Security teams are expected to see everything, verify rapidly, and respond without delay. Yet siloed cameras, manual searches, and alert fatigue slow them down. A video management system (VMS) addresses this by unifying video across sites, aligning monitoring and alerts, streamlining search, and enabling operators to respond quickly.

The value of VMS is clear in its rapid global adoption. The market was valued at $17.12 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $108.77 billion by 2034, underscoring its role as a cornerstone of modern security and intelligence. Cloud-based VMS is fueling this growth with scalability, flexibility, and lower infrastructure costs; hybrid-cloud models add resilience, on-site performance, and bandwidth efficiency, while on-prem options remain essential for strict data residency or offline requirements. 

This article explains what a video management system is, how it works, the top benefits, the leading solutions available today, and how Lumana is redefining VMS with AI.

Key Takeaways

1. A VMS is the backbone of modern security, unifying cameras, storage, monitoring, and search in one platform.
2. VMS value extends beyond surveillance, supporting compliance, operational efficiency, and industry-specific use cases.
3. Core VMS capabilities include scalability, flexible storage options, seamless integrations, and advanced search capabilities.
4. Lumana’s AI-native, hybrid-cloud platform delivers fewer false alerts, faster investigations, and streamlined incident response.

Table of Contents

• What is a video management system, and what does it do?
• How do video management systems work?
• What are the benefits and features of video management systems?
• What are the top video management system solutions?
• How does Lumana help with enterprise video security management?

What is a video management system, and what does it do?

A VMS is the central nervous system of physical security operations. It captures and stores video streams, provides real-time visibility, and enables instant access to recorded footage when it matters most.

Unlike legacy DVRs and NVRs, a VMS consolidates security into one intelligent platform. It not only orchestrates live monitoring and fast retrieval, but also applies analytics to detect anomalies and trigger alerts in real time. By unifying feeds across sites and devices, a VMS creates a single source of truth that enhances security, ensures compliance, and provides operational insights.

How do video management systems work?

A VMS works by coordinating the full lifecycle of video—ingest, processing, storage, access, and correlation—so security teams can monitor live activity, investigate incidents quickly, and maintain policy-driven retention. It links cameras, storage, analytics, and user interfaces into one environment, replacing fragmented tools with a single operational view. At a high level, the process is as follows:

• Capture: Video streams from IP or analog cameras are ingested and transmitted to the VMS
• Analyze: The system applies intelligence such as motion, facial recognition, or behavioral analytics to detect critical events
• Store: Footage can be saved locally, in the cloud, or in a hybrid model for resilience
• Access: Operators securely monitor live or recorded footage through desktop, browser, or mobile devices
• Integrate: Modern VMS platforms connect with access control, alarms, and IoT sensors to provide broader context and enable faster, more coordinated incident response

What are the benefits and features of video management systems?

Selecting a VMS is not just about connecting cameras; it is about reliability, governance, and effectiveness at scale. The right platform should strengthen your security posture, reduce manual work, and accelerate decision-making when seconds matter. The features below define a modern, enterprise-ready VMS.

What are the top video management system solutions?

The VMS market has expanded quickly in recent years, with solutions ranging from simple recording tools to enterprise-grade platforms. Some are open and integrate with many devices, while others are closed and tied to specific hardware. Choosing the right fit depends on scale, security needs, and long-term strategy.

The following overview highlights several of the leading video management system solutions available today.

1. Lumana

Lumana transforms everyday cameras into intelligent safety and operations agents. This enterprise-grade platform combines self-learning AI with a hybrid-cloud architecture to deliver real-time alerts, lightning-fast investigations, and scalable surveillance visibility—all from a single dashboard.

Top use case:

Lumana provides businesses with proactive security and real-time threat detection by tracking risks across your camera network. 

Pros:

AI-driven intelligence

Lumana is an AI-native solution that sets a new benchmark for intelligent video security. Self-learning AI models adapt to each environment, cut false alarms, and trigger real-time alerts and responses.

Smart and flexible cross-system integration

Lumana offers a cohesive, yet open security ecosystem. Integrating video intelligence with alarms, access control, sensors, and enterprise management systems. All features are available from either Lumana or existing IP cameras.

No complex configurations required

Lumana immediately provides standard remote access and management by default without the need for convoluted configuration. Moreover, with VMS+, its intelligent video management software is easily accessible from any web browser or mobile device.

Cons: 

Not a traditional VMS

While powerful for intelligence and analytics, organizations seeking only basic video recording and playback may find it more advanced than necessary.

May not fit ultra-low budget projects

Lumana’s value comes from intelligence and integration, which may be overbuilt for small, budget-only security setups.

2. Genetec Security Center

Genetec Security Center is a unified security platform that merges video surveillance (Omnicast), access control (Synergis), and automatic license plate recognition (AutoVu) into a single, scalable interface. It is known for its enterprise-grade performance, deep integration capabilities, and emphasis on cybersecurity and privacy.

Top use case:

Enterprise and campus security
Unified monitoring of multiple buildings, entrances, and access points with integrated access control and video surveillance. Genetec offers a federated architecture for managing large-scale deployments across multiple sites with centralized control.

Pros: 

Unified platform
Brings video, access control, license plate recognition (LPR), intrusion detection, and analytics into one interface.

Scalability 

Supports small to large-scale deployments with a federated architecture.

Cybersecurity built-in 

Strong native tools for encryption, access auditing, and compliance with data privacy regulations.

Cons: 

Cost 

Premium pricing, especially for advanced modules and integrations, may be prohibitive for small businesses.

Complexity 

Setup and configuration can be demanding; it often requires certified integrators for optimal deployment. Also, it presents a learning curve for new users, and the cost can be prohibitive for small or budget-conscious businesses.

AI via add-ons

Advanced analytics often rely on add-on modules or third-party integrations rather than a unified, AI-native stack.

Resource-intensive 

Requires a robust IT infrastructure to handle video retention, analytics, and multi-site synchronization.

3. Milestone XProtect

The Milestone system is designed for businesses looking for open-architecture video surveillance software that can integrate with other security systems. It supports multi-layer maps for navigation, offers smart search for quick analysis, has robust alarm management features, and supports multiple languages.

Top use case:

Large-scale enterprise surveillance
Monitoring vast corporate campuses, multi-site facilities, and global operations. Its distributed architecture supports centralized management and scalable performance across thousands of cameras and locations.

Pros: 

Open platform
Integrates with 13,000+ cameras, sensors, and third-party systems—ideal for custom deployments.

Highly scalable 

From a single-site setup to citywide infrastructure, XProtect handles any deployment size.

Modular licensing 

Organizations can tailor functionality and cost to their needs (from Essential+ to Corporate).

Cons: 

Steep learning curve 

Advanced configuration tools and customization options require training and technical knowledge.

Costs can scale quickly 

While licensing is modular, adding advanced features, analytics, or integrations can significantly increase costs. Configuring it can be complicated, especially for less tech-savvy users, and licensing costs can add up for larger security systems.

No native cloud offering 

Unlike some newer VMS solutions, XProtect is primarily on-prem with limited hybrid options.

AI via add-ons

Advanced analytics often rely on add-on modules or third-party integrations rather than a unified, AI-native stack.

4. Avigilon Control Center (ACC)

Suitable for organizations seeking an intuitive and user-friendly experience. Its high price point may not be affordable for smaller businesses, and there can be compatibility issues when integrating with non-Avigilon cameras.

Top use case:

Critical infrastructure protection
Monitoring and securing high-risk environments like utilities, transportation hubs, and data centers. Real-time threat detection through AI analytics, including license plate recognition, supports proactive response in sensitive environments.

Pros:

High-resolution support

Handles ultra-HD (up to 7K) video with minimal latency and optimized bandwidth usage via High-Efficiency Video Encoding (HDSM SmartCodec).

User-friendly interface

Intuitive, modern UI makes it easy for security operators to search, review, and act quickly.

Cons:

Closed ecosystem 

Works best with Avigilon cameras and hardware; third-party integrations may be limited compared to open-platform VMS.

Premium pricing

High-performance capabilities come with a higher price tag, making them less budget-friendly for smaller deployments.

Limited customization 

Less flexibility in UI/UX design and plugin integrations for organizations wanting deeply customized setups.

5. ExacqVision

ExacqVision is a user-friendly VMS that delivers surveillance across both IP and analog environments. With a clean interface designed for fast deployment, it supports robust live monitoring, intuitive search tools (including timelines and thumbnails), integrated audio, and powerful export options.

Top use case:

Education (K-12 and Higher Ed)
Enhancing campus safety by monitoring entry points, hallways, and common areas. Easy to deploy across large campuses with hybrid analog-IP support, plus integration with access control and lockdown systems.

Pros: 

Hybrid support 

Works with both analog and IP cameras, which is ideal for phased system upgrades.

User-friendly interface 

Clean, intuitive UI that reduces operator training time and accelerates investigations.

Simple licensing model

Clear pricing and feature structures without complex tiered add-ons.

Cons: 

Limited advanced analytics 

Lacks native AI features like facial recognition or behavior analysis found in platforms like Lumana.

Less Customizable 

More of a closed platform with fewer third-party plugin options than open VMS alternatives.

UI Design is Basic 

Functional but less modern or sleek compared to higher-end VMS interfaces.

How does Lumana help with enterprise video security management?

Lumana brings best-in-class hardware, software, and AI together under one platform, eliminating the need to work with separate providers. Organizations gain a unified solution that reduces complexity and delivers reliable, enterprise-grade protection.

Centralized management makes it easy to oversee all devices, locations, and users from a single dashboard. Automatic updates ensure the system evolves continuously, providing a future-proof foundation for video security.

AI streamlines every interaction with the VMS, from monitoring, alerting, and investigating to collecting data and responding to incidents. Operators can surface the right events faster, verify incidents with confidence, and coordinate response without wasted steps.

Unlike systems that rely on static rules, Lumana’s AI is continuous-learning. It adapts to each environment to deliver unmatched accuracy, fewer false alerts, and faster detection, helping organizations achieve stronger security outcomes with greater efficiency.

Discover the power of Lumana’s AI video security solutions

Lumana brings the power of AI to video security, turning any IP camera into an intelligent agent that can understand, detect, and act in real time. The platform delivers end-to-end protection by automating monitoring, flagging critical events the moment they happen, and accelerating incident response when every second counts.

Through VMS+, an intuitive, cloud-based video management system, organizations can centrally manage unlimited cameras from any browser or mobile device. This unified approach eliminates complexity while delivering enterprise-grade visibility and control.

Built on proprietary AI, the system goes beyond simple object recognition to interpret behaviors and detect suspicious activity with near-human-like awareness. It can also scan millions of hours of footage in seconds, filter results by precise attributes, and simplify sharing with secure links, email, or SMS.

Beyond security, the platform transforms raw video into actionable intelligence. Customizable dashboards uncover patterns in foot traffic, production workflows, safety compliance, and more—empowering smarter decisions across operations.

With NDAA-compliant hardware, industry-leading AI, and a flexible hybrid-cloud architecture, the solution is designed for sectors including education, government, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and hospitality.

Request a demo today and take the first step toward a safer, more secure future.