TECHNOLOGY
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Smart Home
Alula’s New Builder Program Offers Flexibility to Security Dealers
Alula, a provider of smart security and automation systems for professional installers, launched a Builder Program for professional smart home security integrators who work with residential homebuilders. This program provides the flexibility and cost structure alarm dealers and residential integrators need to grow their business, while delivering the technology new homebuyers demand.
“Throughout the creation of this program we talked to a lot of alarm dealers across the U.S. about their ideal solution for the new construction market,” said Brian McLaughlin, CEO of Alula. “The number one thing they asked for was the ability to design packages specifically for the homebuilders they work with. Our program does just that. We provide solutions and leave it up to the integrator to customize a unique package that works for their builders. It’s by far the most flexible, cost-effective program available in the industry.”
Alula offers an integrated solution that covers the complete experience. Because of this, Alula is able to offer hardware packages at low prices and then add prepaid service plans that fit the needs of each integrator. In addition to providing the complete hardware and service solution, Alula also provides sales and marketing assets to help alarm dealers sell the value of offering a smart home experience to new homebuyers.
“A key differentiator of the Alula Builder Program is how we’re going to market,” McLaughlin said. “Alula is launching this program to our professional dealer partners. We’re remaining true to Alula’s brand by putting our dealer partners first and allowing them to customize smart home packages that work for their builder customers. Other programs in this space bypass the residential integrator and engage directly with the homebuilder.”
IMAGE COURTESY OF ALULA
Four standard service plans, ranging from 12 months to the lifetime of the original homeowner, are available. Service plans include smart device control and automation (lights, thermostats, door locks and more), live video viewing and local alarm. Alarm dealers can work with builders and homeowners to add additional services, capabilities and hardware.
Additional core benefits of the Alula Builder Program include:
- Versatility: One panel for automation, video and security.
- Customization: Select the kit that works best for the homebuilder’s needs.
- Cost-Efficiency: Save with model home discounts, remote service activation and cellular communication on demand.
- Flexibility: Alula’s platform covers wireless and hardwired applications.
- A Dynamic App: Alula’s mobile app automatically configures itself based on the services to which a homeowner has subscribed.
“Having smart home security technology installed in new construction is no longer considered an upgrade — homebuyers expect these tech features in their new homes,” said Rob Bowlin, president of Quantum Security. “We’re installing smart lights, door locks, cameras and security devices throughout the home. The great thing about the Alula program is that we can use the same equipment for automation as we do for security. Plus, the Alula platform gives us the ability to remotely activate new features, which significantly reduces costs typically incurred on return trips.”
The Alula Builder Program is available to all Alula dealers. To learn more, visit www.alula.com/builder. //
Group337 & Momentum Security Partner for Training
Group337, a team of experts focused on activating the companies, brands and people in the security industry through insights, intuition and ideas, announced a partnership with Momentum Security Training, an online, context-based education platform serving the physical security industry and its users. Members of Group337’s industry group, The Inside Community, will receive discounts and exclusive offers through the collaboration.
A division of MxV Consulting LLC, Momentum Security Training offers flexible and modular physical security training focused on new technologies and best practices for integrators, manufacturers and end users. Courses are led by seasoned security experts who have been in the field for decades.
“Group337 is excited to collaborate with Momentum Security Training to bring education and certifications to our community,” said Lee Odess, founder and CEO of Group337. “We recognize the value training and certification brings to not only young professionals in our industry but anyone looking to expand their knowledge and expertise.”
Learn more at www.momentumsecuritytraining.com. //
IMAGE COURTESY OF MOMENTUM SECURITY TRAINING
Nortek & Alarm.com Launch 2GIG New Home Program
In an effort to give builders the support they need to deploy the latest smart home technology infrastructure in their new communities, Nortek Control and Alarm.com announced the 2GIG New Home Program.
Designed as a comprehensive, future-ready solution for production and custom homebuilders, this collaborative program ensures hassle-free compatibility by combining the technologies in the family of 2GIG security and home automation products with the smart home platform from Alarm.com. In addition to a complete ecosystem of smart home products, the 2GIG New Home Program powered by Alarm.com supports builders with a range of tools such as community management, design center collaboration and sales and marketing assets to ensure the builder’s success in offering the smart home experience to their buyers.
Free and turnkey for the builder, the program is deployed and supported by a nationwide network of certified dealers selling 2GIG products, and Alarm.com service providers. This gives homebuilders access to a cost-effective, proven smart home technology along with a simplified implementation process that doesn’t require specialized installers, allowing them to continue using their existing electrical and HVAC subcontractors for installation during construction.
“Our program gives builders a variety of technology packages they can present to their homebuyers to match their specific needs and lifestyle,” said Bret Jacob, director of builder services at Nortek Control. “From smart home automation to safety and security and outdoor entertainment, each package has been thoughtfully curated to address the most requested technology needs of homebuyers today, and are the type of advanced features they will only get from professionally installed systems. This package approach enables builders to sell homes faster while making them future-ready today for buyer.”
IMAGE COURTESY OF NORTEK
The nationwide rollout of the 2GIG New Home Program powered by Alarm.com will include training, presentations and displays at several upcoming home builder events in Q3 and Q4 2021, culminating with the International Builder Show in February 2022.
Learn more at www.2gig.com/builder. //
SAFR Signs Agreement With Mobile Carrier NTT Docomo
SAFR from RealNetworks Inc., a facial recognition platform for live video, has signed a reseller agreement with NTT Docomo, Japan’s largest mobile carrier, to offer SAFR’s AI-based facial recognition software. Both companies have previously worked together to implement access control and security solutions for a large facility, a hospital and a robot. With the power of NTT Docomo’s 5G infrastructure and SAFR facial recognition, the companies plan to accelerate further enterprise security and access control deployments based on the new agreement.
“We are happy to have this new reseller agreement with RealNetworks,” said Hisakazu Tsuboya, senior vice president of NTT Docomo. “It will provide new options for our customers by offering accurate, high speed AI facial recognition capabilities in concert with our existing products to solve complex challenges for access control and surveillance while providing actionable business intelligence.”
SAFR’s efficient design yields high speed results, enabling more simultaneous face detections over low-latency 5G networks. SAFR’s small footprint also enables it to be installed on less costly edge compute platforms used for a variety of solutions including access control, watchlist-based surveillance, business intelligence and demographic analysis. Age, gender and sentiment analysis can provide real-time metrics to organizations without storing any personal identifiable information. The solution can be deployed as part of a multi-factor authentication solution as well as facilitate online payment processing and similar use cases.
“SAFR is very pleased to announce this reseller agreement with the largest mobile service company in Japan, NTT Docomo,” said Noriaki Takamura, vice president, APAC, SAFR. “This agreement will accelerate the security and access control digital transformation for enterprise customers utilizing Docomo’s high speed, low-latency 5G network with a low bias, proven, AI computer vision platform.”
Learn more at www.safr.com. //
Open Options, a provider of access control solutions, has released a DNA Fusion recertification course. The self-paced class, which is part of Open Options’ ongoing commitment to training and certification, refreshes existing customers on key concepts of the access control solution DNA Fusion, and also serves as an introduction for any new features or updates.
The new DNA Fusion recertification course reviews items like hardware, system usage, access levels and more. This approach ensures that integrator partners and end customers will be fully equipped with the knowledge and expertise to have a successful understanding of the access control system and maximize ROI and usage. The course is intended to be taken two years after the essentials certification, which takes place at the time of initial purchase.
Learn more at www.ooaccess.com.
IMAGE COURTESY OF OPEN OPTIONS
Netwatch North America, a provider of proactive video monitoring solutions, is now an authorized partner for Avigilon, a subsidiary of Motorola Solutions, specializing in the design and manufacture of AI-powered video analytics and network video management software and hardware. Through this partnership, Netwatch’s purpose-built platform for proactive video monitoring will integrate with Avigilon Control Center video management software and analytics.
As an authorized partner, Netwatch aligns to Avigilon’s rigorous standards for outstanding customer service, technical expertise and best-in-class support.
To learn more about Netwatch and PVM, visit www.netwatchusa.com.
IMAGE COURTESY OF NETWATCH
Alcatraz AI, a provider of physical security technologies, has achieved ONVIF certification. ONVIF is a non-profit organization with the mission to provide and promote standardized interfaces for effective interoperability of IP-based physical security products. Alcatraz AI is applying these standards to its facial authentication solution, The Rock, which combines advanced AI and 3D sensing technologies that provide facilities with enterprise-grade identity verification needed to create secure spaces.
Alcatraz AI’s Rock can now function as an ONVIF camera and is certified with Profile S and Profile T to provide IP-based video streaming. The Rock has always been equipped with a 2MP camera as a part of its sensor array, which makes the inclusion of the ONVIF capabilities simple for existing users.
For more information on Alcatraz AI access control solutions, visit www.alcatraz.ai.
IMAGE COURTESY OF ALCATRAZ AI
Splan Inc., a developer of open-architecture security software for the physical security industry, unveiled a unified mobile credentialing platform that integrates seamlessly to a wide range of access control systems. Splan’s open architecture philosophy provides a seamless connection for customers by automating the check-in process for visitors, employees and contractors. Users can pair the simplicity of Splan’s Unified Mobile Credentialing Solution with their current access control and mobile credentialing system, giving customers the power of choice when it comes to access control and protecting their facility while improving digital experience, safety and compliance.
Learn more at www.splan.com.
IMAGE COURTESY OF SPLAN
