Video management software (VMS) allows you to record and view live video from multiple surveillance cameras—either IP-based or analog cameras with an encoder—monitor alarms, control cameras and retrieve recordings from an archive. Because they are IP-based, VMS systems are more expandable and flexible than DVR-based systems, and employees can control the software from anywhere on the network. Surveillance and security teams can use the software for live monitoring, as well as investigative and forensic purposes, using archived footage.