How I Use My System: Joseph Mitton

When Joseph Mitton, Select Security's director of marketing and communications, joined the company about six years ago, the company had around 80 people. Now, it has close to 200. Security Systems News talked with Mitton about the alarm system he uses.

What kind of system do you have?

At home, I currently have a Qolsys panel, with the Alarm.com backend to power the many Z-Wave devices in my house. In addition to cameras, we have an Alarm.com thermostat, door locks, garage door openers, and hardwired light switches because we use it for the home automation and convenience side more often than the security.

Why this particular setup?

The setup at my house changes over time. The particular setup we have is because, here at Select Security, we have what we call our Strategic Vendor Committee, which makes a lot of the vendor and product decisions for the entire organization. As the co-chair, I like to test and evaluate the products and services in a home setting for potential use.

What is one aspect of your security system that you wouldn't want to live without?

Originally, my wife and I used it solely for arming and disarming, but as we added more of the advanced devices, it turned into much more of a lifestyle and convenience thing. …  I can't believe how fast the technology is evolving and how much I wouldn't want to live with that part of it anymore.

Where do you see security going next? What are some big trends?

I think, at this point, everyone kind of agrees that the consumer is looking for more integration and interactive services, even on the commercial side of things. I think the next evolution is going to be how service providers can match the iterations with the hardware with the data being collected to create unique customer experiences and conveniences that are ultimately seamless to the consumer.