Alula Adds Surveillance Cameras to Home Security and Automation Platform
The line of four low-cost security cameras include doorbell, p/t/z and bullet options, with the potential for integrators to earn RMR.
Alula has been steadily adding solutions to its lineup of home automation and security offerings since forming from the merger of ipDatatel and Resolution products late last year. Now, the company has added a fully integrated video surveillance solution to its Alula Connect+ Platform.
The line of four low-cost Alula-branded security cameras also has baked-in recurring monthly revenue (RMR) Cloud storage fees for integrators with potential margin.
Alula Video can be branded by the professional security dealer in the Alula apps for iOS and Android. The video service platform can be offered in conjunction with Connect+, or as an extension to the BAT LTE communicator line from Alula.
“Alula continues to deliver on our promise of being an end-to-end platform provider from our encrypted sensors to in-home hub to IP-first, highly secure network,” says Alula CEO Brian McLaughlin. “With Alula Video professional security dealers have a profitable path to earn more, offer more and deliver more value for their business and residential customers.”
Integrators can select their own pricing for hardware and service, but Alula Video is targeting an MSRP for a single camera system starting at $119 with storage services starting at $5.99/month end-user cost.
The service pricing will vary depending on the number of cameras and the desired clip volume that’s included. The product and service pricing model offers dealers markup and leeway to set their own MSRP at competitive rates.
Alula Integrated App, 4-Camera Line
Alula Video and Alula App on the Alula Connect+ Platform give dealers integration between security, automation and video in a single interface that provides control of smart home devices, live and recorded video, and the security system.
“We are providing a vertically integrated end-to-end platform. It just works,” McLaughlin tells SSI sister publication CE Pro. “Dealers don’t have to integrate their home controls or worry about a product roadmap from another manufacturer.”
McLaughlin says the biggest benefits of the integrated security/home automation package are reliability, a seamless end-user experience via the interface and a full support model from Alula.
“There is no fingerpointing at other products if there is a problem. We own it and will take care of it,” he adds.
Alula is not making the cameras itself, but rebranding them from an OEM, says McLaughlin. The new line of cameras includes:
- Alula Doorbell Camera
- Alula Outdoor Bullet Camera
- Alula Indoor Mini-Camera with Two-Way Voice
- Alula Indoor 360 Camera – 1080p with Pan/Tilt/Zoom
Integrators will still be able to utilize other manufacturers’ cameras with the system if they desire, which might come in handy when a particular niche surveillance application is needed, such as motion analytics or night vision.
Cloud Storage Fees with RMR
The image capture is a hybrid system. Every camera includes an SD card for local storage. As the card fills, images are then transferred to the Cloud.
“Cloud-only camera solutions can miss important clips,” notes McLaughlin. “The cameras can go offline or there can be bad connections.”
The Cloud storage is a three-tiered system. It can store standard clips based on movement, which will overwrite the oldest clip over time. Clips based on security events, such as motion detection or a door opening, can be stored in an extended manner.
Certain clips can also be flagged as “favorites” and store indefinitely. The Alula storage fees are based on both a per-camera fee as well as the number of “favorites” stored.
Editor’s Note: This article first ran in Security Sales & Integration’s sister publication CE Pro.
About the Author
Jason Knott
Jason Knott is Chief Content Officer for Emerald Expositions Connected Brands. Jason has covered low-voltage electronics as an editor since 1990, serving as editor and publisher of Security Sales & Integration. He joined CE Pro in 2000 and serves as Editor-in-Chief of that brand. He served as chairman of the Security Industry Association’s Education Committee from 2000-2004 and sat on the board of that association from 1998-2002. He is also a former board member of the Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation. He has been a member of the CEDIA Business Working Group since 2010. Jason graduated from the University of Southern California. Have a suggestion or a topic you want to read more about? Email Jason at jason.knott@emeraldexpo.com
Related Content
Security Is Our Business, Too
For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add sales to your bottom line.
A free subscription to the #1 resource for the residential and commercial security industry will prove to be invaluable. Subscribe today!
