ONVIF is an open industry forum for the development of a global standard for the interface of IP-based physical security products. It was officially incorporated as a non-profit, 501(c)6 Delaware corporation on November 25, 2008.

ONVIF is committed to the adoption of IP-based physical security in the security market. The ONVIF specification will ensure interoperability between IP-based physical security products regardless of manufacturer. The cornerstones of ONVIF are:

• Standardization of communication between IP-based physical security devices 
• Interoperability between IP-based physical security products regardless of manufacturer 
• Open to all companies and organizations

The ONVIF specification defines a common protocol for the exchange of information between network video devices including automatic device discovery, video streaming and intelligence metadata.

A global interface standard will make it even easier for end users, integrators, consultants and manufacturers to take advantage of the possibilities offered by network video technology.

Integrators and consultants benefit through interoperability between different vendor’s products, simplified installation, and greater freedom to specify a system. more..	End Users benefit through increased flexibility and greater freedom of choice, security of investment in future-proof systems, and reduced total cost of ownership. more..	Manufacturers and Software Vendors benefit through interoperability, extended market opportunities, and reduced in-house development costs. more..