By Cordelia Lee, ZDNet Asia
27/1/2005
URL: http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/security/0,39044215,39214820,00.htm

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—Malaysians can now monitor and control their homes from anywhere via the Internet, for a fraction of the price of an imported home security automation system.

According to Ralph Yew, business development manager for Malaysia-based Inix Technology, intelligent home solutions need not be a lifestyle choice for the rich only. Compared with imported systems, which costs between RM8,000 (US$2,105) and RM25,000 (US$6,579), Inix Technology's Secure Smith retails from only RM1,599 (US$421).

Accessible over the Internet, Secure Smith is a wireless product comprising a home security system, electrical equipment automation, home surveillance and closed-circuit TV surveillance system.

The mid-market Secure Smith package retails for RM4,299 (US$1,131), inclusive of installation and three CCTVs (closed circuit TVs), compared to an imported system with CCTV for the whole house which can easily go up to RM50,000 (US$13,158), Yew claims.

“The Malaysian market is definitely ready and receptive to owning a home security and automation solution, following the need to better secure their property and personal assets. With our improved economy, there is a shift towards better living lifestyle and quality of life,” Yew told CNETAsia.

Besides the higher price tag, he claims that imported systems are also not designed for Malaysia's environment. “The products use a different power cycle and do not compensate for the frequent thunderstorms which occur in Malaysia,” Yew said.

According to him, Secure Smith does not need a PC to run, and neither does it require any hacking of walls, additional infrastructure or wiring works because of a proprietary technology that utilizes powerline wires to transmit digital data.

Each Secure Smith control panel is able to control up to 4,000 home appliances. When the systems are clustered together, it can also be used in office buildings and factories.Come first quarter, the company also plans to launch its Inix Central Monitoring System (ICMS), which alerts security guards of break-ins.

Inix Technologies expects to sell more than 7,000 units to property developers in Malaysia, as well as market the products to Asia, Europe and Middle East.