The number of installed cameras and the video retention requirements determine the type of server system.

• Entry Level – Installations with eight or fewer cameras can generally be handled with Digital Video Recorders.  These are fixed configuration devices and provide the customer with the lowest cost entry point. They provide for recording and playback, but have a maximum storage capacity limit for “live” data.

• Mid Level – Workstations or entry-level server based solutions provide sufficient processing power to handle up to approximately 32 cameras.  Flexibility to add additional storage for longer-term retention or higher quality recording allows customers to adjust their recording environment in response to business demands.

• Enterprise Level – Scalable servers provide the resources to support greater numbers of cameras and also allow for server-based applications to incorporate “analytics”.  Intelligent applications utilize rule sets for the automated determination of events of interest.  As the number of cameras and monitored events increase, additional processing power is required to filter the data accurately.  Enterprise level servers provide the “horsepower” required for both the additional quantity of data and the processing overhead of live analysis of events.