Alula: New Opportunities Arise With Cellular Sunset
The company’s BAT-Connect modernizes legacy security systems, adding video and home automation as well as a modern app interface on cell phones and touchpads.
Alula’s says its app offers the most seamless integration of security, automation and video in an intuitive interface.
GSX 2019 is being held Sept. 8-12 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Ahead of this year’s show, SSI reached out to Alula CEO Brian McLaughlin to find out latest about the company.
What is the top product or offering you are currently showcasing to your security dealer partners? What makes it unique or special from both security dealer and user perspectives?
BAT-Connect is the ultimate communicator for takeovers and upgrades. With three paths of communication, including an industry-first CAT-M1 cell card, BAT-Connect solves the Cellular Sunset issue even beyond 5G. The BAT-Connect instantly modernizes legacy security systems, adding video and home automation as well as a modern app interface on cell phones and touchpads. Broadly compatible with most common security panels, the BAT-Connect gives you one communicator to rule them all.
What other products or offerings would you like to highlight, and what are some of qualities that differentiate them in the marketplace?
We have just launched AlulaConnect, our new partner portal. AlulaConnect makes it easier than ever for our partners to service their accounts efficiently and without truck roles. It includes responsive design so it works equally well on cell phones and tablets as it does on desktop computers.
We are also advancing our Connect+ system with enhanced functionality. We have added a CAT-M1 card for more efficient cellular communication that is sunset-proof, and added a new Slimline Touchpad that makes the control interface sleek, modern and intuitive. With these upgrades, the best security, automation and video platform in the industry has gotten even better and easier to use and install.
What else is new or noteworthy about the company as the end of 2019 draws near?
With the debut of BAT-Connect and the relaunch of Connect+, we now offer the full Alula experience regardless of whether it’s a takeover, upgrade or new install. Alula’s app offers the most seamless integration of security, automation and video in an intuitive interface that can be the core offering of forward-thinking integrators who want one accountable partner.
What is your company’s overall value proposition to installing security dealers/integrators? Why should they partner with your company?
Alula is 100% partner-focused, meaning we don’t win unless you do. Unlike other companies that go around professionals to sell DIY straight to the end user, Alula is only available through local security installer. We offer an innovative interactive platform that can be used for takeovers, new installs, upgrading existing accounts and solving the Cellular Sunset. The Alula Platform can be core to the business of forward-thinking integrators and offers a fresh, new alternative for the industry.
Looking ahead at 2020, what do you see as some of the top opportunities in the marketplace? What about challenges?
The looming cellular sunset provides an excellent opportunity for security professionals to create a touchpoint with the customer. We are working with a number of our partners to sell through the Sunset and leverage our technology to bring upgrades to their existing customers and takeover opportunities.
The cellular sunset also poses a challenge, as there is now a deadline to replace communicators for a huge swath of customers who could potentially be left in the dark if the industry doesn’t act early to get ahead of the wave.
We also see lots of opportunities in the deeper integration of cameras into the security and automation system. Through smart clips, we will be able to serve up video footage that is tagged based on content, including package delivery, unfamiliar faces, or known family members. The infusion of artificial intelligence into video platforms connected to security and automation systems to recognize when the homeowner arrives, automatically unlock the front door, and set the thermostat to the preferred temperature.
Lastly, we see home security converging with the security needs of small business owners. Through partnerships with small business owners, security and automation companies will be able to extend their offering to new use cases such as access control and open up lucrative new markets.
Please add anything else you would wish to communicate to the marketplace?
We have a sunset rebate program that will help you cope with all the radios that need to be replaced while helping you communicate with your customer about available upgrades to their security and automation system. Become an Alula Pro and discover the benefits of having one accountable partner that provides a completely integrated system, from sensors to hub to network and app. Alula is professional smart security.
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