What is the key component of a video surveillance system that connects cameras to Milestone software?

The key component of a video surveillance system that connects cameras to Milestone software is the Video Management Software (VMS). The VMS acts as the central hub for processing, managing, and viewing the video feeds captured by the cameras. It provides the interface through which users can monitor live footage, access recorded videos, and configure camera settings.

The VMS typically supports various functionalities, including motion detection, alarm management, user access control, and integration with other security systems. It is crucial for ensuring that the cameras can communicate effectively and that the footage can be stored, retrieved, and analyzed as needed.

Other components like video encoders, network switches, and storage devices play supportive roles in a video surveillance ecosystem, but they do not directly connect cameras to the software in the way that the VMS does. Video encoders convert analog video signals into digital formats for use within the VMS, network switches facilitate the data traffic among devices, and storage devices hold the recorded footage and data. Each of these components is essential in a comprehensive system, but the primary connection between the cameras and the management software is facilitated through the VMS.