Home Automation EZine
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Volume 5 Issue 4
Aug / Sep 2000

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Home Toys Article
- August 2000 -
[HTI Home Page]

[Click Message To Learn More]

The Changing Landscape of the Security Industry
 and how one Company is Addressing it.
by Sandy Roy - Home Automation Inc.

Another important development for the security industry is to make systems available remotely by not only the telephone, but also via an Internet connection. The Internet has changed the way people use computers and access information. It has also reduced much of the fear consumers have with computers in general.


The security industry is facing more hurdles now than in the past and must be able to adapt with the fast paced and ever changing technologies that are emerging. Companies should design systems and products that focus more on ease of use, value (not just price), and the Internet. This is contrary to the industry's goals of the cheapest systems possible and monitoring contracts of the past. Many automation companies have seen a large number of security-only installers moving to product lines that provide more than just security system features. Understanding the homeowner's lifestyle, service contracts, and stronger referrals are all additional skills being learned by these installers. Many of them realize that if they don't integrate a customer's home, someone else will. This "leaving money on the table" penalty has helped cause this shift in philosophy. They are also looking to purchase products more from automation manufacturers to assure the tightest integration possible in the systems they install. The problem with acquiring automation systems in the past that combine security, fire protection, comprehensive temperature control, extensive lighting control, flexible programming, and open communication capabilities were that they were too expensive. A new product from HAI, a leading manufacturer in the Home Automation Industry since 1985, is changing all of that. Others will soon follow offering inexpensive automation systems, and in turn, will help advance the security & automation markets to new heights

HAI's OmniLT system has an incredible amount of capabilities at a price a true automation system could only dream about in the past. Due to faster processors and advancing technologies, HAI has filled the LT (Latest Technology) with all of the features that most installers want in a controller: built-in serial port, Contact ID support, 2-wire smoke support, Hardwired lighting control, and much more. This can all be purchased at a price that will make them competitive with security-only systems. The OmniLT is the first integrated security and automation system designed specifically to meet the needs and budgets of residents who live in smaller homes, condos, townhouses, smart apartments and small businesses. While designed and priced for smaller installations, OmniLT shares the powerful features of its larger siblings, the Omni and OmniPro. The system accepts standard sensors for intrusion, fire, temperature, controls for heating/cooling, lights and appliances for comfort, convenience, peace of mind and energy savings. The OmniLT is accessible by telephone, PC, and the Internet via HAI's award winning Web-Link software. Comprehensive communications, true automation programming, expandability and low cost make OmniLT a force to be reckoned with in the security industry. Systems like, and including, the OmniLT will change the face of the security industry by offering a powerful combination of features at a surprisingly low price. This will continue to blur the lines between security and automation markets and propel both markets to higher levels of capabilities and even lower prices.

Another important development for the security industry is to make systems available remotely by not only the telephone, but also via an Internet connection. The Internet has changed the way people use computers and access information. It has also reduced much of the fear consumers have with computers in general. Now a new breed of software is making controlling your house via the Internet a simple and terrific way to maintain control of your house from anywhere in the world. Consumers can now access their home to adjust the temperature in their living room, verify that their kids have arrived home from school, or unlock the house for an unexpected guest - all over the Internet with HAI's award winning Web-Link software. With the click of a mouse, HAI Web-Link users can access their residence using a standard Web browser. It works with the entire Omni family of controllers from HAI. HAI's Web-Link allows users to adjust settings for lighting, heating and air, security and appliances using the familiar "point and click" ease of software for Windows. Web-Link will work on a single PC or a group of PC's on a local network in a home. For an installer, the software is a dream come true. The software requires no set-up as it automatically generates WebPages from an HAI controller and it doesn't allow homeowners to manipulate the installer or programming sections of HAI controllers. Best of all, this software is available at an unheard of price for such sophistication and is a "must-have" software for all homeowners with HAI systems for graphical control of their house inside or outside their home.

For more information about the HAI Products mentioned in this article, please call 800-229-7256 or visit www.homeauto.com