Inside Generation 6: Foundational Changes Shaping the Future of Network Optix Solutions
In this guide, we walk you through the foundational changes introduced in Generation 6 (Gen 6) and what they mean for Network Optix’s partners and end-users. For a full library of Gen 6 materials, visit our Nx Gen 6 Resources page.
Generation 6 isn’t just another software update; it marks a major evolution for Network Optix, redefining our role in video management and positioning us at the forefront of intelligent video solutions for actionable intelligence and data-driven operations at scale.
Alongside powerful new features, Gen 6 introduces structural changes designed to support our partners and customers during this transition and well into the future. Let’s dive into these updates and explore how they enhance the value we deliver.
Quick Links
- Nx EVOS: Expanding Our Vision
- Generation-Based Versioning and Continuous Release Cadence
- Evolution of Product Variants: Pro and Enterprise
- Gen 6 Architectural Updates
- Services and Billing in Gen 6 Enterprise
- Exclusive Capabilities of Gen 6 Enterprise
- Upgrade Opportunity and Onboarding
- Priority Support and Training
- Gen 6 Enterprise Release Schedule
- Gen 6 Terminology Glossary
Nx EVOS: Expanding Our Vision
Earlier this year we introduced Nx EVOS, or Nx Enterprise Video Operating System, marking the culmination of an over a decade-long vision (Learn more).
Traditionally recognized as a leading VMS provider through Nx Witness, Network Optix has now evolved to deliver a broader operational management platform with video data at its core, known as Nx EVOS. Gen 6 reflects this shift, expanding our offerings beyond traditional security systems to enterprise-grade, cloud-based, data-driven solutions across various industries and applications.
Nx EVOS is our comprehensive platform for data-driven operations, designed to power customized, enterprise-grade intelligent video applications. Built on Nx EVOS, our product lineup now includes:
Product |
Brief Description |
Nx Witness Pro |
A continuation of our robust, widely respected VMS tailored for security, available under a perpetual licensing model. |
Nx Witness Enterprise |
A cloud-based, infinitely scalable variant of Nx Witness VMS, optimized for large-scale, multi-Site operations. |
Nx Go |
A visual infrastructure intelligence platform focused on transportation, equipped with tools for urban infrastructure management. |
For more on the exclusive capabilities in Nx Witness Enterprise and Nx Go, see Gen 6 Enterprise Exclusive Capabilities.
Key Changes in Generation 6
1. Generation-Based Versioning and Continuous Release Cadence
With Gen 6, we’re transitioning from traditional version numbering (like v5.1) to a generation-based system (Gen 6, Gen 7), treating each release as a milestone in our platform’s evolution. With this shift, we’ve also decoupled our platform stack, allowing key components—such as Nx Cloud, Nx Connect, and Nx AI Manager—to be updated and deployed independently, eliminating the need for large bundled releases. To keep our partners up-to-date, we’ll provide quarterly summaries of new features and improvements made available during that period.
What this Means for Our Partners and Customers:
- Continuous Updates: This new model allows us to roll out enhancements continuously, ensuring your solution is always equipped with the latest tools and features.
- Reduced Disruption: Smaller, more frequent updates help minimize disruption, offering end-users an uninterrupted experience by mitigating the risks of multiple changes all at once.
This evolution in versioning and release cadence aligns with our commitment to delivering responsive, future-forward solutions that meet the evolving demands of modern enterprises.
2. Evolution of Product Variants: Pro and Enterprise
To better serve our diverse user base, we’ve refined our product offerings into two distinct variants: Pro and Enterprise.
Variant |
Description |
Pro |
A continuation of our traditional perpetual licensing model, the Pro variant of our software is available for Nx Witness Pro VMS. Designed for small to medium-sized organizations, Nx Witness Pro offers a video surveillance solution with no ongoing subscription fees, providing access to the latest features and core stack improvements without altering existing licenses. |
Enterprise |
Designed for large-scale operations, Enterprise is a cloud-centric, subscription-based variant of the Nx product suite that builds on Pro features with exclusive capabilities optimized for complex, multi-Site needs. Offered via a flexible monthly subscription, it’s ideal for enterprises, municipalities, and organizations requiring centralized, scalable video management across numerous devices and locations. Enterprise is available for solutions built with Nx EVOS, including Nx Witness Enterprise and Nx Go. |
- Cloud-Centric Approach: Gen 6 Enterprise represents a focused effort to expand and strengthen Nx Cloud, introducing new features, enhancements to its infrastructure, and an ever-growing suite of cloud-based Services. (Learn more about the enhancements to Nx Cloud in Gen 6)
- Scalable Organization Layer: A new architectural layer enables infinite scalability under a unified “Organization” for centralized user management of complex, multi-Site deployments.
- Subscription Model: A flexible, usage-based monthly subscription that allows Services to be added or removed as operational demands change. (detailed later)
- Channel-based Sales with Nx Connect: Gen 6 Enterprise empowers partners, resellers, and system installers with a unified, secure portal to efficiently manage and sell licenses to downstream channels. (Learn more)
These product variants allow us to offer tailored solutions that support a wide range of applications—from small businesses with traditional VMS needs to large organizations with extensive video and data management demands.
3. Gen 6 Architectural Updates
Gen 6 introduces new architectural limits and optimizations designed to maximize stability, scalability, and performance in large-scale deployments. Key changes include:
- Maximized Server Capacity: Each server can now support up to 256 cameras (up from 128), while the maximum number of servers per Site is soft-capped at 10 (total of 2,560 devices), reducing network strain for enhanced stability and performance.
- Centralized Control for Enterprise Deployments: The new Organizations architectural layer enables scalable, centralized management of multi-Site systems for streamlined control and organization.
These enhancements are essential for maintaining system performance in high-demand environments, ensuring systems remain robust and future-proof as they scale. For an in-depth overview of Gen 6’s architectural updates and how they improve system efficiency, check out our dedicated article on architecture enhancements.
4. Types of Services and Billing in Gen 6 Enterprise
In line with our subscription-based model, Gen 6 Enterprise introduces several types of subscription licenses known as “Services”, with more to come in future updates as we continue to innovate and build out the Nx stack. The table below reflects our current service offerings.
Service |
Description |
Nx Core Service |
The primary service that grants access to all core features in addition to new enterprise and cloud-enabled capabilities, and video wall features. |
Demo Nx Core Service |
A 30-day trial of Nx Core Service, for resellers to offer prospective customers an opportunity to test Enterprise. |
Credit Nx Core Service |
A time-limited credit of Nx Core Service to ease the transition for existing Pro license users to Enterprise at no cost. Please note: once a credit period expires, Services will automatically be billed. |
Nx Maps Nx Core Service |
Enables device placement on maps created with Nx Maps, available free for the lifetime of early adopters prior to the release of Nx Maps 2.0. |
Nx AI Manager Service |
Enables users to utilize the full edge pipeline and cloud management of the Nx AI Manager, requiring one service per device. |
Services can be added at any time during the month and are billed based on usage at the end of each calendar month. This usage-based model gives organizations the flexibility to scale as their needs evolve, only paying for the resources they consume.
Gen 6 also introduces a new live-streaming policy, requiring a license for continuous streaming. To avoid inhibiting installers during system setup, a streaming limit has been added for unlicensed devices, allowing a short trial window before timing out and then repeating.
Gen 6 Enterprise Exclusive Capabilities: Overview
Gen 6 Enterprise introduces several advanced tools that streamline management and optimize system operations at scale. The table below provides a brief overview of key capabilities, with links to explore each in more detail:
Enterprise Capability |
Description |
Nx Maps |
A GIS-based 2D/3D mapping tool that enhances monitoring and management of IP devices through advanced geolocation visualization. Nx Maps provides a global view of your entire system, enhancing situational awareness and enabling faster, more informed decision-making. (More on Nx Maps) |
Nx AI Manager |
A universal AI inference pipeline that optimizes AI models to run on a wide range of industry-leading accelerators. With customizable pre- and post-processing configurations, Nx AI Manager provides seamless AI deployment and scalability across environments. (More on Nx AI Manager) |
Nx Connect |
A subscription management portal for resellers and installers to manage and sell Services and oversee licenses and billing in a secure, unified system. Designed to streamline administration, Nx Connect gives channel partners comprehensive control and visibility over their business operations. (More on Nx Connect) |
These new components expand the functionality of our platform, offering a new level of efficiency and centralized control for large-scale video and data management.
Exclusive Upgrade Opportunity for Existing Users and Onboarding
For existing Nx Witness Pro users interested in upgrading, we’re offering a license conversion program allowing Pro licenses purchased before January 1, 2025 to be exchanged for a two-year Nx Core Service credit (with licenses purchased after this date receiving a 12-month credit). This program allows long-time users to adopt the benefits of Enterprise while preserving their initial license investment, with full support from our team to make the transition as seamless as possible.
How To Convert Licenses: To convert licenses, a user or administrator simply needs to add their system to an Organization. Once added, any existing perpetual licenses will automatically be credited with two years of service after confirming the conversion through a warning dialog. Please note: once converted, Enterprise licenses cannot be reverted to Pro licenses.
Additionally, we’ve developed an Off-Ramp License for Enterprise customers who may experience unexpected budget cuts, allowing customers to maintain Nx Core Service recording functionality and access local updates at no cost.
Support and Training for Gen 6 Enterprise
To support large-scale deployments, we’re introducing priority support for Enterprise customers, offering faster response times and specialized troubleshooting. Additionally, we’re launching a revamped training program designed to educate partners and end-users on all the features and capabilities of our platform, both existing and new, to help them get the most out of Nx solutions, promoting customer success and long-term engagement.
- Priority Support: Faster response times, tailored for high-impact issues in large-scale deployments. Plus, chat-based support for instant assistance (coming soon).
- New Training Program: Structured courses to help resellers and end-users leverage the full feature set of our stack, strengthening user expertise and fostering customer loyalty.
These offerings underscore our commitment to customer success, helping our partners deploy, sell, and manage Network Optix solutions with confidence.
Gen 6 Enterprise Release Schedule
Following a successful initial rollout in Oceania, Gen 6 Enterprise is now expanding internationally. To ensure a smooth rollout, Gen 6 Enterprise is gradually being made available to select partners via a waitlist. This phased approach allows us to test onboarding processes, address any region-specific needs or challenges, and ensure optimal support for inaugural systems.
Join Us In Shaping The Future Of Enterprise Video Solutions
Generation 6 isn't just an update; it’s an evolution for Network Optix and our partners, moving us forward in our mission to redefine video as a tool for actionable, data-driven operational intelligence. With Nx EVOS and the Nx product suite, we’re enabling the creation and deployment of comprehensive, highly customizable intelligent video solutions that grow with your organization.
Ready to elevate your operations?
Join the Gen 6 Enterprise waitlist today and be part of the next chapter in enterprise video intelligence:
Gen 6 Terminology Glossary
Term |
Description |
Enterprise |
Refers to Network Optix’s subscription-based offerings, designed for large-scale, cloud-centric video and data management. |
Pro |
Refers to Network Optix’s perpetual-based offerings, ideal for small to medium-sized deployments. |
Gen (x) |
Refers to a generation of the Network Optix platform, grouping multiple updates or releases of various platform components. Formerly “Version (x)”. |
Organization |
(Enterprise only) A collection of one or more Sites managed under a single end-user, referred to as an “Organization”, enabling centralized user management. |
Site |
A server or a group of servers merged together for local access and failover capabilities. Previously referred to as a “Hive”. |
System |
A general term for the combined software and hardware environment within an Organization or end-user, including its Sites, servers, devices, operators, etc. |
Service |
(Enterprise only) Recurring subscription offerings from Network Optix, such as Nx Core Service or Nx Maps Nx Core Service. |
EVOS |
Acronym for “Enterprise Video Operating System”, an advanced video platform that leverages video data to help organizations build enterprise-grade solutions that improve operational efficiency through video intelligence insights. |
Nx EVOS |
Network Optix’s Enterprise Video Operating System platform, designed to empower businesses and developers to create custom, data-driven intelligent video solutions or infrastructure. |