Dahua DSS software solutions were originally developed to deploy on a customer’s hardware and required significant expertise and technical resources to install and implement. To simplify this process and provide more purposed based systems, hardware based VMS appliances are now available and gaining in popularity. These special purpose built appliances have high-end video rendering hardware and extended I/O capabilities for sub system integrations.

According to a report from IHS, the market size of global video management software is expected to exceed $3 billion by 2018, and the Chinese market is growing the fastest among them. Milestone Systems and Genetec, two important worldwide video management software, have a large part of the Global market share. Industry consolidation among video software and hardware manufacturers has forced the VMS market to evolve from a pure software product with per-channel licensing fee models to a more appliance oriented industry with capacity and features controlled by the appliance.

The VMS serves as the command and control interface of a video system. Requirements include: User rights management, Device management, Device Status, Storage Status, Live Viewing, Playback, and Export. These functions become very complex the larger the video system becomes. System availability, user interaction, and workflow management are key factors.

DSS appliances and software provide an effective level of support while maintaining an easy-to-use interface for operators and technicians. Features include: Live Viewing, Playback, Storage Management, Video Display Management (Video Walls, Matrix Controllers, and Monitors), 2-way Audio Control, and other advanced features. Some of the advanced features include: POS Integration with data sync and Intelligent video analysis to aid in event identification (tripwire, intrusion, object abandonment, object missing, people counting, etc.), and E-Map (floor plans with camera locations).

The embedded Linux operating system provides reliable platform support which is protected from malicious software attacks. The DSS appliance integration provides maximum performance and reduces the total cost of ownership by reducing hardware costs, energy costs, and maintenance costs. The solution's hot standby mode can improve the stability of the system, if the active server fails or disconnects the hot standby server changes to active mode automatically and the system keeps on work normally. The pre-configured appliance only requires a simple power-on boot and connection to your security equipment network. Easy access to the DSS system is provided via  a browser, client-end or mobile client, anytime and anywhere.

The open platform SDK supports partners to develop their own features and applications. DSS offers support for Windows, IOS, Android, ONVIF devices, third party equipment as well.

VMS evolution continues as the market matures. Consolidation of VMS and hardware continues to drive cost savings, tighter systems integration, and better operator experiences. Powerful additions including video analytics, license plate recognition, facial detection, access control, and intrusion detection make these kinds of solutions a more flexible choice.