New Apple-Based Home Automation System Taps the Cloud

“The original manufacturer of Mac-based home automation, Savant Systems, might beg to differ.”

Both of these guys are playing fast and loose with the facts in their marketing spiel given there were several Mac-based HA systems available well before either of these companies existed. At least Clare’s statement is rather narrow in that it includes management from the “cloud”.

Savant, claiming to be the first Mac-based system period, is misleading at best. What they really mean is that they were the first Mac-based system that requires professional installation…

Thanks, Jay. I added the clarifications (original Mac-based system for the channel). Indeed, there have been a lot of good DIY-oriented Mac-based home automation systems.

Interesting, looking forward to seeing it at CEDIA however the name needs improvement IMO.

Their whole business model is hokey.  First, they have an RMR model that only works in mass market where hardware is subsidized.  And secondly, remote access features they claim are already available (for free I may add) in well established firms in the space.

These guys are rather large custom integrators (Crestron), so I think they know they’re not the first to offer remote access, currently offered for free by virtually all established home automation vendors.

Strange that this works with Crestron. Perhaps they will play nice after all.

I wonder when Crestron will be pulling their dealership?

Sounds to me like this could be the next Xplore Solutions, possibly worse. Ask Kippy how that works out.

Anyone who would sell their client a system that requires a cloud to be hosted by a company that will most likely fail is doing a huge dis-service to the client and this industry in general. No wonder I need to defend myself from all these trunk slammers and companies that guarantee things they have no idea how to deliver.

Da survey says: FAIL

IMO it is attitudes like this that do the disservice to the industry.

“Anyone who would sell their client a system that requires a cloud to be hosted by a company that will most likely fail is doing a huge dis-service to the client and this industry in general.”

Looks interesting.. I’m local to these guys so I know/of some of the players involved. Pretty big firm.. I’m going to be more open to the idea than others above. Hope they make out.

Businesses have migrated many business processes to the cloud due to lower cost of entry, easier software updates, and lower IT costs.  It will be interesting to see if this model can be successfully applied to residential automation.  If you lose internet access maybe the mac mini takes over.  People controlling their homes from the cloud?  Next thing you know people will be doing their banking online

Indeed, ddetton. I am interviewing Clare today for more details. I too am a little confused as to why they need a big server on the customer side, when one key purpose for cloud-based services is to avoid that very thing.

Nice Joke… iCloud service is a feature to handle or synchonize data or files from an online storage… to control the system I need a direct conection to the central unit… Am I right or am I missing something? Where’s the benefit ?

And btw Savant is definitly not the first Mac based control system…

Mike—they wouldn’t be using iCloud. Again, I’ll find out specifics today. It would be something more akin to the alarm.com model, but not quite ...

See: http://www.cepro.com/article/integrator_security_is_our_exit_strategy/D2/

(image and “The Products”)

Julie—tu for your reply .... sounds good. But Prowl is also a fine service for that and works on Mac and all other platforms…