What is ONVIF?

ONVIF stands for Open Network Video Interface Forum. Founded in 2008 by Axis Communications, Bosch Security Systems, and Sony Corporation, ONVIF has a robust member base on six continents. 

ONVIF membership is open to manufacturers, software developers, consultants, system integrators, end users, and other interest groups that wish to participate in ONVIF activities. It aims to provide a standard for the interface between different IP-based security devices. In simple terms, ONVIF specifications provide a consistent way for devices from multiple manufacturers to work together, where previously they would not have been able to. These standardized ONVIF specifications are like a common language all devices can use to communicate.

The end user benefits from this interoperability because they are no longer tied to a single brand for everything to work; now, a business can use several different brands’ systems, with a single standard communication. Want to use the best ONVIF camera from Brand A, but you also want Brand B’s ONVIF IP cameras and Brand C’s ONVIF NVR? No problem – because the ONVIF standard enables all to work together.

What does ONVIF conformance mean?

ONVIF conformance means that a product is conformant with one or several ONVIF profiles. The conformance is valid indefinitely for a specific firmware/software version that is registered for the product. To ensure an existing product is conformant, the product’s firmware/software version must match the version listed for the product in the Conformant Products database. Specific profiles specify the features that products must have to ensure interoperability with other conformant products. Conformance is achieved when the technical specifications of the device or client meet the technical requirements stated in the specific ONVIF profile specification document(s).

ONVIF conformant products can help manufacturers easily gain market acceptance, helping companies win projects and further drive the growth of the industry. When two products that conform to the same profile are used together, systems designers and end users know that they can easily design and use a system with ONVIF-conformant products that will seamlessly communicate with each other.