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VoIP SERVICE EXPLAINED
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Ken,
    I believe you and some of your subscribers are using the term VoIP and monitoring over VoIP loosely; not surprising as there are lots of variations, not much official documentation, and lots of misinformation.  
    The difference between connecting a dialer to VoIP lines vs. connecting an internet communicator to the LAN (Local Area Network) port provided by the ISP (Internet Service Provider) who also provides the VoIP, is very important to understand and seems to be the most often confused. 
    I like to explain it in these terms.  VoIP is VOICE lines, with simulated dial tone, that are provided by an internet service provider (ISP), and those VOICE audio frequencies are converted to internet data for transmission of the Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP).   
    The alarm signals coming from an alarm dialer are not pure voice audio (audio mixed with digital data) and therefore they don’t get converted or transmitted reliably to the other end (the Central Station).  VoIP is designed for VOICE applications (have I emphasized this enough?).  No matter what flavor, no matter which ISP/VoIP company, connecting an alarm system dialer up to these lines is a very bad idea, for about 10 reasons I won’t repeat here.  Even if techs claim they can make it work , even if your VoIP ISP claims it’s a MFVN (a relatively “good” VoIP provider –it might work 95% of the time), it’s still designed and optimized for VOICE, not data, and certainly not life-safety signaling data, and will not work 99.9% of the time. 
    The best solution is using a combination internet and cellular communicator  (e.g. Honeywell has several flavors).  In this configuration the internet communicator is connected to a customer’s LAN port on a network “switch” or router (not the VoIP phone jack on the router) and communicates directly over the internet.  It is designed, tested, and UL listed for alarm signaling applications over the internet.  The integrated cellular radio then acts as a backup.  This gives you and your customer the best of both worlds.  Internet for high speed communications, cellular in case the internet is down or otherwise interrupted.  UL listing.  Code Compliant.  Your customer can chose one or the other, but both is best and should always be recommended.  Sound familiar?
Thank you,
Rob Driscoll, General Manager, Monitoring Services
KOORSEN FIRE & SECURITY
Indianapolis, IN
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RESPONSE
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    Thanks for this valuable information.  VoIP service, like MongoTel offers, is another RMR opportunity for alarm companies but obviously you need to be sure the alarm service has the most reliable communication.  You shouldn't be suggesting communication pathways that are soon to be obsolete or don't offer reliability.  
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ANOTHER VOIP SERVICE OPPORTUNITY - NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH ALARM SERVICES
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Ken,
    I’ve been watching the VoIP exchange with great interest. First: the discussion IS NOT about an alarm signal transmission path. It is about an opportunity for clients of alarm companies to replace their telephone systems and telephone service providers with the latest technology.  My company, Concord Communications Group, Inc.  has been in business since 1985 and started as a security company (using your contracts eventually) and at the same time were installing business telephone systems for our clients. Gradually our company evolved to become a full time business telephone system provider. About 10 years ago, we entered the premise based VoIP business and 6 years ago entered the Hosted VoIP business. For your readers who haven’t heard the term before, basically Hosted means that we are providing all the expensive server equipment access to our clients on the “Cloud”.   Our clients gain access to the most sophisticated telephone features available and low cost line trunking using the latest SIP trunking technology. In most cases, the only equipment on our clients premises are the telephones. A well designed Hosted PBX is disaster proof, can be moved easily, has no size limits, lowers your clients monthly phone bill and functions more reliably than a premise based PBX.
    Several years ago, while visiting my local ADI branch I witnessed a major national VoIP provider pitching their Hosted PBX program to alarm dealers during a “Counter Day”. I posed several key technical questions to the rep which he couldn’t answer. Two years ago, I ran across a display in my local COSTCO where the same provider was offering their services to everybody. I understand from my ADI rep that this company does virtually no business with or through alarm companies.
    We are rolling out our Affiliate program where we are seeking certain security dealers to act as area exclusive company representatives. We have a generous program that could produce continuous RMR in the thousands for the Affiliate company. We provide an unprecedented level of support to both the end user and the Affiliate. I will be posting in The Alarm Exchange under Technology that increases your RMR as well but if any of the readers of this post have any questions about the technology and the opportunity, they can call me on my direct line day or night at 855-864-7224 x 222. This will reach me whenever and wherever.
    Kindest regards and keep up the remarkable work,
John W. Haenn, President
Concord Communications Group, Inc.
1224 Baltimore Pike Suite 204
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
www.voipccg.com
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RESPONSE
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    We are getting a clearer picture of the VoIP RMR opportunity.  Just be sure the alarm system you install communicates when you're done installing the communication service.
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