Websites using Shinobi

Okay, let s break down Shinobi, covering its overview, revenue (as much as we can estimate), alternatives, pricing, and customer care.

Shinobi: Overview

Shinobi is an open-source, self-hosted video management platform designed primarily for surveillance and security camera systems. It aims to provide a flexible and powerful alternative to commercial video management systems. Key features include:

• Live Viewing: Real-time viewing of camera feeds.
• Recording: Configurable recording schedules and motion detection.
• Motion Detection: Triggers recordings and alerts based on movement.
• Mobile App: Allows viewing and management from smartphones.
• Multiple Camera Support: Compatible with a wide range of IP cameras and RTSP streams.
• Scalability: Can be scaled to handle many cameras, though performance depends on the server hardware.
• API: Provides an API for integration with other systems.
• Open-Source: Free to use and modify, licensed under AGPLv3.
• Cross-Platform: Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows (though Linux is the most recommended).
• Customization: Highly customizable, allowing for tailored solutions.

Revenue

Being open-source software with an AGPLv3 license, Shinobi itself does not have a direct revenue stream in the traditional sense. Here s what s usually the case with revenue in such situations:

• No Licensing Fees: Users do not pay to download, install, or use the core software.
• Optional Sponsorships/Donations: The project may accept donations through platforms like Patreon or Open Collective, but this is often a small amount and doesn t constitute regular revenue for a business.
• Potential for Consulting/Support: Individuals or companies may offer paid services like setup, configuration, or custom development around Shinobi. This isn t handled directly by the core Shinobi project, and we don t have an idea on that scale.
• Community Driven: The vast majority of the work is done by community members, contributors, and volunteer developers.

Therefore, we cannot provide concrete revenue data for Shinobi. Its existence is driven by the open-source community and not by a commercial revenue model.

Alternatives to Shinobi

Here are some alternatives to Shinobi, categorized by their primary focus and nature (Open Source vs. Commercial):

Open-Source Alternatives:

• ZoneMinder: A very mature and feature-rich open-source video surveillance software. It is another popular option but is often perceived as more complex to set up compared to Shinobi.
• MotionEyeOS: Lightweight Linux distribution specifically for video surveillance, focusing on ease of use and resource efficiency, but it has less features than Shinobi or ZoneMinder.
• Frigate: Uses machine learning for object detection to reduce false positive motion alerts.
• Bluecherry: A more recent open-source platform with enterprise capabilities.

Commercial Alternatives:

• Blue Iris: Popular Windows-based software offering many features, often praised for its stability. It is a popular option for advanced users.
• Milestone XProtect: A robust commercial video management system, targeted at larger installations and enterprises.
• Genetec Security Center: Another enterprise-grade solution with advanced analytics and features.
• iSpy: Windows-based software which may be easier to use than Blue Iris
• Reolink Client: If you only use Reolink cameras, their own software is a good option.
• Dahua SmartPSS: Similar to Reolink s software, for those who only use Dahua cameras.
• Hikvision iVMS: Similar to Reolink s software, for those who only use Hikvision cameras.
• Arlo Secure/Ring Protect: Cloud-based security platforms suitable for residential use.
• Nest Aware: Cloud-based surveillance with deep learning features.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Alternative:

• Complexity: Some are simpler to set up than others.
• Features: What recording, alerting, and analytics do you need?
• Scalability: How many cameras will you have?
• Platform: Is it Windows, Linux, or Cloud based?
• Cost: Free (open-source) vs. Paid (commercial).

Pricing

As mentioned before, Shinobi is free to use (Open Source under the AGPLv3 license). You are not required to pay for the software itself. However, you will have the following costs:

• Hardware:
  • Server: You will need a computer to run the server software. You could use old hardware, but if you need lots of cameras, you will require something more powerful.
  • Storage: You need hard drives or other storage for recordings.
  • Cameras: Obviously, you need the actual security cameras.
• Time and Effort: You need technical skill to set up and maintain the software. If you prefer easier setup, you can consider commercial options.
• Optional Support: If you can t set it up by yourself, you can search for consulting services from individuals or companies.

Customer Care

Since Shinobi is an open-source project, there is no official customer support team in the traditional sense. Instead, users rely on these support channels:

• Community Forums/Discussions:
  • GitHub Discussions: This is often the primary place for support and feature requests.
  • Discord Channel: The Shinobi community has a discord where users can seek support.
• Documentation: The Shinobi project maintains documentation, but it may not cover every scenario.
• Community Contributions: The community of users may help through blog posts, guides, and forum answers.
• No Guaranteed Response Time: Response times may vary depending on the availability of community members.

Key Takeaways

• Shinobi is a free, open-source, self-hosted video management system.
• It s ideal for those comfortable with setting up and managing their own server.
• It doesn t have a commercial revenue stream; it relies on community support.
• Alternatives range from other open-source projects to paid commercial solutions.
• Support is community-driven, not through a dedicated team.

If you re interested in Shinobi, it s a great option for users seeking flexibility and control over their surveillance system but are technically savvy. If you are less technical and would prefer a more straightforward experience, a commercial option would likely be better.