Integrations – What, why, and when?

Over the years, numerous integrations have been developed for the Mirasys VMS software, implemented either as one-way or two-way connections. The definition and purpose of integrations frequently come up in discussions with our customers and partners. Often, there's a desire to integrate different systems, but the actual goal remains unclear—especially in terms of how it benefits the end user. Sometimes the need is based on the fact that a similar integration has been done elsewhere.

That’s why, whenever an integration is mentioned in a proposal or customer request, it is important to pause and consider what the integration is meant to achieve. Once the purpose and need are clearly defined, it becomes easier to evaluate the implementation and ensure the integration delivers real value.

The most common outbound integration from Mirasys VMS involves retrieving images or exporting video material into another format or enabling remote viewing through another system. Inbound integrations typically involve bringing in data and triggering video content based on specific messages, which then serve as alerts for further action.

Mirasys VMS offers various interfaces for building integrations. One of the most versatile is the Text Channel, which allows data collection and parsing. Through this, alerts can be triggered based on selected messages.

Examples include:

• Ajax Systems
• Axis metadata integration
• Axis Perimeter Defender application
• Vivotek camera tampering integration

Text Channels can also be extended with plugins such as proxies, which enable reading camera metadata and extracting relevant information.

Examples include:

• Bosch Proxy
• Dahua Proxy
• Hikvision Proxy

Another option is to develop native features within the software itself. For instance, integrating the ONVIF M profile directly into the software improves usability and simplifies configuration, eliminating the need for separate applications or connections. You can explore the ONVIF M profile integration for more details.

Additionally, integrations have been built into the Gateway interface, allowing system-generated content and hardware to be shared with third-party systems.

Examples include:

• Asan UVP Gateway Connector
• Pacom Unison
• Qognify Gateway Connector (Situator)

The software also supports virtual I/O connections, which can be used to control camera-related functions such as wipers or trigger an IP speaker to play audio.

Examples include:

• How to use HTTP IO with PTZ camera aux commands
• How to add Axis IP Speaker to Mirasys VMS

Mirasys VMS offers multiple ways to utilize and share data. This overview is just a glimpse of what the software can do - whether it is about delivering data to third-party systems or retrieving information to enhance your own.

Tero Nylund, Head of Implementation