Systems featuring an open architecture platform enable processes residing on multiple processors and operating systems to communicate with each other seamlessly, as if they were running on the same processor under the same operating system. This enables systems designers and users to customize their systems' capabilities with the specific feature sets and functionality they want and need. Open architecture also facilitates interoperability between formerly disparate systems devices such that have proprietary control protocols like many PTZ cameras, and control and management software. For example, video surveillance systems can now be easily integrated with POS (point of sale) or ATM systems to allow searches of specific surveillance images combined with the synchronized data to confirm actions or analyze patterns. Open architecture platforms allow designers to easily combine these systems to provide integrated functionality.

Another key aspect/advantage of integrated systems based on open architecture is the advanced level of control and management available through the use of application driven middleware or system management software. These powerful control tools are designed for monitoring, accessing and storing video in one or hundreds of locations.

Intelligent video applications such as motion or object detection enable seamless integration with powerful, mission-specific modules, controllable from centralized control and management software. Modules can also often be easily integrated with other external applications, databases of physical devices to further extend their functionality, and can be assigned multiple rules and schedules for precise information extraction.

In a distributed IP video surveillance scenario, the ability to view, share and distribute video, statistical and integrated information with other applications and systems such as access control and intrusion detection systems would not be possible without an open architecture platform. This hardware agnostic approach to systems configuration provides more latitude in choosing components for a best of breed system solution. The decision for which video servers, storage devices, IP cameras, fire alarm panels, emergency phones and most other IP-based systems can be made based on need rather than being limited to a restricted and proprietary line from a single manufacturer or without having to "backhaul" an entire system.

These kinds of advantages also result in a bottom line cost saving which is often seen in the procurement process and during the life cycle of the system, as well as in any system expansion. Conversely, non-integrated, closed platform systems are limited with respect to interoperability and lack a common control platform resulting in higher operational costs and limited return on investment.

As IP networked video surveillance and security systems continue to gain traction in the industry, our industry will continue to see the development and implementation of more software-driven solutions supplemented by application driven middleware. And as bandwidth and storage issues continue to become less of an issue (due to emerging solutions like IP megapixel cameras with H.264 compression and system control solutions based on push technology), the capabilities and performance of video and security systems will continue to improve. These same factors will also continue to drive higher levels of systems integration that actually approach the enterprise level. Much of this is the result of open architecture systems and the seemingly endless possibilities it represents.