Durability of the CamTrace VMS :

Everyone has heard of programmed obsolescence, a technique that would allow manufacturers to artificially reduce the life of a product to ensure a higher replacement rate. Whether this is conspiracy theory or reality, at CamTrace, maximum durability is programmed.

CamTrace’s reputation for stability is based on many of the features offered by the software and associated services:

  • Extremely robust software architecture allowing it to run for several years without rebooting (uptime).
  • All CamTrace licences are valid “for life” and can be upgraded regardless of age.
  • Support for old cameras and protocols in new versions; no need to change your cameras when you update a CamTrace server.
  • Choice of industrial servers, maintained over a long period of time. Repair of servers outside the warranty period where possible.
  • All CamTrace licences can, after upgrade, be migrated to new servers when the old ones are (really) at the end of their life.
  • Choice of Linux LTS OS (long term support) a true server OS with high virus immunity.
  • Backward compatibility of the software with older versions of CamTrace (except for security related evolutions).
  • Legacy BIOS support for our customers using old motherboards.
  • Only one lineage of CamTrace since the origin (2003). No family abandonment or VMS name change with loss of licenses.
  • OnVif recognition open to all camera models and brands. No blocking if a new model is unknown to CamTrace. Additions are possible unless the OnVif standard is changed and within the limits of the cameras’ compliance with the standard.
  • In the event of a crash of the dedicated system volume, possibility to reinstall CamTrace and recover the data index without loss of images. The recording database is duplicated on all image storage volumes.

 

Why do I need to update a CamTrace server?

CamTrace upgrades meet a number of needs:

  • When the CamTrace system is integrated into a living, evolving computer network, updates allow it to adapt to new market developments: new client workstations, new graphics cards, changes to the OnVif standard for cameras, new hardware supported on the server side (motherboards, network cards, disk controllers, etc.). An up-to-date CamTrace system is required to migrate CamTrace to new hardware.
  • It also allows new security requirements to be met or patches to be introduced by the editors of CamTrace software components.
  • They allow you to take advantage of new features in the video software itself or to support the new codecs of the latest cameras, for example the H265.
  • Finally (this is the tip of the iceberg), they allow you to benefit from updated programming techniques and internal system components (libraries, various tools) which guarantee the future scalability of the software.

 

How to update?

Updates can be done punctually: these are the “updates out of maintenance contract” (MAJHC). Any CamTrace licence can be upgraded, whatever its age. These updates are sold per camera and for the options installed with the software.

It is also possible to subscribe, from an updated version onwards, to a “maintenance contract” for the future (CM) which entitles you to all new versions and second level support for a given future period.

The CM gives access to all versions that have been released before the end of its term. So, even if your maintenance contract has expired, you will still be able to subsequently install versions released before it expires.

CDU