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Question
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Ken,
    Love the forum and read it every day.  Very helpful!  We use your contracts already.  I have a question for you concerning the possible creation of our own video storage service for Home Owners Associations.  We are installing IP cameras at entrances of upper end subdivisions and are finding that very often the HOA doesn’t want the responsibility for any one individual to have a network storage device in their home.
    Is this something we should consider offering since we can secure the drives and provide continuous search and storage services.  I’m concerned about the exposure to liability issues.  Do any of your contracts cover something like this? Do you have any other thoughts about such an idea?
Thank you,
Anonymous at this time
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Answer
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    CCTV started with a local DVR [forgive me if I am not technically correct] and then the industry figured out how to monitor video and audio at the central station level.  So now video data can go directly from the subscriber's camera network, via internet, to the central station receiving equipment or through a manufacturer's server and then to the central station.  Data storage is possible with a local DVR, on a manufacturer's server and at the central station.  
    I don't think it would take a very skilled salesman to convince most businesses or organizations, particularly an HOA who is staffed mostly by volunteer residents, that they don't really want to be responsible for all the attention a local DVR would require assuming the data was to be stored for a lengthy time.  Easier to send the data somewhere else for storage - sort of sending it into the "cloud'.  The installation is also promoted as cheaper since there is no costly DVR, though there would be an on going monthly charge for the service, hence RMR for video monitoring, storage and retrieval services.
    Fortunately this service was considered when the Residential All in One and the Commercial All in One contracts were updated.  Video [and audio] storage provided by the central station is covered nicely by these contracts.  The contracts provide for the RMR, describe the services and address liability.  Here is an excerpt from the All in One:

.     "If data storage or backup is selected service ALARM COMPANY or its designee shall store and /or backup data received from Subscriber’s system for a period of one year.  ALARM COMPANY shall have no liability for data corruption or inability to retrieve data even if caused by ALARM COMPANY’s negligence."

    So the question is should the alarm company or its designee do the storage service.  I don't now what investment would be necessary to purchase the hardware and software and then maintain it, but this service is already being performed by most if not all of the central stations on The Alarm Exchange in the Central Station category.  Before you invest in your own storage equipment check with one of these central stations.  
    You should be selling video, and you should be encouraging your subscribers to have off site storage.  Easier for them and more secure too.  There's not much RMR in video with local DVR, so it's a big benefit for you to sell this on going service.  To do it properly you'll need a proper contract and that would be the Standard Form All in One, commercial or residential.

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