Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is Wavestore VMS?

Wavestore is an open-platform Video Management Software (VMS) that provides highly secure, intelligent video recording and management capabilities. Built on a Linux-based system, it allows you to simultaneously record, manage, and analyze video from multiple camera types including IP, HD, 4K, megapixel and thermal cameras. The software is designed to scale from small installations to enterprise-level deployments with thousands of cameras.

What makes Wavestore different from other VMS solutions?

Wavestore stands out through three key advantages: First, it's a fully open-platform solution that integrates with many of third-party devices without requiring proprietary hardware, giving you flexibility and reducing costs. Second, it's built on a hardened Linux operating system rather than Windows, providing superior cybersecurity protection, no vulnerability to Windows-based threats, and no system downtime for updates. Third, it combines enterprise-level scalability with an intuitive user interface, allowing your team to manage complex systems without extensive training.

Is Wavestore suitable for my industry?

Yes. Wavestore serves multiple industries including retail, education, transportation, airports, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and commercial properties. The software has been deployed in environments ranging from distribution centers and schools to major European airports and 700-kilometer highway systems. Its flexible architecture adapts to the specific security needs of any sector.

Technical Capabilities

What types of cameras does Wavestore support?

Wavestore supports virtually all camera types: IP cameras, HD and 4K cameras, megapixel cameras, thermal imaging cameras and 360-degree cameras. The system is ONVIF Profile S, M, and T conformant, ensuring compatibility with hundreds of camera models. Wavestore's own Vision 2 (WV2) camera range also integrates seamlessly with automatic firmware updates.

Can Wavestore integrate with my existing security systems?

Yes. Wavestore offers extensive integration capabilities with access control systems, video analytics platforms, intrusion detection systems, facial recognition software, people counting solutions, radar and sensor systems, video walls, lighting control, asset management platforms, PSIM software and many more. If your specific integration isn't listed, contact Wavestore—they work with partners to develop custom integrations through their Software Development Kit (SDK).

How scalable is Wavestore?

Wavestore is designed to scale from single-site installations with a few cameras to multi-site enterprise deployments with thousands of cameras. The system architecture allows you to start small and expand without replacing your core infrastructure. There are no base license fees that increase as you add cameras, making growth economically sustainable.

What are the different Wavestore VMS license levels?

Wavestore offers four license tiers—Base, Premium, Enterprise, and Ultimate—each designed for different operational needs:

Base License is ideal for small installations (up to 32 cameras per server) with essential features including live viewing, recording, playback, multi-streaming, PTZ control, and basic search. It supports up to 2 concurrent client connections and access to 1 server group.

Premium License expands capacity to 128 cameras per server with unlimited client connections and access to up to 5 server groups. It adds the Metadata Engine for advanced text search (including EPoS and third-party events), optional integrations for analytics, access control, ANPR, and more sophisticated event management.

Enterprise License supports up to 254 cameras per server with access to 255 server groups, making it suitable for large multi-site deployments. It includes LDAP/Active Directory support, virtual machine compatibility, failover capability, central event engine functionality, HyperRAID storage technology, and all integration modules as standard.

Ultimate License offers the same 254 cameras per server and 255 server groups as Enterprise, but adds Wavestore's most advanced features including HyperRAID Plus (up to N+5 redundancy), EcoStore energy-saving technology for HDDs, and enhanced forensic search capabilities. This is designed for mission-critical installations requiring maximum redundancy and performance.

Security & Compliance

Is Wavestore secure?

Yes. Wavestore is built with security at its core, with many protective features pre-configured as standard from the moment the system is switched on. The VMS is embedded within a hardened Linux operating system rather than Windows, which means it's immune to Windows vulnerabilities and doesn't require time-consuming offline updates. Wavestore maintains full control over which Linux components are used and disables all non-essential areas to minimize potential vulnerabilities.

Key security features include: up to 4096-bit encryption for video with secure public key options; encrypted password storage using strong password hashes with "man-in-the-middle" protection; a pre-configured firewall that locks down ports to prevent unauthorized connections; IP address restrictions to limit access to authorized computers only; enforceable password policies requiring mixed characters, numbers, and minimum lengths; privilege separation allowing granular user permissions (e.g., view-only vs. playback and export rights); LDAP and Active Directory compatibility for enterprise user management; automatic client logout after defined periods of inactivity; and no back-door "root login" access—remote support requires the physical presence of an authorized administrator who creates and controls temporary access credentials.

Additionally, no other applications can run on Wavestore servers, preventing malicious programs from being loaded. Wavestore operates an ongoing third-party security testing program to continuously identify and address vulnerabilities, ensuring the system remains protected against evolving threats.

Does Wavestore comply with GDPR and privacy regulations?

Yes. Wavestore includes features specifically designed for regulatory compliance, audit trails for system access and video exports, user permission controls to restrict access to sensitive footage, and configurable retention policies. The system helps organizations meet their legal obligations for video surveillance and data protection.

Features & Functionality

Can I search for specific events or objects in recorded video?

Yes. Wavestore offers powerful search capabilities including metadata search across multiple channels simultaneously, event-based search (motion detection, analytics triggers, access control events), text search for EPoS transactions and third-party event data, and time-based search with synchronized multi-camera playback. The Premium license enhances these capabilities with advanced filtering options.

Does Wavestore support video analytics and AI?

Yes. Wavestore integrates with leading video analytics platforms to enable AI-powered capabilities such as facial recognition, people counting, perimeter intrusion detection, license plate recognition (ANPR), object classification and tracking, behavioral analysis, and heat mapping. The latest v6.42 release includes an enhanced SDK that enables deeper analytics integrations and custom alert configurations.

Can I access Wavestore remotely?

Yes. Wavestore provides secure remote access capabilities, allowing authorized users to view live video, search and playback recorded footage, manage system settings, and respond to alerts from anywhere with internet connectivity. Access is protected through user authentication and encryption protocols.

Implementation & Support

What hardware do I need to run Wavestore?

Wavestore offers a comprehensive range of purpose-built video servers and NVRs specifically designed to operate seamlessly with any level of Wavestore VMS. From small installations to high-demanding enterprise solutions, Wavestore has hardware to meet your needs.

The range spans from compact desktop units supporting 8 cameras for small businesses, through 1U and 2U rackmount servers for medium deployments of 32-128 cameras, up to enterprise-grade 4U servers handling up to 254 cameras with massive storage capacity up to 336TB. For mission-critical applications, Wavestore's WR-Series enterprise servers include 5-year warranties with next business day or on-site support options.

All Wavestore servers come with pre-installed Linux OS, advanced storage technologies including HyperRAID and EcoStore energy-saving capabilities, redundant power supplies on enterprise models, and flexible warranty options ranging from 1 to 5 years. Each unit is optimized to deliver maximum performance and reliability for your specific deployment size.

Alternatively, Wavestore is hardware-agnostic, meaning you can run it on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) servers if you prefer. The system works with standard network infrastructure and storage solutions (NAS, SAN, DAS), giving you flexibility to choose hardware that fits your specific budget and performance requirements.

How long does implementation take?

Implementation timeframe depends on system size and complexity. Small installations (10-50 cameras) can typically be deployed in days, while large multi-site deployments may take several weeks. Wavestore works through a global network of certified System Integrator partners who handle installation, configuration, and commissioning. Your integrator will provide a specific timeline based on your project scope.

What kind of support does Wavestore provide?

Wavestore offers comprehensive support through multiple channels: technical support from their dedicated team, documentation and user guides, software updates and security patches, training resources for operators and administrators, and support through your certified System Integrator partner. The company maintains a global presence to support installations worldwide.

How much does Wavestore cost?

Wavestore pricing varies based on system size, license tier (Base, Premium, Enterprise, or Ultimate), number of camera channels, required integration modules, and hardware configuration. The company uses a camera-based licensing model with zero base license fees for expansion. For accurate pricing, contact Wavestore or an authorized System Integrator partner who can assess your specific requirements and provide a detailed quote. Free demonstrations are available to evaluate the system before purchase.

Can I upgrade my Wavestore license later?

Yes. Wavestore licenses are designed to grow with your needs. You can upgrade from Base to Premium, Premium to Enterprise, or Enterprise to Ultimate at any time without replacing your hardware or reconfiguring your system. Additionally, Wavestore offers an "Always Up to Date" subscription that ensures you continuously benefit from the latest software features and security updates.

Still Have Questions?

For End Users: Contact Wavestore directly to discuss your security needs and arrange a personalized demonstration of the VMS platform.

For System Integrators: Reach out to learn about partnership opportunities and technical resources.

Request a Demo: Experience Wavestore's capabilities firsthand with a free demonstration showcasing real-time features, AI analytics, and integration possibilities.

Visit www.wavestore.com or contact the support team for additional information.