SmartTek Systems Grants OnWatch of Australia Exclusive Rights to App Trio

  • Mar 05, 2015

Continuing its aggressive expansion, SmartTek Systems, Inc., a leader in mobile smartphone-based personal security, announced it has signed an agreement granting OnWatch PTY, Ltd. of Australia exclusive distribution rights in that country for its trio of apps. Onwatch, established in 2004, is a privately owned and accredited central alarm monitoring center located in the Double Bay area of Sydney, Australia. The Onwatch agreement marks the first of several international agreements SmartTek says it is working to establish.

“Using the SmartTek Systems app and infrastructure, we see exciting new opportunities to offer our customers better protection and innovative new services, the sort of added value that is impossible to provide with traditional systems and through conventional suppliers,” said David Sweet, managing director, Onwatch Pty Ltd Australia. “This move will position Onwatch as a leading player in the Australian mobile PERS market and signals a fundamental change in the opportunities for the provision of Personal Safety and Medical Emergency services. It heralds a step-change in the Australian mobile Personal Emergency Response Service market.”

The trio of apps is comprised of the previously announced SmartAlert, a panic, safety, and mobile personal emergency response system (mPERS), designed to preserve the users personal privacy; SmartGuard, designed to give families peace-of-mind by providing optional location information about family members; and SmartTrack, a powerful fleet-tracking and mobile productivity solution for small businesses. Pilot testing of the new app offerings has been ongoing with central stations for months and the service will soon be ready to come to market.

“The landscape of the alarm industry is changing not just in the US but internationally, and the agreement with Onwatch will keep SmartTek at the forefront of bringing that change to a global audience,” said SmartTek Co-founder Barry Schweiger, also co-founder and former president, Fire Burglary Instruments, Inc. “By extending protection services to subscribers and their families when they are out of their homes, at school, work or out enjoying themselves, security companies can practically guarantee increased RMR and lowered attrition rates. We see this as a very strong closing tool for dealers.”

“SmartTek’s turnkey platform removes the obstacles that previously prevented central stations from entering the mPERS market. We’ve eliminated the prohibitive hardware, software, and maintenance fees other solutions impose,” said SmartTek’s technical consultant Mark Fischer.  “SmartTek’s software integrates with virtually any existing central station automation system. We even provide the PSAP database, and were still able provide the service at what we believe to be the lowest cost per app.”

SmartTek’s Apps eliminate the need to purchase any additional equipment, and there are no additional cellular charges to the central station, dealer or subscriber. Dealers simply have their subscribers sign up, download and install the app on their iPhone or Android smartphone and they are immediately protected.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.