APX Alarm Enters Home Automation Market as Vivint
APX Alarm Security Solutions Inc., one of the nation’s largest residential security and home services companies, announced its entry into the home automation market with the launch of new products and services and the introduction of its new identity under the name Vivint. The name change from APX to Vivint is a reflection of the company’s expanded direction and capabilities. With this move, the company has transitioned from a residential security company to a provider of simple, affordable home automation services that deliver increased safety, improved energy efficiency and greater convenience for customers.
According to IMS Research, “The number of smart homes—households that can control their appliances as well as manage their energy consumption via home networking and smart metering technology—is expected to reach 14 million worldwide by 2014.”
The name Vivint is derived from the word “vive” meaning “to live,” and the word “intelligent.” In using this combination, Vivint’s mission is to help families “live intelligently” by creating simple, affordable home automation systems where all devices work together to enhance safety and convenience and improve energy efficiency.
In anticipation of the move into home automation, the company began installing its Go!Control panels for all new customers in 2010. The LCD touch-screen panel centralizes all features, and gives customers remote control access via the Internet or smart phones. Today, there are 170,000 customers with the panel. Of those customers, more than 15,000 are already enjoying the benefits of home automation by using energy management features also introduced in 2010.
Vivint will also bring excellent customer service into the home automation industry. With a business model designed for ongoing service and support, Vivint employs certified technicians throughout North America typically available for next day service, as well as 24/7/365 monitoring and customer service support. Because of this excellent service record, the company has been recognized for two consecutive years by J.D. Power & Associates, and was recently selected to join the International Customer Management Institute’s “Top 50 Call Centers for Customer Service.”
“Vivint is a result of our company’s evolution. We have a corporate culture of continual innovation and our new name and identity are a reflection of that innovation,” said Todd Pedersen, chief executive officer. “Until now, home automation has been considered a luxury for the elite rather than smarter living available to everyone. We are excited to bring our focus, direction and unique business model into the home automation industry.”