This category covers video surveillance software, camera licences and storage management applications for home and business networks. It suits anyone who records footage on a network-attached storage (NAS) device or a dedicated server. Our range has over 30 products, mostly from QNAP, along with Synology and AXIS.
How to choose surveillance and storage software
Platform compatibility. Start by establishing which NAS or recorder the software runs on. QNAP, Synology and AXIS solutions are generally built for their own manufacturer's platform, so choose the licence according to the device you own or plan to buy.
Number of cameras. Licences are usually counted per connected camera. Many NAS makers include a few licences with the device and sell extra ones separately, so plan for the number of cameras you will have after expansion, not only today.
Camera support. Check that your camera models appear on the manufacturer's supported list or that they support the ONVIF standard. ONVIF cameras can usually connect to another maker's software, although some features, such as smart video analytics, may not work.
Storage capacity. The space recordings occupy depends on resolution, video codec, frame rate and how many days of footage you keep. Cameras recording continuously use far more space than those recording only on motion. The software does not solve this, so estimate drive capacity and RAID type in advance.
Features and management. Look at motion detection, event notifications, timeline search and remote access through a mobile app. Larger systems spread over several sites also benefit from user permission controls and the ability to monitor several servers from one window.
Brands we carry
- QNAP: known for its NAS devices and for the QVR Pro surveillance application, which uses licences for additional cameras. Most products in this category come from this manufacturer.
- Synology: its NAS devices use the Surveillance Station package, which runs on the Synology DSM operating system. A few cameras are usually included, and further ones need licences.
- AXIS: a Swedish network camera maker with its own video management software, AXIS Camera Station. It works best with the manufacturer's own cameras.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay separately for each camera in NAS surveillance software?
Not always. Many manufacturers allow a few cameras free of charge and charge a licence fee for additional ones. The exact number of free licences is stated in the description of the specific device or application.
Can I use a QNAP licence on a Synology device?
Generally not. Licences are tied to the manufacturer's software and platform, so a QNAP licence works on a QNAP device and a Synology licence on a Synology device. Check which system a licence is intended for before you buy.
How much storage do I need for surveillance recordings?
It depends on the number of cameras, resolution, codec, frame rate and retention period. Higher resolution and continuous recording need more space, while motion-only recording cuts it considerably. It is worth leaving some spare capacity, since cameras are often added later.
Must the cameras be from the same manufacturer as the software?
Not necessarily. Cameras that support ONVIF can usually connect to another manufacturer's software. However, advanced features such as video analytics work best with models the manufacturer has approved, so check the supported camera list first.
