Integration with RACS 5 – REST API vs. WCF: Why Choose Modern Solutions?
Modern security systems cannot operate in isolation. Office buildings, industrial facilities, and public institutions require an integrated environment in which solutions such as access control, monitoring, alarm systems, and BMS platforms work together in real time. Integration has become a standard that delivers tangible benefits: higher operational efficiency, faster incident response, and more convenient facility management.
How does Roger approach this?
At Roger, we have been supporting integrators for years in building cohesive security environments. The RACS 5 system was designed with openness, flexibility, and seamless communication with third-party applications in mind. Starting from version 2.1.2, two integration methods are available:
- WCF (Windows Communication Foundation) – a proven technology that for many years served as the foundation for communication within Windows environments, used in advanced SOAP/WS-* scenarios.
- REST API – a modern, HTTP-based interface that is simple to implement, platform-independent, and ideal for both web and mobile applications.
Both technologies enable communication with the Integration Server provided within the RogerSVC software, yet they differ in their architectural approach, flexibility, and ease of implementation.
How to start integrating with RACS 5?
Integration with RACS 5 system is performed through the Integration Server included in the RogerSVC software. We support integrators by providing comprehensive documentation and sample C# implementations. This accelerates project initiation, reduces the risk of errors, and shortens the proof-of-concept phase—whether using WCF or REST API.
Summary
At Roger, we consistently embrace open standards and modern technologies that genuinely simplify integrators’ work and enhance the security of facilities. While WCF remains a supported option in scenarios requiring complex SOAP/WS-* communication, it is the REST API that offers a straightforward, flexible, and scalable integration path—regardless of platform or application type.
For integrators, this translates into faster deployments, lower costs, and greater compatibility with the wide range of systems and technologies used in contemporary buildings. Ultimately, the nature of integration and the client’s requirements determine which technology is the best fit.
