Network video recorders (NVRs) are IP-based appliances that are purpose-built for managing cameras, recording and viewing camera feeds at a site. NVRs are usually PC-grade or low-end server systems made using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware components. They usually contain an embedded operating system or a client operating system that hosts video management software, which provides users a mechanism to view, record and manage camera feeds.
A video management system (VMS) orchestrates a surveillance workflow by integrating with cameras, encoders, recording systems, underlying storage infrastructure, client workstations, gateway systems and analytics software, mainly by providing a single interface for video surveillance infrastructure management.