Re: Is low-priced Internet monitoring reliable?

[blueman <NOSPAM@xxxxxxxxxx>]

"tourman" <rh.campbell@xxxxxxxxxxxx> writes:
> I am assuming what you mean by "cheaper" providers are those Central
> Stations that cater directly to the end user, and not those using VoIP
> or the internet. The answer is IMO, probably not !
>
> These "direct to end user" monitoring services are strictly for those
> who either don't require the services of a dealer (a small minority),
> or those who can service their panel themselves (likely an even smaller
> minority of the alarm buying public). Discount stations make more from
> dealing direct to the end user than they do selling services to the
> dealer (in the telephone industry, we used to call it "cream
> skimming"). For example, I can get ADT monitoring for $3 monthly, or my
> current supplier for $4.50 monthly, or I too can get service from these
> companies for a couple of bucks a month. From my perspective, it
> depends upon what they will do for me...test signals, cancel codes,
> daily trouble and alarm reports etc. ADT are by far and away the worst
> of the lot (no tests, cancel codes or reports and worst...hair trigger
> monitoring which is the source of major false alarms). My current
> station is nothing less than superb in every way on the criteria and
> station support I need to service my customers base! And if I went to
> the el cheapo monitoring stations, I would get basic signals only,
> which might be enough for many dealers and most end users.
>
> So the discount station sells to you direct for $10 and makes $9 a
> month. If they sell to me, they make $7 or $8 a month, and also have to
> keep a fussy dealer happy with extra support services.
>
> However, from the perspective of an end user such as yourself, if you
> don't need a dealer, and you don't require service, and you don't mind
> paying a year up front, then by all means use them. In my experience,
> you will experience just as good monitoring as you get from any of the
> major suppliers, but without the need for an onerous long term
> contract. Do ask exactly what they supply for the money they charge you
> though.
>
> Monitoring is just another service. It IS an important part of your
> alarm service though ! Unfortunately, the alarm industry has tied it
> down contractually for their own benefit such that the end user is at a
> disadvantage most of the time when he goes to get it !!
>
> However, don't plan on using VoIP in any of its forms for your security
> services just to save a buck. I know some of these outfits sound almost
> too good to be true, but don't try to go too cheap !! It's too "iffy"
> yet in spite of what many will say. Stick with the stations 1-800 lines
> to communicate if you are long distance from them and you won't have
> any reason to be second guessing your decision later on....
>
> R.H.Campbell
> Home Security Metal Products
> Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
> www.homemetal.com
> www.flickr.com/photos/tourman
>

In my situation, I am looking for direct Internet monitoring
(not VOIP) since I already have a network adapter (Icom module)
connected to my DMP panel.

I assume that your comments about VOIP being a bad solution don't
apply to this setup, right?

Interestingly, one national web-based company that I contacted
advertised $9/month on their website but wanted $25/month for Internet
monitoring of my panel which didn't make sense to me. The only thing I
could think of is that the DMP Central office interface is nonstandard
for them so they would need to buy/lease/use extra costly
equipment. Any thoughts?