ONVIF and SIA Announce Memorandum of Understanding on Access Control Standards

ONVIF, a standardization initiative for IP-based physical security products, announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S.-based Security Industry Association (SIA), signaling cooperation toward the further development of IP-based interoperability standards in access control.

Both ONVIF and SIA’s Standards Committee have been working toward standardized interfaces for Physical Access Control Systems (PACS). ONVIF’s Profile C is for interoperability between PACS panels and other network-based security management systems. SIA’s Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) standard concentrates on addressing interoperability between peripheral devices, such as card readers and security control panels. Since OSDP is based on the RS-484 standard for point-to-point serial connections, with a planned expansion to a networked version using IP protocols, the two groups are formally recognizing the opportunity for collaboration and harmonization between their respective initiatives.

“Both SIA and ONVIF recognize that our respective access control efforts to date are quite complementary, in that we have been approaching the goal of access control standards from two different angles, ONVIF at the system level and SIA more targeted between peripheral devices,” said Per Björkdahl, chairman of ONVIF’s Steering Committee. “We anticipate that our mutual support and collaboration will result in a more comprehensive outcome that provides greater benefits to the industry.”

As part of the relationship, ONVIF will provide support to SIA’s OSDP IP extension initiative, while SIA will provide education to its membership and industry stakeholders of Profile C and ONVIF’s other PACS activities. Each group will appoint an official representative to liaise with the other group for the purposes of increased information sharing and collaboration.

“IP-based communications have become the recognized communications framework within access control as well as the physical security industry as a whole,” said Joseph Gittens, director, SIA Standards Committee. “SIA is pleased to be collaborating with ONVIF in this next phase of its OSDP development.”

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.