News

uControl Announces New Home Security, Monitoring and Automation (SMA) Platform (18/7/2008)

SMA Software Platform and TouchScreen Provide Simple, Flexible, Turnkey Digital Home Solutions uControl, a leading provider of next-generation home security and automation solutions, today announced an industry-changing software platform that allows service providers to deploy cutting edge Home Security, Monitoring and Automation (SMA) services. The uControl SMA Platform and accompanying TouchScreen combine to create an open, technology-agnostic infrastructure that works equally well for all homes whether they have an existing wired alarm system or require a new wireless alarm system to be installed. Beyond home security, the uControl SMA Platform delivers the next generation of digital home services that customers will demand.

The uControl TouchScreen combines an alarm system, communication gateway, and home automation platform into a single, 7-inch WVGA TouchScreen device that is about the size of a traditional alarm keypad. It can be conveniently placed anywhere within the home - whether mounted on a bedroom wall or placed on a kitchen countertop. For homes that don't already have a security system, the TouchScreen acts as a complete stand- alone wireless alarm system that communicates directly with wireless peripherals and sensors. For homes that already have a security system, the uControl TouchScreen replaces one of the existing keypads and leverages all of the existing equipment, sensors and wiring in the home. Both of these deployment scenarios offer the same feature set, user experience and operational management platforms, independent of the manufacturer of the existing security equipment.

One out of every four homes currently has a home security system already installed (Source: Home Systems: Home Security (c) 2007 Parks Associates). According to a March report from ABI Research, "Home Automation and Security," analyst Sam Lucero states that, "Telcos and broadband service providers are uniquely positioned to roll managed home automation and monitoring services out on a large scale, to publicize them, and to educate consumers about their value."

The TouchScreen leverages key enabling technologies from uControl's original service including remote control from any Web browser or cell phone, alerts via email or SMS, redundant connectivity (broadband and cellular), cameras, home automation and interoperability with existing alarm panels from Honeywell, DSC, GE and Bosch. In addition, it is a lightweight network information appliance in the home enabling service providers to deliver video, photos, web content and social networking applications via an open, standards-based Widget Platform. The Widget Platform enhances uControl's ability to control media and entertainment functions within the home, and manage thermostat and lighting controls to help homeowners manage power usage and costs. "uControl has spent the past year perfecting what we believe will revolutionize the SMA industry," said uControl President Jim Johnson. "Our service provider partners encouraged us to create a home security solution that could easily be deployed in all home environments and could serve as the launch pad for the digital home applications that their customers are beginning to demand."

www.ucontrol.com