Start with the operating problem
List the tasks your team struggles with: keeping servers current, finding footage, administering permissions, supporting remote sites or maintaining an integration. A platform replacement should solve a documented problem that an upgrade or configuration change cannot reasonably address.
Avoid comparing a basic XProtect proposal with a fully managed cloud quote. Assign responsibility for storage, patching, backups, accounts and support in each option. These responsibilities affect both cost and day-to-day workload.
| Path | When it belongs on the shortlist | Decision to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Keep or upgrade XProtect | Existing recording and integrations meet the main requirements | Supported version, licenses, device drivers and maintenance scope |
| XProtect with a supported integration | A specific capability is missing | Compatibility, support ownership and the cost of keeping both products |
| Genetec Security Center | Video and access workflows need evaluation together | Proposed edition/deployment, controllers, cameras and licensing |
| Eagle Eye Networks | Evaluate a cloud-managed recording architecture | Supported cameras, site appliances, bandwidth and retention |
| Avigilon Unity or Alta | Evaluate the appropriate video product family | Device support and analytics for that exact product |
| Verkada | Evaluate Command with native or supported third-party cameras | Connector requirements, feature parity and renewal terms |
Prove compatibility before buying licenses
Export a device inventory without credentials. Include model, firmware, recording settings, location and the functions the operator uses. Check this against the proposed system, not a brand-level statement that it is open-platform.
Milestone’s supported-device resources distinguish XProtect and Arcules deployment options. Arcules also documents its XProtect plugin. Check supported versions and connection requirements if that path addresses the problem without replacing the entire estate.
For third-party cameras in Verkada, review Command Connector support and capacity. A comparison that simply says Verkada requires every camera to be replaced can miss an available option. Conversely, supported connection does not establish every analytics feature will transfer.
Put the full cost beside the current renewal
Ask each provider to itemize software, appliances or servers, storage, installation, recurring fees and support. Include changes to networks and camera power, training, archive access and the overlap between old and new contracts. Current license availability and renewal terms should come from a dated quote.
Use the five-year quote worksheet with consistent retention and recording assumptions. Use the Genetec guide for its sourced subscription reference, not as a price estimate for XProtect or another vendor.
Run a small operational acceptance test
Have the person who normally handles incidents retrieve and export a clip with the proposed account permissions. Test representative cameras and the required integration. Agree on a controlled recording-recovery test and document any feature gaps before authorizing a broader cutover.
Keep the old archive accessible for the approved retention period. Record responsibility for decommissioning, account removal, configuration backups and administrator training. A successful new live view does not prove that all historic evidence remains usable.
The separate reuse and migration guide provides an inventory worksheet and decision checklist without lengthening this comparison. Review camera installation and structured cabling when the physical infrastructure also needs work.
Discuss your XProtect upgrade
Tec-Tel can help compare a supported extension with a phased platform change. Send the site count, current version, equipment list if available and the task you need to improve. Book a free consultation or call 855-577-0400.
Sources reviewed September 22, 2026: Milestone supported devices, Arcules XProtect integration, Verkada Command Connector, and Genetec Security Center SaaS.