Alarm.com teams up with SunRocket

MCLEAN, Va.--Wireless web-enabled security system provider Alarm.com and SunRocket expect business to increase as the result of a partnership, announced Sept. 20, that will give SunRocket customers access to reduced pricing on Alarm.com systems and upgrades. SunRocket vice president of public relations Brian Lustig said the two-year-old company, also based here in McLean, is one of the nation's fastest-growing VoIP provider, with 160,000 customers nationwide. "Our philosophy has been to make VoIP as simple and easy to use as possible. This alliance fits in with that philosophy. We want to give our customers an easy alternative they can use," he said. "A lot of consumers are getting VoIP telephone service because it's feature rich and economical," said Mary Knebel, vice president of business development for Alarm.com. What some consumers don't realize is that a security system that uses analog technology may not work with VoIP phone service. Some VoIP customers are under the impression that they must keep a landline in order to have a security system and they're relieved to learn that Alarm.com offers an alternative, Knebel said. Lustig noted that customers who have DSL Internet service need to keep their telephone landline when they get VoIP phone service. DSL customers often opt to do this--retain basic land-line service and get VoIP--because it's usually more economical than landline service alone, he explained. For customers who have cable modem broadband, no landline is needed. Alarm.com can be used in either scenario, because it does not require a phone line or Internet connection to communicate signals to the central station. In addition to its wireless capabilities, Alarm.com customers can monitor and control their security systems remotely through the Web, and receive real-time text-messages and email alerts that keep them informed about non-alarm activity such as access to a pool gate or liquor cabinet. Items such as lights can be controlled remotely. The deal will increase business for Alarm.com authorized dealers (who will receive referrals from SunRocket) and it will increase sales for Alarm.com "because SunRocket will be telling their customers about Alarm.com," Knebel predicted. "It also raises the visibility of this technology within the industry," she added. Lustig said SunRocket expects to see growth in SunRocket's subscriber base as a result of the deal. "We certainly expect a segment of our existing and potential customers to find Alarm.com to be an appealing alternative," Lustig said.