Re: Is low-priced Internet monitoring reliable?

["Crash Gordon" <webmaster@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'm pretty sure my CS is setup for DMP, I;ve never used the internet DMP
though. I should set mine up for it, but Im too lazy.


"blueman" <NOSPAM@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:m2y7sw22wd.fsf@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
| "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?