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Note: Sorry but some jackass decided to spam a lot of the listings in The Alarm Exchange. This idiot's email address is jimcramer.thestreet101@yahoo.com so be sure to ignore it or block it. I've been getting a few other idiots that have nothing better to do than report my emails as spam, so I've tried to be selective with who signs up, blocking anyone that doesn't identify with the alarm industry. We've had delivery issues lately and hopefully things will be sorted out soon. Thanks.
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FOLLOW UP ON MONGOTEL FROM APRIL 14, 2016 COMMENT
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Ken
Thanks for your response and thoughts on RMR. They are well thought out, and again underscore how your passion to help the industry transform and create opportunity really shine through.
I'd like to respond to Jack's comments on April 14, 2016.
First of all Jack, thank you for your comments. Having a complete picture is important for us to help us continue to tweak our products to truly be a perfect fit for the installers we serve- and allows those in our industry to see the pros and cons and make ever more intelligent decisions.
A point by point discussion of the (good!) points you brought up and my comments:
Firstly, you mentioned the use of 4G data as a backup plan for VoIP. That would be a wise choice for alarm system backup, in the event of a power or internet outage. This way, the alarm system can communicate via modem or actual stress call to a trained phone operator to ensure safety and security. However, having said that, the general application of using 4G Data as a Voip backup is impractical, and would be unreliable, due to extreme latency on the current 4G data network. In fact, wouldn't even suggest it for backup purposes! Instead, in the event of an internet outage, calls are automatically forwarded to a landline or mobile phone number. Today, mobile phones are ubiquitous and are a much preferred solution both in terms of quality and in terms of it being a seamless transition in case of necessity… without losing any valued PBX functionality (transfer, park etc.) at all!
Secondly, in terms of internet reliability, our extensive market research (and actual use case of thousands of end users) has proven, aside from rare occurrences of ISP failure, practically all network and internet issues are the direct result issues with physical wiring and hardware installation. [I know that the installer folks reading this are the cream of our industry- i’m talking about the “other” folks… the ones whose installation issues we get called to troubleshoot and fix!!], Hence at MongoTel, we’ve made a centerpiece of the quick-yet-thorough certification training which we offer all our installer partners. This assures the security of the installation and ensures that you, the low voltage installer, doesn't have to come back to the site and piddle around after the initial installation.
In terms of voice quality: to address quality issues caused by internet bandwidth fluctuation, we require our router be installed. Among many other great features, this offers QOS [quality of service], where our installers can easily allocate a minimum bandwidth to ensure consistently high call quality. I’ve got more to say to remove any lingering concerns you or other may have, but for this reply the above probably does the job. We have the best product out there by far, and are convinced that this is the future of both end users for their phone service going forward, and the solution for the industry to create RMR that changes the playing field in an exciting way. As our existing partners (and all the new ones that joined us at ISC West just last week!) can excitedly tell you, we spare no effort or expense to ensure that both you, the installer, and your customers, will be happy with what we have to offer you-- and by extension, what you are offering to the folks who trust you for their security and low voltage needs. Because what MongoTel offers you and them is high quality stuff, and something we as an industry truly can be proud to represent.
And lastly, thank you Jack-- Your insights and comments are highly valued and much appreciated.
Moshe BT
moshe@mongotel.com
MongoTel
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Response
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Like my next comment [on DragonFly] it has occurred to me that the RMR MongoTel offers is cash flow, not ownership of contracts. I haven't seen the "dealer program" but if MongoTel wants to provide the alarm dealer with the greatest advantage to increase RMR then the phone equipment lease and the VoIP service should be under contract with the alarm dealer, subcontracting out the VoIP service to MongoTel. Contact MongoTel to find out how the program works and whether it works for you. Contact Simi Brown at MongoTel at 718.942.9990 Ext 301 Cell: 845.205.9225 Email: Simi@Mongotel.com.
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FOLLOW UP ON DRAGONFLY DEAL
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Ken,
I want to follow up on your comment that the alarm dealer is not contracting with the customer. There are 3 separate agreements for DragonFly consumers.
1. The “Hardware Agreement”
The consumer goes to the dealer’s DragonFly website and purchases the hardware on the eCommerce platform and clicks the “warranty agreement” between DragonFly and the consumer. The DragonFly kit is then sent directly to the consumer – the dealer never touches the hardware, does not need to finance the hardware and cannot lose money on the hardware. The consumer pays DragonFly for the hardware and the dealer does not make money on the hardware. Because we are competing with Amazon.com and BestBuy cameras, there is no room for stacking margins on the hardware.
2. The “App License Agreement”
When the DragonFly hardware arrives, the consumer downloads the DragonFly App to their smartphone. With the download there is an App license agreement that the consumer clicks on between the consumer and DragonFly. The consumer then uses the App to install, configure, and register their DragonFly system with the Central Station.
3. The “Monitoring Services Agreement”
When the consumer purchases their monitoring subscription they must click and accept the Monitoring Service s Agreement between the consumer and the Central Station. This agreement is not with DragonFly who only provides the hardware and the App. The consumer pays the Central Station for the monitoring services and the Central Station pays the dealer their RMR.
Does this help clarify things?
Keith Jentoft
Integration Team
Videofied
RSI is now part of Honeywell
Honeywell | Security and Fire
Office: +1.651.855.7802
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RESPONSE
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The hardware and app license agreement are appropriately with DragonFly . What's still not clear is who is contracting with the consumer, the central station, the dealer or Dragonfly? A dealer looking to build its RMR would want to own the monitoring contract, which may actually be a month to month arrangement through the DragonFly app. Or, it may be a traditional contract for monitoring. We'll be watching to see how the program develops.