ECKey and Southco Announce Bluetooth Access Controller Partnership
ECKey announced that it has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Southco, Inc.
ECKey’s Bluetooth readers allow any cell phone to be used as a key to control or unlock virtually any device. Since 2008, ECKey has offered its Bluetooth readers as an economical solution for access control, and in 2014, introduced VIZpin, its cloud-based key management service. With VIZpin, users can receive VIZpin keys either through a downloaded app or via text. VIZpin keys can authorize access 24/7 or only allow access for a preset amount of time, and are compatible with any Bluetooth device including cell phones, BlackBerry, Windows phones, Androids, iPhones and tablets.
ECKey and Southco will work together on all aspects of sales, marketing and manufacturing of ECKey’s Bluetooth readers. ECKey will continue to sell ECKey readers into traditional security applications through OEM partners, distributors and dealers. Southco will offer its own version of the Bluetooth reader to its customers, and will provide the opportunity to embed ECKey’s Bluetooth technology into Southco’s extensive line of electromechanical locks and latches.
“ECKey’s technology provides an economical wireless solution for remotely managing and monitoring access to our intelligent locking systems without the need for wiring into a network,” said Steve Spatig, general manager of Southco’s Electronic Access Solutions business unit.
Paul Bodell, president and CEO of ECKey said, “Our partnership with Southco provides us with access to extensive manufacturing expertise as well as an immediate presence in key end markets throughout the world that would have taken us years to develop on our own. We are very excited about what the relationship represents for near and long-term opportunity.”