Rob Trotter, Senior VP at Brink's Home Security highlighted the event with a brief presentation on the extremely successful deployment of stages™. After significant analysis of processes used, Brinks and SGS created a "self-converting" process where data entered or modified in other databases automatically updated stages™ in real time. The Brink's QA team of 30 people took extraordinary measures to assure all signal types and dispatch procedures were fully tested. The process went so well, that the timeline was accelerated and "go live" completed in less than 30 days.
Thom Meyer, chief architect at SGS, presented on ongoing developments. The following features and services will be available before July, 2009.
- New enhancements will allow stages™ to deliver information to users the way they want to consume it. In today’s world of SMS, email, Web, and smartphones, users are increasingly consuming information in many ways. stages™ features will allow for information to be delivered through appropriate means, giving your efficiencies and users options. Action and reaction can be automated to new levels.
- A stages™ "SMS gateway" was shown, providing an interactive SMS experience for users. Notifications can be received, and alarms can be canceled, all without operation intervention. An interactive SMS query language exists, automating the entire test process and providing users a new way to check system status and even extend open/close times.
- An iPhone application for stages™ was unveiled, demonstrating intuitive bi-directional communications. These devices will allow field technicians to make direct queries of the database for information such as test results, zoning, contacts, or premise information. Once launched, the iPhone application will be closely followed by a similar application for the Blackberry smartphones.
- Video alarms will be integrated to the stages™ dispatch experience. Two vendors have been selected for the initial stages™ integration, the first one to be completed by mid-May. As video vendors continue to create products for the Central Station industry, SGS plans to look at each product and integrate it in ways that make sense. One solution will no longer work for every video product.
- IP routing is a new backStage™ service offering to permit redirection of static IP addresses used in alarm reception. The service includes dual-ISP providers with dual BGP routers at redundant NOCs. This will allow users of IP to treat their IP addresses like phone numbers, re-routing and forwarding as necessary, and providing portability that is desired. This is the ultimate in a highly redundant, automated, switchable service. A great new option for Central Stations and dealers who wish to contract for their own IP addresses, regardless of ISP! Look for more information on this product as we move the developments forward.
- A stages™ API is available to customers and third parties who wish to create applications to read or write to the stages™ database. Over 900 web services used in the application are exposed to empower developers wishing to created integration with all data.
The SGS team has now completed the a "technology stack" to automate more services than possible before the creation of stages™. Similarly, we have extended services for backStage™ technology to allow reduced operating costs, improved quality of service, and new revenue opportunities.
Our thanks again to those who attended the Third Annual SGS Breakfast.
