Should You Allow Others Access To Your Alarm System Program /
Follow Up On Software Management Systems - An Inexpensive Alternative
December 6, 2012
Question - Should You Allow Others Access To Your Alarm System Program?
Ken –
I have a client who has cctv, access and alarm system. This same client has an IT guy who is also a friend of mine. From time to time I get a call from this IT guy asking how to get into the system to test it as he has worked on the network.
Am I in the wrong to advise this IT guy that I am not allowed to do this? I don’t feel comfortable letting an unlicensed and untrained consultant into the system that is not an employee of my company.
John S Romero, President
Keystone Security
Rochester, NY
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Answer
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You leave out too much information for a direct answer. If the system is leased [Commercial Lease], owned by you, or under a Service Contract or Monitoring Contract, then you don't want anyone other than your employees accessing the system's programming, for any reason. If on the other hand the subscriber owns the system and you have no continuing obligation [warranty on a sale is up, or you aren't under contract to service or monitor] then there is no reason the subscriber should not be able to access the system so that it is usable for its intended purpose. You don't need to give up codes and passwords that a subscriber would not need to use the system. No manufacturer gives up programming codes, and you don't have to either. We recently reviewed this issue. Your programming is entitled to copyright protection just as the manufacturer's original programming is entitled to copyright protection. The subscriber should have the right to use the system as intended, that's it.
Your exposure arises when there is a loss and the subscriber or someone else blames you for system deficiencies that you believe are the consequence of others tinkering with the system.
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Follow Up On Software Management Systems [From Nov 28, 2012 Article]
- An Inexpensive Alternative
Hi Ken,
Thank you for all your informative articles. I really enjoy reading them each morning.
After reading; your software articles, I decided to look into adapting a solution for our business. We are a small company and we've never used any such software ourselves. I thought I'd email you my results for other companies that are looking as I almost spent $6000 upfront and $120 a month before I found the right solution.
After much research and trying out the different options we've settled on Getjobber.com. It's a new software on the scene and its very versatile and easy to use. I quickly realized that we probably won't use most of the advanced features that huge software companies use and would just get caught up in the confusion of trying to implement it.
Getjobber is very simple to use and has all the features we could need. They have a smooth service ticketing system, Proposal system, Scheduling system, Invoicing and client database. They also have a mobile version for any Internet. I use it on the Ipad and it's brilliant. The best part is that it's a fraction of the cost of regular companies. They charge $29 for the first user and $9 for each additional user. For 3 users I'm paying $47 a month with no upfront costs and no contract. They are also currently building new modules for their software such as job costing and an independent Ipad and Android app that can be used without Internet and be synced later, and of course the all important feature, that costumers can sign service tickets. They are also Quickbooks compatible and can do credit card transactions.
All in all, for the price they awesome and I would hate to see a company lose $6000+ on a software that is too hard to implement, especially when there is no reason for it and we really can't afford it.
PS- My favorite part is using it on my Ipad with Siri so I can just speak and the ticket details are just typed out for me.
All the best and Good Luck
Chaim Dahan
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Other Software Recommendations
Ken,
Responding to the ‘software company’ issues:
I have been in the industry over 25 years and have dealt with several of the industry software companies. When it deals with monitoring automation, accounting, service billing, communications etc…bigger is better in this case. Dice.
All industry specific companies sell support and maintenance. That’s how they make money. They do not make much up front on a sale of software and or hardware. You have to do your home work and find out what you are getting and how will a transition to another platform in the future. Aside from the service you provide customers, the software you build your company around and with are key today.
I have been dealing with Dice Corporation for over 10 years at 3 different alarm companies; and would not change. I have been involved in software conversions to and from Dice and did not notice a difference in support either way. They understand the industry challenges and movement and are willing to assist, even when you are not going to be a supported customer. Dice has the best support I have encountered the past 25 years; always a phone call away, or at your door step within 24 hours. They have even provided support when an issue has no relevance to their software/hardware. Bottom line is they want a satisfied customer.
If you do your homework, ask the right questions, get references and do site visits prior to making an investment in your company; the choice becomes easy.
Regards,
Tim O'Connor
Radar Security Alarm
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Hi Ken,
I recently saw your email regarding Alarm Software and wanted to share my experience with a few vendors. We use the MASterMind platform for our Business and Monitoring and love the software and team of people supporting it. I’ve worked with a number of vendors over the years converting data from their platform into MASterMind and most are very gracious about the process. However, there was one in particular who held the data hostage and charged an exorbitant rate in order to extract it.
So, I think it’s crucial when choosing a software vendor to look at how accessible your data will be – and that companies should disclose up front whether they charge – should you ever choose to leave.
Jorgia McAfee, VP of Development
Crime Prevention Security Systems