Surveillance systems are expected to do more than simply record video. The Video Management Software (VMS) Innovation Award 2025, recognises those platforms that are redefining how we manage, analyse, and respond to video data. From AI-powered insights and privacy-first features to seamless cloud access and smart integrations, this year’s finalists showcase the full breadth of innovation shaping modern security operations.
Here’s a closer look at the eight finalists leading the way in video management software.
3xLOGIC – VIGIL 13
The latest version of VIGIL brings AI-driven capabilities right to the edge of the surveillance network. VIGIL 13 enhances proactive monitoring with new tools for number plate recognition, behaviour analysis, and fast event search. These additions help operators quickly identify incidents without trawling through hours of footage. It’s a smart, practical evolution that supports faster, more accurate responses on the ground.
Cathexis Technologies – CathexisVision
Designed with both power and simplicity in mind, CathexisVision offers a highly configurable platform that adapts to a wide range of sites. It combines advanced analytics, automated responses, and deep system integration, all underpinned by an interface that keeps usability front and centre. Whether managing a handful of cameras or hundreds, users benefit from streamlined workflows and efficient search tools.
COSMO-MUST – COSMO PSIM
COSMO PSIM takes a broader view of situational awareness, bringing together data from video systems, alarms, access control and other sources into a single operational picture. Its API-centric design makes integration straightforward, while automation features allow routine tasks to be handled with minimal operator input. The result is a highly responsive command centre where critical decisions are informed by live, consolidated intelligence.
Genetec Inc – Genetec Security Center SaaS
Security Center SaaS brings the flexibility of the cloud to a full-featured unified security platform. Users can scale services as needed, blending on-site systems with cloud-based operations for greater resilience and control. With integrated video, access control, and automation tools, it’s a forward-looking solution that suits organisations with dispersed infrastructure or growing digital ambitions.
IDIS Europe – Smart Privacy Masks
Privacy is a growing concern in surveillance, and IDIS tackles it head-on with its real-time Smart Privacy Masks. Built into the VMS, the feature automatically obscures individuals without losing sight of the broader context. It’s a refined approach that supports compliance without compromising situational awareness or investigative value.
Milestone Systems – XProtect
XProtect continues to set the benchmark for openness and scalability in VMS. Its latest updates focus on improving user experience, with tools that accelerate investigations and streamline system management. The platform’s compatibility with thousands of devices ensures that it fits easily into both new and legacy environments, making it a solid foundation for integrated security ecosystems.
Vicon Industries Ltd – NEXT
NEXT reimagines how video hardware and software work together. With a modular camera design and built-in AI, it speeds up installation while delivering smart detection straight from the edge. Seamless integration with VMS platforms—both Vicon’s own and third-party systems—makes NEXT a compelling proposition for those looking to future-proof their surveillance setup without adding complexity.
Each of these finalists reflects a different angle on what modern video management should offer—whether it’s privacy, performance, simplicity or scale. Together, they paint a picture of an industry that continues to evolve rapidly, with innovation firmly focused on delivering real-world benefits.