All network video equipment piggybacking on the company's infrastructure should adhere to relevant IEEE and de facto network standards as well as global interface standards adopted by the physical security industry, like ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum). Building a surveillance system on an open architecture allows the freedom to select best-of-breed components, from the preferred server and network components of the organization, to specific models of network cameras to appropriate video management software and video analytics.

An open application programming interface (API) not only allows you to tap into a wealth of existing video surveillance software, but also makes it easier to integrate the surveillance system with access control, HVAC and other relevant systems in the facility.

Just like other applications riding on the network, surveillance video can be accessed from any device equipped with a browser and connection to the Internet. This makes it easier for security professionals to monitor multiple facilities from a central command center or tap into the video stream from a mobile device like a smartphone.