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Episode 10

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Published on:

16th Sep 2025

Unifying Forces: ONVIF's Collaborative Approach to Security

Steve welcomes Leo Levit, chair of ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum), to talk about the evolution of IP security standards. Leo and Steve discuss ONVIF's journey from its founding by Axis, Bosch, and Sony in 2008, overcoming initial skepticism, to becoming the standard for interoperability. Leo highlights ONVIF's growth, noting the increasing number of conformant products, even from companies initially resistant to open standards. He covers ONVIF's current and future initiatives, such as integrating IP audio with VMS, developing a cloud profile for camera-to-cloud communication, and creating a working group for data-driven applications. Leo and Steve also discuss efforts to maintain video authenticity amid AI advancements, ensuring trust in video content. The conversation highlights ONVIF's dedication to innovation and interoperability, providing valuable insights for industry insiders and end-users as ONVIF continues to shape security technology's future.

About our guest:

Leo Levit is a business leader with a unique combination of a strong technical and sales background, product management experience, passionate leadership, winning commercial mindset and entrepreneurship. Leo is the Steering Committee Chairman of ONVIF and leads the major industry standardisation alliance within the physical security industry.  As Director of System Integration (Solution Management), Leo believes in experience, trust, passion and result. These key words describe a business-driven leader in the international environment. Leo’s passion is to drive company growth and profitability by business excellence and focus on customer needs, as well as educating, and guiding manufacturers on interoperability, integration and the future of technological innovation.

Connect with Leo on LinkedIn


Chapters:

The Future of ONVIF (0:00:06)

Leo Levitt discusses the origins and growth of ONVIF, highlighting its evolution from industry skepticism to becoming the standard for interoperability in IP-based security systems.

Interoperability and Membership in ONVIF (0:16:14)

This chapter delves into ONVIF's current initiatives, such as integrating IP audio systems with VMS and developing cloud profiles, while emphasizing the organization's consensus-driven approach among its nearly 500 member companies.

Technical Innovations and Future Directions (0:31:14)

The conversation explores ONVIF's efforts in areas like signed video for maintaining video integrity, potential future collaborations with building automation systems, and the importance of open standards for end-users and manufacturers alike.


Resources:

Visit the ONVIF Official Website

Get info on the Security Industry Association (SIA)


Meet your host Steve Kenny: Steve has spent 14 years in the security sector undertaking various roles that have seen him take responsibility for key elements of mission critical, high profile projects across a number of different vertical markets. For the last several years, Steve has focused his attention on how technologies can best complement day to day operations and specifically address operational issues by supporting the A&E consultant community across Northern Europe. Steve is a committee member for ASIS International focusing on Education for the security sector and the UK technology advisor for TINYg (Terrorist Information New York group).

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn

More about Axis Communications: Axis enables a smarter and safer world by improving security, safety, operational efficiency, and business intelligence. As a network technology company and industry leader, Axis offers video surveillance, access control, intercoms, and audio solutions. These are enhanced by intelligent analytics applications and supported by high-quality training. 

Axis has around 5,000 dedicated employees in over 50 countries and collaborates with technology and system integration partners worldwide to deliver customer solutions. Axis was founded in 1984, and the headquarters are in Lund, Sweden.

Find out more about Axis Communications - Innovating for a smarter, safer world

https://www.axis.com/

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About the Podcast

Security Tech Talk
Conversations with security industry disruptors and innovators
We talk to security industry leaders, disruptors, and innovators with strong views and opinions on the future of topics like physical security, smart buildings, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and more. We dig into the latest tech trends, explore how security is shaping the world, and delve into those tricky regulations (like NIS2, the Cyber Resilience Act, the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, the UK's Product Security, Telecommunications, Infrastructure Act and more) that keep everyone on their toes. We are here to talk about technology trends, explore the big issues facing the security industry, and provide valuable insights that will support you and your business. Join us as we uncover important information to help you come away feeling well-educated and prepared for the future. This podcast is brought to you by Axis Communications Inc. - innovating for a smarter, safer world.

About your host

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Steven Kenny

Steven Kenny – Manager, Architecture & Engineering Program – EMEA, Axis Communications.
With two decades of experience in the security industry, Steven Kenny has played active roles in numerous high-profile projects, both domestically and internationally. Over the last eleven years, his focus has been on understanding how security technologies can best support business security strategies, all while advocating for the heightened importance of cybersecurity and compliance within the physical security field.

Currently leading a team of Architect and Engineering managers across the EMEA region, Steven remains committed to contributing positively to global security practices. He is actively involved in industry associations and international standards organizations, seeking to collaboratively shape the landscape of security.

In a more behind-the-scenes capacity, Steven has provided consultative support to a national steering group instrumental in establishing the Secure by Design, Secure by Default certification. His close collaboration with the UK Surveillance Camera Commissioner reflects his dedication to enhancing standards in the physical security sector. As a speaker at international security conferences, Steven has modestly shared insights that have contributed to the industry's development and the identification of key technology trends.

Beyond his professional commitments, Steven has volunteered his expertise, previously serving as Director of Systems, Information, and Cyber Security for ASIS International and the UK chapter, before being elected as a board director. He also serves on the EMEA Advisor Council as the emerging technology lead for TiNYg (Global Terrorism Information Network). Additionally, he contributes to various standards committees supporting IoT security and plays a role in the BSI Private Security Management and Services. Steven Kenny's humble dedication has made a meaningful impact on the global security landscape, positioning him as a valued contributor to the industry.