Should Integrators Create Their Own iPhone Apps?

eLifespaces, a Charleston, S.C.-based integration company, has developed three Apple iPhone apps -- a home control app, a home theater space calculator and an energy monitoring app.

A free version and a $170 expanded version of its eController is available in Apple’s App Store; the Home Theater Assistant (HTA) costs 99 cents; and the eNergy is in the final stages of development.

In general, eLifespaces is an Apple-friendly integration company. On its Website, the company touts itself as Apple Product Professionals and Apple iPhone Developers. In his CE Pro of the Week interview, president Fred Fabian says eLifespaces’ integration of Apple products sets it apart from the competition.

Fabian says he realizes many integrators fear Apple’s iPad will redefine home automation standards and kill hardware profits.

“Why fight it?” he says. “Customers are already introduced to the interface. We can sell them the eController, which works well in the do-it-yourself world.”

Where's the Benefit?

Even though eController is a good fit for do-it-yourselfers, Fabian is quick to add eLifespaces is a custom integrator and doesn't target the DIY crowd. “The folks that engage us aren’t price-conscious. Our customers are looking for a specific custom solution.”

As such, he names Crestron and Vantage as home automation solutions that eLifespaces provides. So why bother developing apps?

It’s not because the apps make money for eLifespaces, Fabian says. “They break even after you calculate the cost that goes into developing it.” However, he adds, developing apps is worth it.

“If we’re really custom design and installation specialists then we should be that. People that are order-takers are just order-takers.

"There will be a time when somebody in our industry captures something that provides incredible value for us all. Well, we’re out there looking for it with everybody else — whatever that magic is, everyday we look.”

What other integrators out there have developed apps? Let us know in the comment area below.

eLifespaces, on its eController app:

The most versatile control app on the iTunes App store. This App was designed with the Professional Systems Integrator in mind. Works with most IP based control systems such as Crestron, AMX, Global Caché and Vantage just to name a few.

eController app, available in Apple’s App Store

eLifespaces, on its Home Theater Assistant app:

The perfect app for making those buying decisions regarding television size. By knowing what theater screen size is optimal for your room, you can make a well informed high-definition display size selection. HTA Lite is recommended for installing practitioners when quick on-site calculations are needed.

Home Theater Assistant app, available in Apple’s App Store

eLifespaces, on its eNergy app:

Currently in development, eNergy, provides a homeowner or business facility manager the ability to monitor and manage their energy consumption via an iPad, iPhones or computer (Apple or PC). These devices will act as your personal remote monitoring tool. Sending codes over a secured WiFi connection in your home or office, eNergy receives consumption data directly, allowing the user to monitor and, if required, modify energy consumption behavior.

eNergy app, still in development