SecureConnect offers RMR for access control

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill.--Disappointed by the lack of recurring revenue potential from access control installations, Mike Simon, owner of Stand Guard, a small security integration firm based here, recently developed and launched SecureConnect Systems, a Web-based service that allows end users to control and oversee their access control and security systems. "We're a dealer and installer, too, so we know what dealers and customers are looking for," said Simon. "Dealers were getting burnt out by managing access control accounts for end users ... so we made managing the system very easy." SecureConnect, which was released at the ESX show in June, allows dealers and central stations to earn additional RMR by selling the browser-based service to end users. Dealers can subscribe to the service through SecureConnect or through a central station reselling the service, providing both dealers and central stations additional RMR-earning potential. SecureConnect is currently compatible with DMP panels, but Simon said the company is working to integrate with other manufacturers as well. The system does not require any software installation; the dealer simply connects the DMP panel to an open port on the customer's network. SecureConnect's Web interface provides several advantages to customers including the ability to manage multiple locations with one log-in, as well as allowing multiple users to access the same facility at the same time. Training both dealers and end users to use the system is fairly minimal. Judging by the 50 systems the company has installed in recent months, training takes about 45 minutes, said Simon. SecureConnect also provides dealers with a free Web site to manage their accounts.