New IP Media Device API Specification Targets Physical Security

The Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (PSIA), an industry group that was formed in February 2008 to promote the interoperability of IP-enabled security devices, released its first IP Media Device Application Programming Interface (API) specification.

The scope of this initial API specification is centered on IP-enabled video surveillance devices, such as IP cameras, encoders, and digital video recorders. It enables physical security and video management systems to recognize and change the configurations of various IP media devices and control their behaviors. It also eliminates the need for device driver customization in order to achieve interoperability among products from different manufacturers.


The following 19 industry leaders have recognized the importance of collaborating on open industry standards and endorse this initial specification: Adesta LLC, ADT Security Services, Cisco, CSC, DVTel, GE Security, Honeywell, IBM, IQinVision, Johnson Controls, March Networks, ObjectVideo, Orsus, Panasonic, Pelco, Santa Clara Consulting Group, Texas Instruments, Verint and Vidyo.


"The IP Media Device API specification addresses important issues, such as device discovery, configuration, and command and control, and it represents one of the first steps toward true interoperability and industry-wide convergence," said Pete Jankowski, PSIA Video Expert Group chairman and chief technology officer of Cisco's Physical Security business unit. "The specification describes a uniform set of methods for communicating with standard IP networks and offers manufacturers, system integrators, and application developers an opportunity to improve interoperability and add substantial customer value."http://www.psialliance.org