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Living on the edge

Integrated edge storage for robust video surveillance systems.

Edge storage is now available in Axis network cameras with tight integration to leading video management software (VMS) partners such as Aimetis, Genetec, Milestone, OnSSI and SeeTec. The integration of Axis’s edge storage with VMS enables more reliable video surveillance solutions.

“Edge storage is a critical concept for improving reliability and flexibility in an IP-Surveillance system,” says Peter Friberg, director of systems and services, Axis Communications. “It allows cameras to record video locally in the camera to an SD/SDHC card, or to a network device such as network-attached storage (NAS). But the major benefits of edge storage are only realised when it is integrated with the video management system.”

Edge storage, sometimes referred to as local storage or onboard recording, has been available on the market for some time, but until now there has been no full-featured solution available that integrates edge storage cameras with video management systems. With the new solution, edge storage can be used to enhance redundancy and reliability in a system. It can, for example, be set up to store video in the camera during a power or network failure, or when the VMS is taken down for maintenance, and then automatically feed the recorded clips back to the VMS when the system is up again, ensuring the user gets seamless, uninterrupted video recordings.

The capability is especially useful in mission-critical installations, such as airport or mass transit hubs, where edge storage in cameras that are covering entrances and exits could be a critical part of the strategic backup plan.

“Axis’s edge storage is an enabler for the innovative Video Trickling feature we launched earlier this year in Omnicast,” says Morgan Pasnon, senior technology alliance manager of Genetec. “It allows our customers to optimise bandwidth usage by transferring and storing only video of interest on schedule, on event or manually, and also offers a serverless option for remote site recording. These combined capabilities ultimately provide our customers with more flexibility and reliability in their video surveillance deployments.”

“We have a large, satisfied global customer base using Milestone XProtect video management software with Axis network cameras and encoders, so it is a high priority to support the interoperability of new technology offerings,” says Christian Bohn, VP Marketing & Product Management at Milestone Systems. “By integrating the Axis’ edge storage with XProtect, we provide new ways of building even more reliable video surveillance: the key driver for edge storage implementations is to ensure continuous recording and complete archives of video evidence, in case of network or server hardware failures.”

Another benefit of edge storage arises in systems with low network bandwidth where scenes could be monitored in a low bandwidth configuration, but recorded locally in very high quality. After an incident, the system can upon request retrieve high-quality recordings from the cameras. Moving forward, edge storage can also be a powerful strategy for handling video recording in installations where network access is not constantly available, for example at very remote locations, or in mobile surveillance installations, such as on a train.

Edge storage is available now in a selection of Axis’s cameras and video encoders and will be introduced in the majority of its products over time. It is supported by several leading vendors of video management software through Axis’ Application Development Partner Program and AXIS Camera Station.

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