ONVIF - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Divan Hotel is a famous five-star hotel located in Erbil, Iraq. It keeps attracting tourists from all over the world with its innovative style, state-of-the-art luxury, and high-standard services. To ensure a secure trip for customers, the hotel found the urgent need to upgrade its security system which had been out of date. Dahua Technology, as a video-centric smart IoT solution and service provider, helped the hotel improve its security system and customer experience. The old cameras in the Divan Hotel had unclear images with poor definition, especially in low-light conditions, while AI functions were absent. Access control system Moreover, the original ANPR cameras for the street were unable to read complete licence plate numbers at night. The old Under Vehicle Surveillance System (UVSS) had stopped working. In important places, there was no access control system for the staff or special personnel. Therefore, removing these security vulnerabilities became one of the priorities for the Divan Hotel. Dahua's customised security solutions have a great reputation for excellent performance and stability Dahua's customised security solutions have a great reputation for excellent performance and stability. The new security system provided to the Divan Hotel includes multiple advanced technologies such as Full-colour, Dahua Security Software Pro (DSS Pro), ANPR, WizSense, access control, smart motion detection, etc. Products including WizSense cameras, Full-colour cameras, and access controllers were installed for better security operation and management. With upgraded H.265 encoding technology, Dahua 4MP lite full-colour fixed-focal bullet network camera has efficient video encoding capacity, which saves bandwidth and storage space. Deep learning algorithm This camera adopts the latest starlight technology and displays better colour image in the condition of low illumination. It supports SD card storage, dust-proof function, waterproof function, and vandal-proof function, complying with the standards of IP67 (Supported by some select models). The 4MP IR fixed focal dome WizSense network camera with advanced deep learning algorithm supports intelligent functions, such as perimeter protection and smart motion detection. The system also applied 24-HDD Enterprise Video Storage (EVS), four-door two-way access controller, RFID reader, and ultra-HD Network Video Decoder (NVD). The EVS is ideal for hotel resorts that demand expansion flexibility, high reliability, and centralised storage management. It is compatible with numerous third-party devices making it the perfect solution for surveillance systems with or without a Video Management System (VMS). High decoding ability With the new security system from Dahua, the Divan Hotel freed its security team from false alarms Its open architecture supports multi-user access and is compatible with ONVIF 2.4. The NVD with ultra-high decoding ability has a plug-in board design, which makes it easy to use and maintain. With the new security system from Dahua, the Divan Hotel freed its security team from false alarms. They could focus on key tasks and react rapidly to timely notifications of unauthorised entrances of people and vehicles into the hotel and other emergencies. The access control system prevented unauthorised visitors in restricted areas, while AI-powered cameras protected the whole resort day and night. The Divan Hotel has spoken highly of Dahua's solution. The feedback said that no problem has ever occurred after the upgrade, thanks to the stability of the system, quick support from the Dahua team, and the integrated software for both the access control system and CCTV cameras.

Videonetics, an AI-powered video computing platform, proudly announces its continued association with ONVIF, the world’s pioneering standardisation initiative for IP-based physical security products.  As a Full Member of ONVIF for three consecutive years, Videonetics – the only true blue-bred VMS and Video Analytics brand from the APAC region and serve on its various strategic committees, continues to reinforce India’s role in shaping global standards for interoperability, openness, and responsible AI in video technology. Since joining ONVIF in 2013 and attaining Full Member status in 2023, Videonetics has transitioned from participation to strategic influence. Collaborating across global committees and forums in Istanbul, Montreal, Bangkok, and beyond, the company is fostering innovation, interoperability, and responsible AI adoption across the global video technology landscape. Deep commitment to global collaboration “Our full membership and active participation in ONVIF working committees underscores Videonetics’ unique position as the only Indian VMS and Video Analytics company from the APAC region — driving innovation, shaping standards, and championing interoperability worldwide.” “It reflects our deep commitment to global collaboration and advancing the industry with open, intelligent, and future-ready technologies,” said Bhardwaj Naik, Chief Revenue Officer, Videonetics. "By working closely with leading technology partners and standards bodies across the world, we continue to build an ecosystem where openness, interoperability, and intelligence deliver sustainable value for customers and the industry at large.” Through this membership, Videonetics reinforces its mission to build trust, flexibility, and long-term value for customers. Its ONVIF complaint solutions supporting Profiles S, G, T, and M deliver seamless integration across diverse devices and platforms, empowering governments, enterprises, and critical infrastructure operators to scale with security and efficiency.

ONVIF®, the pioneering standardisation initiative for IP-based physical security products, announces that it will end support for ONVIF Profile S, and is recommending the use of its successor, Profile T.   Profile S, the first-ever profile ONVIF introduced in 2011, provides a standardised set of specifications that enable basic video streaming capabilities between conformant devices (like IP cameras) and clients (like video management software) from different vendors. Profile S, however, specifies authentication mechanisms that are no longer consistent with current cybersecurity recommendations. Interoperability of conformant products “After 14 years, Profile S has served its purpose of enabling basic video streaming interoperability for more than 33,000 conformant devices and clients from different vendors,” said Leo Levit, Chairman of the ONVIF Steering Committee. “As ONVIF profiles do not change to preserve the interoperability of conformant products, we recognise the need to phase it out in line with today’s security recommendations. We encourage instead the use of Profile T, which better supports the needs of video surveillance applications.” ONVIF conformant devices and clients  The deprecation of Profile S has no effect on the process of deployed Profile S-based systems Although the deprecation of Profile S has no effect on the operation of deployed Profile S-based systems, ONVIF strongly encourages, if possible, the discontinuation of the use of the username token authentication in Profile S. ONVIF also recommends the adoption of more secure authentication methods, such as using TLS (Transport Layer Security)/HTTPS, or Profile T. The majority of ONVIF conformant devices and clients available on the market now support both ONVIF Profile S and Profile T. Introduced in 2018, Profile T contains virtually all the features of Profile S, in addition to other advanced features for video surveillance.  ONVIF Network Interface Specifications ONVIF recommends that system integrators and end users follow manufacturers’ product hardening guides, industry best practices, and local regulations, and stay informed about technology changes in the market. The ONVIF Network Interface Specifications have defined network protocols that include security elements such as TLS, which allows ONVIF devices with that feature to communicate with clients across a network in a way that protects against eavesdropping and tampering. ONVIF specifications also cover the ONVIF Default Access Policy, which specifies that there should be different access classes to services based on different user roles. Manufacturers can implement these ONVIF specifications regardless of whether the specifications are included in a profile or not.  ONVIF conformance test tools The specifications of the ONVIF TLS Configuration Add-on will also be upgraded at the end of 2026 The June 2026 version of the ONVIF conformance test tools, which have a 9-month validity period, will be the last test tool version that enables manufacturers to claim product conformance to Profile S.  As ONVIF adapts to new cybersecurity requirements, the specifications of the current ONVIF TLS Configuration Add-on will also be upgraded at the end of 2026. Unlike profiles, add-ons are adaptable to changing technology/specification requirements due to version handling.  IP-based physical security products Founded in 2008, ONVIF is a pioneering and well-recognised industry forum driving interoperability for IP-based physical security products. Besides Profile S and Profile T, ONVIF offers Profile G for video recording and storage The organisation has a global member base of established camera, video management system, and access control companies, and more than 33,000 profile conformant products.  Besides Profile S and Profile T, ONVIF offers Profile G for video recording and storage; Profile C for physical access control; Profile A for broader access control configuration; Profile M for metadata and events for analytics applications, and Profile D for access control peripherals.  ONVIF conformant products ONVIF continues to work with its members to expand the number of IP interoperability solutions that ONVIF conformant products can provide.  Further information about ONVIF conformant products, including member companies and their conformant models, is available on the ONVIF website.

Installing physical security systems requires integrating diverse technologies (e.g., cameras, access control, alarms) that often use different protocols and must be adapted to a building's unique physical layout and legacy infrastructure.  Specialised technical expertise is required for seamless networking and proper configuration. Hopefully, no important factors are overlooked in the installation process. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the most overlooked factor when installing physical security systems?

Data overload is real. Sometimes it seems we are bombarded by the sheer volume, velocity, and variety of data available in our personal lives, and in our work lives. The solution is to figure out how to make sense of the data and transform it into real information we can use. In the case of physical security systems, new opportunities are emerging every day to utilise data to make our businesses safer and better managed. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the expanding role of data in physical security systems? Why does it matter?

Students deserve a safe and positive environment where they can learn and thrive. Teachers and administrators should be able to focus on their primary role of educating students because they feel supported and protected by a comprehensive security plan. Staff require a clear protocol for responding to emergencies. And parents deserve peace of mind that their children are safe during the school day. One of the tools for safer schools is physical security technology. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How can physical security systems make schools safer?