Observables, a relatively new security company that broke out at ISC West 2017 earlier this year, wasted no time launching its new patent-pending IOBOT with the AlwaysON platform.
IOBOT is a software defined security device (SDSD) with the baseline functionality of a network router but with configurable internal modules for customization according to the application. That includes phone and intercom, access control, security, network, automation, persistent communications and more, according to the company.
The AlwaysON platform couples an AlwaysON operating system, cloud and mobile app to provide a single dashboard for installation, service, support and end user control. IOBOT with AlwaysON enables dealers to monitor and manage any customer IP network — even when that network is down.
And here's the clincher: AlwaysON enables dealers to develop a software as a service (SaaS) business model through subscription revenue.
“With the abundance of new security and smart home devices entering the market, we saw a need for dealers to provide an intelligent network platform that could be customized by market application with recurring revenue opportunities based on their services,” says Abe Schryer, president and CEO, Observables.
IOBOT with AlwaysON: How It Works
Each IOBOT comes with USB, Ethernet and WiFi connectivity. There are two additional modular slots inside each IOBOT that allow for custom configuration — one communication module (to add Cellular and soon Z-Wave and LoRa) and one personality module that handles physical connections (Analog Phone, Alarm panel, Controllable GPIOs, Relays, Wiegand interface, Z-Wave, RF and other application sensors / standards).
The USB interconnect Bus provides the ability to quickly add third party devices, expansion modules and the optional satellite Unit for global connectivity both on and off grid. There are numerous configurations that customize the IOBOT; dealers can easily add multiple applications to each IOBOT through a wizard-based interface on the AlwaysON Cloud.
The AlwaysON Cloud proactively manages all IP devices on a network, and continuously checks system health to alert dealers if the system is down or a network is breached. If any devices on the network report an error, the AlwaysON Cloud diagnoses and troubleshoots the issue and notifies the dealer, resulting in reduced truck rolls and higher profitability.
AlwaysON Mobile is a smartphone app that boasts an easy-to-use dashboard, eliminating the need for an end user to toggle between various device apps to manage and customize control for each connected device on the network. End-users also receive messaging and notifications on the app.
For dealers, AlwaysON Mobile aims to simplify installation, programming and system monitoring. It provides QR code based device management, delivers real-time messaging and notifications on any change in activity on a customer’s system, and offers back-office IT and device tools, plus service ticketing.
The IOBOT with AlwaysON enables dealers to monitor and manage any customer IP network, even when that network is down, using the optional cellular module or satellite unit.
Remote management, simplified firewall, network device scanning, speed tests, DVR access, IP camera management, VOIP phone management, SSH scripting, access point management, and VPNs are all part of the tools in the base IOBOT model.
IOBOT is available with dealer-only pricing starting at similar costs to a typical alarm panel. Observables offers dealers a customizable recurring revenue model that can be sold on a SaaS subscription to customers.
Interested dealers can contact Observables and register to become an authorized reseller here. Existing dealers can take advantage of the new dealer portal for easy ordering here.
Observables was founded by Ron Gans and Abe Schryer, a 30-year veteran in security, telecommunications and consumer electronics markets, including senior roles at IBM, Remote Technologies and SecurePRO. The company is further strengthened by Avi Rosenthal, IoT Consulting’s president and former VP of Nortek Security & Control.
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