ONVIF®, a proponent of open standards for IP-based physical security products, has announced the Release Candidate for ONVIF Profile V, targeting cloud-based video surveillance. This draft standard aims to extend ONVIF's vendor-neutral framework to cloud systems, enabling system integrators, consultants, and end users to develop video solutions not restricted to one manufacturer.
A cloud video management system (VMS) operates by utilizing remote servers instead of local hardware, reducing the need for on-site equipment. This setup simplifies system maintenance, provides remote access capabilities, and allows for scalable storage as the system requirements grow.
Revolutionizing Video Management Software
Currently, many cloud surveillance solutions bind users to proprietary systems, linking cameras, management software, and recordings to a single service provider. ONVIF Profile V aims to eliminate this dependency, allowing interoperability among devices from various manufacturers without necessitating a system overhaul. Conformant products can seamlessly integrate and be swapped independently.
"Standardizing cloud video surveillance is a natural next step for ONVIF," stated Leo Levit, Chairman of the ONVIF Board of Directors. "As more security systems move to the cloud, we want that shift to give customers more choice, not less. When the fundamentals are standardized, companies can build on top of them, and customers can trust that what they invest in today will still work with what they choose tomorrow."
Enhancing Connectivity and Security
Profile V can also be combined with other ONVIF profiles for hybrid system configurations
Profile V facilitates the connection of a cloud-based VMS to cameras located behind a firewall, without requiring port forwarding or VPN setups.
The system establishes a secure outbound link to stream live video and audio using WebRTC technology, accessible via an ONVIF client or an authorized standard web client. Additionally, devices can issue event notifications, prompting actions within the cloud VMS. Encrypted video and audio are streamed to storage solutions like Amazon S3 or Microsoft Azure Blob Storage. Profile V can also be combined with other ONVIF profiles for hybrid system configurations.
Keeping Pace with Evolving Security
To ensure security, Profile V conformant products must incorporate the ONVIF Profile V Security Add-on, which mandates the use of OAuth 2.0, allowing only authorized devices, clients, and services to exchange data securely. This add-on ensures encryption of recordings during transfer to storage. The decision to implement these security measures separately allows ONVIF to update security protocols in response to evolving threats without revising the entire Profile V specification.
The draft Profile V specification is currently open for review by ONVIF members, with finalization anticipated by year-end. Further technical details on the Profile V Release Candidate can be accessed through the provided technical FAQ.
