Hikvision is one of the world's leading brands in the development of video surveillance solutions, offering a wide range of products that ensure the security of homes, businesses, and large installations. Among its most recognized offerings are the iVMS (Intelligent Video Management System) software versions, which play a crucial role in the management and monitoring of Hikvision's video surveillance systems. In this article, we will explore what iVMS is, its different versions, and the purpose of each one. As an installer of Dahua and Hikvision security systems, I frequently use iVMS, as well as Dahua's ConfigTool.
What is iVMS?
iVMS is a line of software developed by Hikvision for the centralized management of video surveillance systems. These software solutions offer an integrated system that allows real-time monitoring, playback of recordings, device management, and alarm reception. Depending on the specific needs of the installation, Hikvision offers different versions of iVMS, tailored for small, medium, or large-scale environments and for various types of users, from residential to enterprise.
1. iVMS-4200: The Solution for Small and Medium Installations
iVMS-4200 is a client application designed for computers and is ideal for small to medium-scale video surveillance installations. This version is widely used in residential and business environments where detailed control and the ability to manage multiple security devices are necessary.
Key Features of iVMS-4200:
- Real-Time Monitoring: Allows viewing of live video from multiple cameras simultaneously, with the option to change the layout of viewing windows.
- Playback of Recordings: Provides the ability to replay recordings from multiple devices, making it easier to review past events.
- Alarm Management: Real-time reception and management of alarms, ensuring immediate response to incidents.
- Device Configuration and Management: Supports the addition and configuration of IP cameras, DVRs, NVRs, and other Hikvision devices.
- Advanced Features: Includes support for access control, license plate recognition, and intercommunication, making it a versatile and comprehensive solution.
Minimum Requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 7/8/10/11 (32/64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i3 or equivalent
- RAM: 2 GB (4 GB recommended) Disk Space: 10 GB of free space
- Graphics Card: Graphics card supporting DirectX 10 or higher, with 512 MB of video memory
- Screen Resolution: 1024x768 pixels or higher
- Network: Ethernet network card (1000 Mbps recommended)
2. iVMS-4500: Mobile Monitoring
iVMS-4500 is the mobile version of the iVMS software, available for iOS and Android devices. This application allows users to monitor their video surveillance systems from anywhere using a smartphone or tablet.
Key Features of iVMS-4500:
- Remote Access: Allows access to live video and recordings from cameras, DVRs, and NVRs, wherever you are.
- Alarm Management: Receive instant notifications on your mobile device when an alarm is triggered.
- Image and Video Capture: Ability to capture snapshots and record videos directly on the mobile device for later review.
- PTZ Controls (Pan-Tilt-Zoom): Ability to remotely control PTZ cameras to adjust direction and zoom.
Minimum Requirements:
- Android: Android 4.0 or higher
- iOS: iOS 8.0 or higher
3. iVMS-5200: Centralized Management for Large Installations
For large installations such as factories, warehouses, airports, or business complexes, Hikvision offers iVMS-5200, a robust and sophisticated video management solution.
Key Features of iVMS-5200:
- Centralized Management: Allows centralized control of multiple video surveillance systems spread across different locations, providing a global and integrated view.
- Integration with Access Control Systems: Advanced support for integration with access control systems, offering a complete security solution.
- Advanced Video Analytics: Support for AI-based video analytics, such as facial recognition, people counting, suspicious behavior detection, among others.
- Scalability: Ability to expand the system as needed, without compromising performance.
- Reports and Statistics: Generation of detailed reports and security statistics, essential for managing large installations.
iVMS-5200 is designed for environments that require a high level of security and where efficient management of a vast network of devices is essential.
Minimum Requirements:
- Management Server:
- Operating System: Windows Server 2008/2012/2016 (64-bit) or Ubuntu 12.04/14.04/16.04 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Xeon E3-1230 or equivalent
- RAM: 8 GB
- Disk Space: 50 GB for installation (additional space required for recordings and database)
- Database: PostgreSQL 9.5 or higher, or SQL Server 2008 R2/2012/2014
- Network: Ethernet network card (1000 Mbps recommended)
- Client Viewer:
- Operating System: Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or equivalent
- RAM: 4 GB (8 GB recommended)
- Disk Space: 10 GB of free space
- Graphics Card: Graphics card supporting DirectX 11 or higher, with 1 GB of video memory
- Screen Resolution: 1280x1024 pixels or higher
- Network: Ethernet network card (1000 Mbps recommended)
These are the minimum requirements to run these software applications, but using hardware with higher specifications is recommended for optimal performance, especially in corporate environments with multiple cameras and advanced video analytics functions.
Conclusion
Hikvision's iVMS series offers comprehensive solutions for different video surveillance needs, from small businesses to large corporations.- iVMS-4200 is ideal for small and medium installations, offering a complete video management solution.
- iVMS-4500 provides flexibility for mobile users, allowing them to access the system from anywhere.
- iVMS-5200 is the ideal solution for large installations requiring a centralized and highly scalable system.