For example, you might have 10 NVRs deployed yet view and manage video through the CMS software.Ĭompanies that market themselves as VMS software generally do NOT use the term CMS at all. Instead, it refers to software that manages / interfaces with existing recorders. VMS, or video management software, typically refers to all software functions involved in managing video including recording, remote monitoring, enterprise management, etc.ĬMS, or central management software, generally does NOT refer or include recording. VMS is the simpler of the two to explain, since it is broader. Outside of Asia, CMS is rare unless an Asian company is marketing or selling overseas. In this post, we explain how they are most commonly used in practice. As such, companies are free to use them as they choose. Neither VMS nor CMS is defined or regulated by a standard body or any single manufacturer. What functionality is core to each type.In this note, we explain the differences in: VMS and CMS both refer to software that manages video surveillance recordings yet they are different.