Malaysian vendor makes smart homes affordable
By
Cordelia Lee, CNETAsia
Thursday, January 27 2005 8:54 AM
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.
