The new Profile V draft aims to eliminate vendor lock-in by enabling interoperable cloud-based video surveillance using ONVIF conformant products from multiple manufacturers.
ONVIFhas released the Release Candidate for ONVIF Profile V, a draft standard designed to bring interoperability to cloud-based video surveillance systems.
The proposed profile extends ONVIF’s vendor-neutral approach to the cloud, enabling system integrators, consultants, and end users to build cloud video surveillance solutions using ONVIF conformant products from different manufacturers rather than being tied to a single vendor.
Profile V Eliminates Vendor Lock-In
Cloud-based video management systems (VMS) reduce or eliminate on-premises hardware by processing and storing video on remote cloud infrastructure. They simplify maintenance, enable remote web-based access, and allow organizations to scale storage as surveillance requirements grow.
However, many cloud video surveillance platforms currently operate as proprietary ecosystems that require customers to use a single vendor’s cameras, software, and cloud storage.
ONVIF Profile V addresses this challenge by allowing interoperable cloud video systems where conformant devices from different manufacturers work together. Organizations can replace individual components without redesigning the entire surveillance infrastructure.
Supporting Secure Cloud Video Management
According to Leo Levit, Chairman of the ONVIF Board of Directors:
“Standardizing cloud video surveillance is a natural next step for ONVIF. As more security systems move to the cloud, we want that shift to give customers more choice, not less. When the fundamentals are standardized, companies can build on top of them, and customers can trust that what they invest in today will still work with what they choose tomorrow.”
Secure Connectivity Without Complex Networking
Profile V enables compatible cloud-based video management systems to communicate with cameras located behind local firewalls without requiring port forwarding or VPN configuration.
The conformant device establishes a secure outbound connection to the cloud VMS and streams live video—and, where supported, audio—using WebRTC to ONVIF clients or authorized web clients.
In addition, compatible devices can transmit event notifications to cloud platforms while securely storing encrypted video and audio in cloud storage services such as Amazon S3 and Microsoft Azure Blob Storage.
Profile V can also operate alongside existing ONVIF video and access control profiles, supporting hybrid and integrated physical security deployments.
Security Built Into The Standard
Security is a core component of Profile V.
All Profile V conformant products must implement the ONVIF Profile V Security Add-on, which includes:
- OAuth 2.0 authentication for authorized devices, clients, and cloud services
- End-to-end encryption of video recordings before cloud storage
- Secure communication between surveillance devices and cloud platforms
ONVIF developed the security functionality as a separate add-on so it can be updated independently as cybersecurity requirements evolve without requiring revisions to the core Profile V specification.
Release Candidate Available For Review
The Profile V Release Candidate is now available for review by ONVIF members, with the final specification expected to be completed before the end of 2026.
ONVIF has also published a technical FAQ to help members understand the proposed cloud video surveillance standard.
Key Highlights
- ONVIF releases the Release Candidate for Profile V.
- Enables interoperable cloud-based video surveillance.
- Eliminates proprietary vendor lock-in.
- Supports secure cloud connectivity without VPN or port forwarding.
- Uses WebRTC for video streaming.
- Implements OAuth 2.0 authentication and encrypted cloud storage.
- Compatible with hybrid physical security deployments.
- Final specification expected by the end of 2026.
ONVIF is a global industry forum that develops open standards for IP-based physical security products, enabling interoperability between devices from different manufacturers across video surveillance, access control, and related security technologies.
Internal Links URLs
https://security.world/category/video-surveillance/
External Links URLs
https://www.onvif.org
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Is ONVIF Profile V?
ONVIF Profile V is a draft interoperability standard for cloud-based video surveillance that enables compatible products from multiple manufacturers to work together.
2. What Problem Does Profile V Solve?
It reduces vendor lock-in by allowing organizations to build cloud video surveillance systems using interoperable cameras, software, and cloud services from different vendors.
3. Does Profile V Improve Security?
Yes. It incorporates OAuth 2.0 authentication, encrypted cloud storage, and secure communication through the ONVIF Profile V Security Add-on.
4. Does Profile V Require VPN Or Port Forwarding?
No. Compatible devices establish secure outbound connections to cloud video management systems without requiring traditional VPN or port forwarding configurations.
5. When Will ONVIF Profile V Become Official?
The Release Candidate is currently available for member review, with the final ONVIF Profile V specification expected by the end of 2026.