Nick Smith, Regional Sales Director for UK & Ireland at Genetec, explains why a hybrid approach to video management systems could be the way forward.

Selecting the right Video Management System (VMS) is a critical decision for any organisation that depends on video surveillance to ensure safety, security and operational efficiency.

While many organisations focus on immediate needs such as budget and deployment size, there are several long-term considerations that can significantly impact the utility and flexibility of a VMS.   

Freedom of choice  

When selecting a VMS, open architecture is a key factor to consider.

Unlike proprietary systems, which can limit device compatibility and stifle future upgrades, an open-architecture VMS allows for greater flexibility and adaptability.

This enables organisations to integrate a wide range of cameras, analytics tools and other devices, ensuring they can choose the best technologies for their specific needs without being confined to a single vendor.  

Closed systems can quickly become obsolete as technology evolves, forcing organisations to either stick with outdated solutions or face the high cost of transitioning to a more adaptable solution.

When switching to a closed system, businesses may also be required to rip and replace their current cameras and other hardware, as these systems often don’t support devices from different brands.  

In contrast, open-architecture VMS platforms support integration with a broad range of third-party systems, making it easier for businesses to scale and enhance their surveillance infrastructure as needed.  

This freedom to choose devices is critical when different sites have varying requirements.

The ability to mix and match these technologies across different environments ensures that each site is optimally equipped without sacrificing performance.  

Deployment flexibility: Embracing a hybrid approach  

Organisations today often require flexibility in how they deploy their VMS, especially when dealing with multiple locations or varying site requirements.

Hybrid deployments—those that combine on-premises, cloud and edge technologies—offer the best of both worlds.  

For larger sites or headquarters, on-premises servers may provide the processing power and storage needed, while smaller or remote sites can benefit from fully cloud-hosted systems.

Hybrid approaches allow businesses to scale their infrastructure according to their current needs, without having to overhaul the entire system at once.

This gradual modernisation ensures that the system can grow alongside the organisation, making it easier to integrate new technologies or expand into cloud services when the time is right.  

Scalability: Future-proofing your investment  

As organisations grow, their video surveillance needs will also evolve.

A scalable VMS allows for easy expansion, whether it involves adding more cameras, increasing storage capacity, or integrating new technologies such as video analytics or sensors.   

A system designed with scalability in mind can support growth without sacrificing performance.

This scalability ensures that the organisation continues to benefit from its initial investment without having to replace the entire system as needs change.  

Cybersecurity and privacy considerations  

As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, cybersecurity and data privacy are paramount concerns for any VMS.

A robust VMS should offer built-in cybersecurity tools such as encryption, multi-factor authentication and automated patch management to mitigate risks.  

Additionally, organisations must consider privacy regulations such as the GDPR or other data protection laws.

A good VMS will allow for privacy controls, such as data anonymisation and automated video retention policies, to ensure compliance with these regulations.

Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting data from external threats; it also involves maintaining the integrity and availability of video data, which is essential for any surveillance system.  

Centralised view and unification  

In complex or multi-site organisations, managing multiple, disconnected systems can lead to inefficiencies and security gaps.

A unified platform that centralises video, access control and other security systems in a single platform can dramatically simplify monitoring and response activities.   

Unified systems offer a holistic view of security operations, allowing operators to manage video feeds, alarms and other security events from one interface.

Unification ensures that critical insights from across the organisation are accessible and actionable, enabling quicker responses to security incidents.  

Centralised video access also allows investigators to easily retrieve, view, and analyse footage from multiple locations in real time, significantly reducing the time spent gathering and reviewing evidence.

By providing immediate access to all relevant video feeds, it streamlines the investigation process, enabling faster responses to security incidents.  

Smart video analytics enhance this further by automatically identifying critical events, anomalies, or behaviours.

These advanced analytics help investigators pinpoint relevant footage quickly, saving time and allowing them to focus on the most important aspects of the investigation.  

In addition, efficient collaboration and sharing features enable video footage from different camera sources to be consolidated and securely shared with stakeholders or law enforcement.   

A pivotal decision 

Choosing the right VMS goes beyond addressing immediate surveillance needs; it’s a pivotal decision in building a scalable, resilient security infrastructure.  

In a constantly evolving technological landscape, an open-architecture VMS ensures adaptability and avoids the constraints of proprietary systems, offering the freedom to integrate the best devices and adopt emerging technologies seamlessly.  

This article was originally published in the March 2025 Edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.