The switch from analog to digital video surveillance has caused quite a stir in the industry. We've already discussed the rise of IP cameras and their expected growth in the coming years. Another area that's expected to grow exponentially is the video surveillance software market. A recent study by ABI Research predicts video surveillance software revenue to grow fourfold by 2013.

This week, Exacq Technologies released the latest version of its exacqVision video surveillance software program. ExacqVision 3.0 supports a broad range of high definition, megapixel IP cameras from manufacturers such as Axis, ACTi, Arecont Vision, Sony, Vivotek, and Panasonic. This latest installment of the software is also compatible with multiple operating systems, allowing Windows, Linux, and Mac users to take advantage of its full capabilities.

Milestone Systems has released version 2.0 of its XProtect Analytics video management software. XProtect Analytics is a sophisticated software platform that can support video analytics tools from different manufacturers under a single interface. This provides users with a future-proof solution that can handle new technology and makes it easy to search through video surveillance footage from multiple sources.

LuxRiot has announced that its video recorder software now supports StarDot megapixel IP cameras. StarDot NetCam SC megapixel cameras offer resolution 15 times that of a typical analog CCTV camera. This makes them ideal for surveillance applications that require clear details such as license plate and facial recognition. LuxRiot DVR software provides a platform to remotely monitor and record surveillance footage from these cameras as well as IP cameras from other major manufacturers.

This week, TRENDnet announced the launch of two new enterprise-class IP camera software suites: TRENDnet VortexIP Lite, and TRENDnet VortexIP Pro. Both video management solutions are advanced, server-based software suites that support small, medium, and large surveillance applications.

Bosch Security Systems has introduced the latest edition of it Video Management System (VMS) that enables users to view live and recorded images from IP cameras as well as analog CCTV cameras. Users can access surveillance footage remotely from any IP network location. The Bosch Video Management System offers reliable performance with built-in redundancy and failover systems, and allows for tailor-made security access rights which prevent unauthorized users from accessing video images.

Axis has announced the latest edition of it Camera Station video management software. Axis Camera Station 3.10 offers a number of new features, including support for site maps and H.264 compression. The site maps allow users to quickly access cameras while rendering a full overview of the area monitored by the surveillance system.

Milestone Systems has announced the latest edition of its XProtect Professional and XProtect Basis+ IP video software platforms. Milestone XProtect Professional 6.5 is designed for small to mid-sized surveillance installations, and can manage up to 64 IP cameras. Milestone XProtect Basis+ 6.5 is a single server surveillance system that can support up to 25 network cameras. Each new edition offers some exciting features that improve upon past releases.

NUUO Inc. announced this week that its video management system can be adopted for the use of network cameras using H.264 video compression. H.264 is the latest cutting-edge compression technology being adopted by top IP camera manufacturers such as Axis, Arecont Vision, and Sony. H.264 products can be supported by NUUO IP+ Series video management software, as well as the NVRmini Standalone system.

IMS Research has published a new report that ranks Milestone Systems as the global leader in IP video surveillance software. The report rates Milestone as having the highest world market share for software-only vendors of open platform network video management solutions. The IMS Research report, entitled "The World Market for CCTV and Video Surveillance Equipment" was published last month.

This week, StarDot and ExacqVision announced a partnership that provides interoperability between StarDot's NetCam SC cameras and ExacqVision's video management system (VMS). Specifically, the system supports the Video Image Engine processor located in the NetCam SC cameras.

Another fabled football franchise has jumped on the IP surveillance wagon. Last week we told you about the new IP camera installation at Dolphins Stadium. Now comes word that Lambeau Field, home of the legendary Green Bay Packers, is also upgrading its video surveillance system. The new IP-based solution includes Panasonic PTZ network cameras and existing analog cameras operating as part of an integrated video security system. The cameras are managed with NUUO IP video software.

At the ISC West Conference in Las Vegas this week, Avigilon is demonstrating the latest version of its Avigilon Control Center High Definition (HD) surveillance software. Avigilon Control Center 4.0 comes with new features that improve performance and manageability. The software also offers support for third party network cameras, making it a true open enterprise class IP video management solution.

Last year, members of Denmark's Hojstrup Housing Association decided the time had come to crack down on theft and vandalism. Sadly, such acts were a common problem throughout the housing area, often resulting in hefty repair costs. In an effort to cut down on these problems, and to create a safer environment overall, the association voted to move forward with an IP-based video surveillance project that would incorporate network cameras and Milestone XProtect Enterprise video management software. Today, 120 IP cameras monitor the properties, while authorized users can access both live and recorded footage from remote locations.

With high-profile clients like celebrities, politicians and even royalty, security is a top priority for the Hyde Park Dorchester Hotel in London. Security staff has outfitted the hotel with a future-proof system with Milestone XProtect Enterprise IP video management software at its heart. ACTi video encoders digitize data from already existing analog cameras and Axis network cameras have been installed in the spa of the hotel, the only area operating with purely IP network technology.

Exacq Technologies has released a new hybrid video recording server that supports both analog and IP cameras. The exacqVision EL is a low-cost stand-alone surveillance system that allows users to utilize their existing analog surveillance infrastructure while incorporating new IP network cameras. In this way, it's a true hybrid surveillance solution.

Milestone Systems has revealed the latest edition of its XProtect Enterprise IP video management software platform. XProtect Enterprise 7.0 offers a new administration interface and a host of tools that allow for faster deployments, intuitive surveillance operations, and easier maintenance. The software is designed to handle an unlimited number of cameras, servers, users, and sites.

Milestone Systems is on hand at ASIS International, showing off a sampling of video-enabled integrations from the company's many solution partners. Milestone is an industry leader in developing open-platform IP video software solutions that aim to drive the convergence of video surveillance and IP-based management systems. At ASIS, the company has set up a Milestone Solution Center which gives attendees a chance to experience multiple application integrations all in one location.

ASIS International announced that OnSSI's Ocularis video management software has been chosen as one of 10 winners in the 2009 ASIS Accolades competition. The software was recognized for its innovation in managing physical security information. More than 130 entries were evaluated by a panel of end users and security experts before the top 10 winners were selected.

Last week at the ASIS trade show, it was announced that the VideoIQ iCVR line of intelligent IP cameras is now supported by Milestone XProtect video management software. This integration provides users with a seamless solution for proactive surveillance using advanced video analytics. The VideoIQ's iCVR camera is an innovative network camera that features a built-in DVR and integrated video management. The camera and iCVR encoders will now work with Milestone XProtect Enterpise software and version 2.0 of XProtect Corporate.

Bosh has released new versions of its Video Recording Manager (VRM) and VIDOS Professional Software Suite. Both software solutions now support video streams using cutting-edge H.264 technology. H.264 compression significantly reduces video files sizes, allowing users to stream and record higher quality video images while using less bandwidth and storage space than with previous compression technologies.

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) has installed an IP video solution from OnSSI to manage a large-scale surveillance network monitoring multiple sites. The IP surveillance system provides video security for the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, the MassMutual Center, and the Boston Common Garage. It uses a suite of OnSSI IP video products built around the NetDVMS enterprise-level video management system.

Milestone Systems and ioimage have announced a technology partnership in which ioimage intelligent network cameras and video servers will now be supported by Milestone's XProtect video management platform. The pairing gives users unique IP surveillance capabilities for applications of all sizes.

Milestone has released the XProtect Device Pack 4.5, which offers support for new devices, and updated support for existing devices on XProtect video management systems. The Device Pack 4.5 is valid for XProtect Basis, Basis +, Professional, Enterprise, Matrix, and XProtect Corporate software platforms.

QNAP has unveiled a new mobile surveillance application for its VioStor NVR network surveillance systems. It's called VSMobile, and when installed on a Windows PDA phone, it provides users with the ability to monitor network cameras while on the move.

This month marks the ten-year anniversary of AL Bank's transition from analog to IP-based video surveillance. Ten years ago the Denmark bank, which has 66 branches and about 1000 employees, switched to a network surveillance solution using open-platform IP video management software from Milestone Systems. Today, the bank continues to use Milestone software to manage a mix of 650 security cameras providing increased safety for customers, employees, and of course assets throughout its many locations.

Toshiba has upgraded its network video recording server software to allow more flexibility in live viewing, recording, and playback. The software now enables users to simultaneously manage up to 32 local or remote IP network cameras per server.

Milestone Systems has released the Device Pack 4.7 update for its XProtect video management software platform. XProtect Device Pack 4.7 offers support for new IP cameras and devices along with updated support for existing devices.

Milestone Systems has announced the upcoming releases of XProtect Analytics 2.1, a framework that allows integration of multiple video content analysis (VCA) systems from different manufacturers all operating within a single user interface. With XProtect Analytics 2.1, operators can instantly display, search and compare alerts from multiple video analytics systems.

ExacqVision has made Version 4.0 of its IP video surveillance management software available for download. Version 4.0 is loaded with new features to help users quickly access their IP cameras and manage surveillance footage. One of the more exciting additions to the exacqVision platform is a new mapping feature in which maps coexist with cameras. Users can place cameras directly on maps and share them across an enterprised deployment. Also, a limitless number of camera maps can be created and displayed simultaneously.

This week we're adding a fresh batch of QNAP Network Video Recorders to the VideoSurveillance.com online store. Each of these powerful NVRs serves as a standalone network surveillance system complete with embedded software and mass storage capabilities. QNAP VioStor NVRS support real-time monitoring and recording from multiple cameras simultaneously. Users can even access live camera footage and archived video remotely using a standard web browser.

The Milestone XProtect Device Pack 4.8 is now available for users of XProtect IP video software. This device pack offers support for new IP video cameras and devices, plus updated support for existing devices from such popular brands as ACTi, Arecont Vision, Axis, Bosch, D-Link, Sanyo and more.

Milestone Systems is in Birmingham, UK this week for the 2010 IFSEC event. Representatives from the company are showcasing the latest XProtect video management software offerings and a host of new open-platform IP video solutions. The highlight is milestone's Smart Client 5.0, which is available with XProtect Corporate 3.1. The idea behind XProtect Corporate 3.1 is to provide a platform that can integrate with any other type of management system as well as third-party devices and utilities. This open platform helps customers get the most out of their surveillance systems, and is geared towards those with enterprise-level surveillance requirements.

Users of Milestone XProtect video management software can now download the updated XProtect Device Pack 4.9 straight form the manufacturer. The XProtect Device Pack 4.9 provides support for a host of new IP cameras and devices from leading brands such as Axis, ACTi, Bosch, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, and Toshiba. Specific models supported by Device Pack 4.9 include the new Axis M10, M11, and M30 network camera series, Panasonic's fresh batch of i-Pro HD cameras, and the new lineup of Sony HDTV network cameras.

ExacqVision recently released version 4.2 of their video management software. ExacqVision’s software provides a cost-effective option for recording and managing video from IP cameras. A popular video management system, the latest release of the software is compatible with all ExacqVision hybrid and IP video surveillance solutions as well as a wide range of IP network cameras and encoders from other manufacturers. With Version 4.2, several manufacturers had their cameras added to the list of those IP cameras compatible with the software.

Milestone Systems has released a free version of its popular XProtect software platform. It's called Milestone Xprotect Go, and you can now pick it up as a free download from the Milestone Systems website. XProtect Go offers a wide set of features and allows users to view and manage up to 8 security cameras. The software is easy to use, and serves as the perfect startup solution for small business and home surveillance applications.

With a focus on small to mid-sized businesses, Axis unveiled Surveillance Kits for their M10, M11, and M32 series of surveillance cameras. These kits offer easy and affordable indoor surveillance for use in office buildings, retail stores, banks, restaurants and more. Each of the kits features four cameras accompanied by easy-to-use Axis Camera Station video management software. For greater flexibility, the 4-camera kits can be scaled and combined to create any size system with up to 50 cameras.

For small businesses in need of an intuitive video management platform, we recently added Milestone XProtect Essential to our software selection at VideoSurveillance.com. XProtect Essential offers cost-effective video management and can support up to 26 cameras and five simultaneous users. Software users can access recordings locally or remotely over the Internet.

For Mac users looking for a video management platform, Security Spy provides a multi-camera IP software solution compatible with Mac computers. Easy-to-setup, Security Spy, when combined with IP cameras, creates an effective surveillance system with a host of intuitive features including digital recording and remote monitoring.

Milestone, one of the leading providers of video management software introduced Service Releases for several of their XProtect software platforms. As of today, Service Releases are available for XProtect Enterprise 7.0, XProtect Professional 7.0, XProtect Essential 1.0, and XProtect Go 1.0 installations.

Earlier this week Milestone released XProtect Device Pack 5.2, which includes support for new devices and updated support for existing devices on their XProtect video management software platform. The Device Pack also includes support for new firmware on a range of different devices and solves different issues related to Device Pack 5.1.

Today Milestone Systems announced the release of version 4.0 of their XProtect Corporate software. XProtect Corporate is open platform IP video management software designed for use with high-capacity, multi-site installations. The software supports an unlimited number of cameras and users.

Vivotek recently partnered with Milestone Systems and developed a new testing regime for ONVIF compatibility to help ensure that surveillance products will perform reliably without running into unanticipated incompatibilities. In recent years, Vivotek has taken an active role in developing ONVIF-compatible technology and products.

SecuritySpy, a multi-camera video surveillance software solution for the Mac platform recently released SecuritySpy 2.1, an update to their previous software version. SecuritySpy comes with features that include motion detection, real-time compression of multiple video and audio feeds, remote monitoring, and more.

When Alloin, an international player in the freight and courier market needed a video management software solution to help support their anti-intruder video surveillance system for their 33 courier depots, they turned to Milestone XProtect Enterprise. XProtect Enterprise is ideally suited for handling multi-site operations with rich functionality and resilience on high data traffic servers.