM from Norbain / Vista, not Hanwha.
Hanwha has its own Network Optix OEM (called Wave, tested here) that just started shipping worldwide last month. Because it is so new, it is not going to show up on an integrator favorite list.
Hanwha / Samsung recorders are far less popular than their cameras, which even Hanwha readily admits (e.g., ergo the Network Optix OEM) so that their recorders did not make the list makes sense.
Btw, Hanwha does quite well in North America, so that is not a reason why they wouldn't make this list. The camera lists will come out soon so let's see where Hanwha stands there.

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Michael Stokes

I am informed that the qulu was produced by wave, sold to Norbain who have discontinued sales due to conflict of interest or competition, can only go by discussions had with Norbain. Qulu is no longer available from Norbain which is why I switched to wave. The bells and whistles required for a competitive mid way market with a one off licence payment and a variety features for the market place we serve

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John Honovich

In reply to Michael Stokes

IPVM

qulu was produced by wave

No, Qulu and Wave are both produced by Network Optix. Network Optix is a better VMS than their fractured sales channel shows (e.g., until Hanwha OEMed Network Optix, their VMS was only available via Digital Watchdog in North America).

Network Optix has Exacq type potential (in terms of the product features, usability and positioning) but its channel structure has held it back.

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Undisclosed End User #6

Did Verint and its Nextiva VMS get on the radar? Aside from the survey where volume of end users employing specific systems can be influenced by sales, does IPVM have any comments regarding Verint/Nextiva?

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John Honovich

In reply to Undisclosed End User #6

IPVM

Verint has been a niche enterprise provider for years now and their overall interest and focus has declined notably over the past decade where they used to be a focused mainstream provider.

I don't know enough about the specifics of recent Nextiva development (or lack thereof) to comment there.

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Cary Menage

IPVMU Certified

Currently, I'm diving deep into Shinobi, liking it, and sensing it may disrupt the VMS world somewhat, similar to what Asterisk did to the the Telephone Key system and voice mail industries...

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Undisclosed #8

In reply to Cary Menage

Thanks for the information Cary, going to toss this onto a server and jump in.

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Cary Menage