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Follow up on home automation - are you licensed
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Ken
    FYI.  Reference Home Automation.  In New Jersey alarm contractors can easily exceed the "purview" of their license doing home automation. Changing a thermostat or other energy management requires a HVAC license, changing a lock (not installing a new one on a new job) requires a locksmith license (it is not covered by alarm license as "access" system in most circumstances), water shut offs require a plumbing license, cameras require an alarm license, lighting requires an electrician license (including replacing switches or receptacles with Zwave or other units), and even network, telephone, and CATV require a "communication wiring exemption permit" which is basically a license from Department of Consumer Affairs. So as the old cop show, Hill Street Blues, used to start out with: "Be careful out there".    
Glenn Smith, Owner 
Alarm Service Company of N.J.
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Response
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    Most likely your admonition applies to most states, not just the "garden" state.  You can add to your list Home Improvement Contractor license if you're building a cabinet.  While the new Standard Home Automation and Integration Agreement covers you for your home automation services, as does the Residential All in One when selling security too, it does not assure that you are properly licensed; that's your obligation.  Check with your state and local licensing agencies to be sure you have the appropriate license [and training] to do the work you intend doing.
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Security v home automation for RMR and verified alarms more effective
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Ken,
    I understand all the discussion on home automation because the “internet of things” is becoming a way of life.  I still think it is important, however, not to forget that it is SECURITY what underpins the RMR generation in even the home automation side of the business.  The internet of thing is typically “free” at Home Depot, Best Buy or Amazon unless there is a security component that people are willing to pay for.
    Security is still the most important concept and professionally monitored video verified alarms unquestionably deliver greater and more valuable security.  The question is, “How much better?”
    Here is an interesting explanation with why Rob Baxter of Radius Security in Vancouver believes that his verified alarms are 1,000 times better than a traditional alarm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlXMGu-lT7g
    I understand that Rob’s approach may be controversial or up for debate.  He brings lots of variable to the table in his discussion.  We may or may not agree with Rob that his alarms are actually 1,000 times better, but what if they are only 10 times better or even 5 times better – what is that worth?  Security is still the foundation for the RMR engine and better security should drive better RMR.
Keith Jentoft
www.videofied.com
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Response
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    Two interesting points.  Let's start with the easy one first, verified alarms.  There should be little disagreement that verified alarms cut down on false alarms, unnecessary police response and therefore the verified alarms that are dispatched are more likely to result in successful arrests from a statistical perspective.  I am sure that the most used method of alarm verification is ECV, electronic call verification, a fancy way of describing a telephone call by the central station to the premises to try and talk to someone and ascertain if there is a real alarm condition or an alarm that does not require dispatch.  Other methods of verification include Videofied video clips and other camera or audio data feed to the central station to view or listen in at the premises.  Most central stations engage in some form of verification even if a local jurisdiction does not require verification, and more and more jurisdictions are requiring verification.  Even in jurisdictions that do not require verification police response priority will prioritize verified alarms over unverified alarms.  So verified alarms is the American way; apple pie.  
    As to the second issue, the RMR business model, I am not so sure that the alarm industry can take credit for that, and I am not so sure that security systems remains the first class model to the exclusion of other services.  No doubt the alarm industry has embraced the RMR model.  So has the garbage industry, pin ball and game machines, ATM machines and a lot more industries that just don't come to mind at the moment.  Keith may be right that it was security that "underpins" the RMR generation.  That's because electronic security came first, then home automation.  But if the name of the game is RMR then all electronic system RMR is in play.  Plenty of security professionals will proudly let you know they won't install anything other than security or fire alarm systems.  Home entertainment professionals, not necessarily  holding alarm licenses but low voltage or home improvement or no license, may let you know that they won't waste their time with a security or fire system because they are too busy installing hundred thousand dollar entertainment systems.  Not too many hundred thousand dollar alarm systems in residences [anyone bidding on the new Bush home alarm?].  With remote access, interactive systems and communication pathways passing through manufacturer's servers, the home automation systems lend themselves to RMR opportunity.  So, security, fire or home automation.  One's not better than the other.  They all offer the opportunity for RMR.  Go get your RMR under contract.  Be sure you're using the latest Residential All in One and the new Home Automation and Integration Agreement.
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