Anyone have experience with python and ip cameras?

pull data from the stored sd card

i m assuming itd be fairly simple, but just curious if anyone already has experience to help me with the 'do's-and-don'ts"
 
 
we plan to have 11 lpr cameras over 11 locations and will need to compare that data with our database. it will need to be automated therefore I need to design some system to pull the data from the 11 cameras. There is plenty software designed for this, but the camera is what does the lpr - not the software - so that is why i am using python rather than installing software on every single computer.