ONVIF Releases Profile C for Physical Access Control

ONVIF, the leading global standardization initiative for IP-based physical security products, announced the final release of Profile C, which brings the functionality of the ONVIF global interface specification into the physical access control arena. Through Profile C, systems integrators, specifiers and consultants are able to achieve interoperability between clients and devices of physical access control systems (PACS) and network-based video systems. With this final release, including the availability of the Profile C Test Tool, manufacturers are now able to introduce Profile C conformant products to the market.

With Profile C, compatibility between access control edge devices and clients is improved, installation simplified and training time diminished because of the reduced need for multiple proprietary monitoring systems to handle different PACS devices. Profile C conformant devices within the access control system provide door and access point information and functionality related to basic door control activities such as locking and unlocking doors, when a door has been accessed and other door monitoring tasks.

"Extending the ONVIF interface into other areas of physical security emphasizes ONVIF's recognition that systems designers need a consistent interface to enable seamless integration within their security systems," said Per Björkdahl, Chairman of ONVIF's Steering Committee. "With the release of Profile C for access control, integrators and specifiers can be confident that products bearing the Profile C mark will work together, ultimately enabling a better physical access control solution or integrated access and video system for their clients."

Profile C can also be combined with ONVIF Profile S for video and audio streaming so users can group related access and video devices, sharing the same device management features such as network configuration and system settings.

ONVIF introduced the profile concept to enable end users to more easily identify features supported by a profile without determining the compatibility between versions of the ONVIF specifications. In addition to Profile C for PACS, ONVIF offers Profile S as the interface to stream video and audio between conformant devices and clients, and Release Candidate Profile G, which will encompass video storage, searching, retrieval and playback.

There are approximately 2,500 products conforming to Profile S in the market from nearly 500 ONVIF member companies.