In the past there were two types of management platforms for video and other physical security systems, those made by the hardware vendors that offered limited capabilities and scalability, and which focused on the vendor’s products; and those that allowed multiple brands from multiple vendors to be integrated into a single solution. While the smaller, limited solutions are still available and widely used in small installations, with a little poetic license we can say that the top-tier platforms today are also loosely divided into two camps.
The one camp we can call an open platform that allows partners and developers to integrate just about any third-party system or solution into the basic platform, expanding its use far and wide. The other we shall call a unified platform that is controlled by one company that ensures all the systems and tools are integrated into the platform and perform optimally. Often these platforms still allow third parties to develop add-ons, but limit access to ‘the crown jewels’.