What it means
ONVIF groups its specifications into profiles. A product that conforms to a profile supports a defined set of functions. The profiles most used for cameras are S (basic video streaming and control), T (advanced streaming, including H.265 and event handling), G (recording and storage on the device) and M (metadata and analytics events). Conformance is declared per product, and ONVIF lists conformant products on its website.
How it applies in India
Indian smart city and highway tenders often name ONVIF profiles, because the integrated command and control centre must take video and events from many brands. When a tender says "ONVIF compliant", check which profiles it asks for, and confirm the offered model appears on the ONVIF conformant product list. Analytics events, such as an ANPR read, need Profile M or a documented API. The Recon camera supports ONVIF Profiles S, T, M and G.