Greater freedom for customers: a new open standard for interoperability

Freedom to "pick & mix" and "plug & play".

In May, three companies announced their collaboration to standardise the interface of network video products: Axis Communications, Bosch Security Systems and Sony Corporation. A standard interface will achieve interoperability between all different vendors’ products – allowing customers to “pick & mix” equipment from various companies and then simply “plug & play”. We asked Simon Nash, Senior Marketing Manager for NVM/CCTV at Sony, a few questions about this extremely beneficial initiative.

Q: Is this a world first?

A: Yes, it’s the first time anyone in the IP video security industry has tried to establish a global open standard for the interface of network video products. At the moment, there is no standard for cameras, video encoders and video management systems but – of course – these products should all be able to communicate with each other.

Q: What will the new standard cover?

Q: Why is this good news for users?

A: Once a standard has been established, users will gain much greater freedom and flexibility. They’ll be able to interconnect any network video product from any vendor – in other words they can take what I call a “pick & mix approach”. And then they’ll be able to make these products work together in an instant with “plug & play” simplicity.

Q: Will this enhance system development?

A: Yes, very much so. Interoperability means that users will be able to develop systems that fully meet their needs. With the proposed open standard, users will be able to add new products, upgrade system elements, and choose from the broadest range of products more easily than ever before.

Q: When will we see the new standardised interface?

A: It’s difficult to be accurate about this because, of course, it involves an entire cooperative development process. However, the target date to see products with the new interface is financial year 2009. The decision to use and deploy the standardised interface will be made by each different manufacturer – there are no plans to harmonise product development roadmaps or portfolio plans.

Q: Which products will have the new interface?

A: We’re talking about IP products only here – the new global standard is being developed specifically for network video products.

Q: What relevant experience does each company bring?

A: Axis is a pioneer within network video, while Bosch offers a broad scope of security systems. Sony of course brings to this development initiative an extensive history of camera and device manufacturing. Together, these three industry leaders contribute a comprehensive foundation for the initial development of the standard, taking customers forward to seamless integration regardless of brand.