Alula empowers partners with Pro Partner Program

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Alula, a provider of smart security and automation systems for professional installers and the award-winning inventors of the Connect+ platform, announced the launch of a professional partner program that provides incentives, marketing support, product training and access to an online resource center.

The Alula Pro Partner Program supports partners with all the marketing, training and sales assets needed to succeed and grow their business. This comprehensive new program empowers independent, local security companies to compete with large tech companies that have encroached on the security space with well-funded marketing operations.

“Over the past year, we’ve had the opportunity to engage and learn with our smart home security dealer community and industry experts,” said Alula VP of Marketing Brad LaRock. “We learned that they were eager for digital marketing support and training opportunities to help them keep pace with rapid technological change. This program provides instant access to the marketing and training resources our partners need to help them focus on their growth and expansion.”

The Pro Partner Program gives dealers access to a robust set of tools and services to help them serve their customers and promote their business. There is no charge or minimum purchase requirements to gain access to the program.

“It’s not enough to simply offer the best all-in-one platform and interactive services package; we also want to help our partners with marketing and sales support,” LaRock said. “That’s why we developed the program and made it available to all our partners to help them grow. We know a lot of other companies require fees or minimum installation numbers, but for us, it was more important to empower our pros to help them succeed, regardless of their market position.”

The program includes a welcome kit that helps new partners ramp up product training and knowledge as swiftly as possible by providing information on how to quickly and easily connect with Alula’s sales and marketing teams. The program also provides Pro Day Training — virtual and on-site tutelage so teams can feel confident about installing products in any scenario.

As part of the program, Alula also launched the Partner Resource Center. This exclusive portal for Alula partners offers a one-stop shop for training and marketing assets. This includes digital collateral and other marketing brochures that can be easily customized with the partner’s logo and contact information. The resource center also provides a well-organized, searchable library of install guides, training videos, product specs and image files.

“Alula has done a great job of helping us with ideas and supplying us marketing assets to work with,” said Nicholas Luciano, business development and team lead for residential/small commercial at Floyd Total Security, a mid-size integrator in Minneapolis, Minn. “Alula understands the fact that when they help one dealer, they’re essentially helping all their dealers.”

For more information about how to become an Alula pro, visit Alula.com/pro-signup. 

Category M1 Cellular – Why is it Important?

There’s a lot of buzz about the internet-of-things (IoT) these days, and the largest companies in the world are starting to get into the act.  In all the excitement, it’s easy to conclude that this concept of transferring data from homes to remote locations is a new idea. In reality, the security industry has been practicing this basic functionality for many decades.  Starting in the 1960s with the ability to transfer data acoustically over telephone lines, the Security Industry has been in the “IoT” business. We just didn’t know what it was called!

Security continues to cast a large shadow in the IoT space.  IDC estimates that Smart Security, which is the convergence of security, video, and home automation, will increase its share of “Smart Home Device” shipments from 39.7% in 2019 to 54.1% in 2023.  Similarly, in the commercial space, security applications continue to have a strong and growing presence. In recent years, cellular networks have been the communication channel of choice for security manufacturers and integrators.  This paper discusses recent developments in cellular IoT, and how the Connect™ Family of products from Alula takes advantage of the many benefits offered by these new technologies.

Download the CAT-M1 whitepaper here.

Alula’s Enhanced Website and Tagline Reinforce The Company’s Dealer Focus

Alula, the leader in smart security and automation systems for professional installers and the award-winning inventors of the Connect+ platform, doubled down on its commitment to professional security installers by making them the centerpiece of the company’s new tagline and website.

Previously known for “Simplifying Security,” Alula has reinvented its tagline for 2020 and will now highlight “Professional Smart Security.” While ease of installation is still an important part of Alula’s value to customers, the new tagline further emphasizes that Alula only sells to professional installers and differentiates it from the slew of DIY offerings that have crowded the marketplace.

“Over the past few short years, we have seen a number of marketing companies enter the security space with DIY offerings that go around the professionals who made this business great,” says Alula CEO Brian McLaughlin. “Alula was built on and has always been committed to maintaining a partnership with the professional dealer and installer community. We still believe that the best security is provided by local professionals.”

As the smart home security industry enters a new decade, Alula’s goal is to clearly represent its unique position in the marketplace, and more importantly, the company’s trusted partnership with installers. As the tagline suggests, Alula puts “Professional” first.

Along with the new tagline, Alula launched a new website at https://Alula.com (previously at alula.net.) Like the new tagline, the refreshed website is an expression of Alula’s professional-first mindset. The website, designed specifically for professional security installers, includes several tools and programs to enhance profitability. Among the new features:

  • An interactive demo showing the breadth of Alula’s solutions
  • Easy access to all key info for product features, SKUs, and technical sheets
  • Rebate programs for professionals to help them capture new business
  • A newly launched program that rewards referrals
  • Resources that include install guides and a robust library of webinars

“Alula is the first all-in-one hardware and interactive services provider that is 100% focused on professional partners,” says McLaughlin. “This refresh of the Alula brand puts our partners front and center and reminds their customers of the value of hiring a trusted local security consultant.”

ABOUT ALULA
Alula is the only vertically integrated security and home automation platform purpose-built for today’s independent security and installation professionals. From sensors to hub to network, Alula offers a complete, end-to-end solution and one accountable partner. Today, thousands of partners across North America have nearly 300,000 active locations secured and connected with Alula. Designed for professionals, the Alula platform provides a complete security, automation and video solution for renters, homeowners and commercial installations. Alula is a business-driven platform designed to reduce truck rolls, increase RMR, simplify inventory and put today’s professional providers in control of their business, their customers and their revenue. The Alula platform is available nationwide through distributors that cater to the alarm and integrator industry. For more information about Alula, visit https://alula.com.

Alula Offers Connect-XT to Extend the Life of Popular Simon Panels after Interlogix Shutdown

Connect-XT easily upgrades Simon XT, XTi and XTi5 panels to a modern, interactive security experience, adding smartphone control to these legacy security panels. The Connect-XT replaces 3G CDMA or GSM cards that will cease to function with the pending 3G cellular sunset.

The new cellular card interacts with the Simon panel serial automation interface, providing full sensor status, system status and arming controls. Connect-XT features Cat-M1 LTE radio technology, which provides improved range from tower to panel over traditional LTE, allowing for more flexibility in difficult installations where cell signals struggle to penetrate.

“Like the rest of the industry, we were surprised by the announcement of the pending closure of Interlogix,” said Alula Vice President of Product Management, Dave Mayne. “Our focus is on helping dealers impacted by this to have an elegant and cost-effective transition path going forward and offer them a solution for Sunset and panel upgrades that will help them continue doing business smoothly.”

In addition to improved performance over older LTE technologies being shipped by most manufacturers, Cat-M1 also brings the advantage of 5G compatibility. This means that dealers installing Cat-M1 cellular cards today can be confident that they will be supported by cellular carriers long into the future

Connect-XT communicates alarm signals over Cat-M1 via Verizon or AT&T, and is available in versions with or without Z-Wave automation. Customers with Simon panels installed can easily upgrade to a fully automated home with video monitoring, including the popular Video Doorbell, using the new card, even if they are still using landlines.

Alula’s popular Sunset rebate program will apply to Simon upgrades as well. Eligible installers can receive up to $50 when they replace a Sunset-prone Simon radio with the new Connect-XT, helping relieve the burden imposed on installers by the sudden shutdown.

ABOUT ALULA
Alula is the only vertically integrated security and home automation platform purpose-built for today’s independent security and installation professionals. From sensors to hub to network, Alula offers a complete, end-to-end solution and one accountable partner. Today, thousands of partners across North America have nearly 300,000 active locations secured and connected with Alula. Designed for professionals, the Alula platform provides a complete security, automation and video solution for renters, homeowners and commercial installations. Alula is a business-driven platform designed to reduce truck rolls, increase RMR, simplify inventory and put today’s professional providers in control of their business, their customers and their revenue. The Alula platform is available nationwide through distributors that cater to the alarm and integrator industry. For more information about the Connect+ platform, visit https://alula.net/connect/. For more information about Alula, visit http://www.alula.net.
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Putting DIY to Work for Professional Integrators

Some analysts and industry experts have compared the professional security installer to an endangered species – a dinosaur soon to be obliterated by the massive twin meteors of Amazon (Ring) and Google (Nest)…with extinction to follow. But a funny thing happened on the way to the tar pits – security pros began to adapt and evolve. Many are not just surviving alongside the new DIY model, but thriving.

Progressive residential security integrators incorporate the best aspects of DIY – such as simple installs and easy-to-upgrade systems – while also recognizing and helping where DIY falls short, like customer service and expertise at integrating multiple, complex systems.

These savvy professionals are creating a new market niche – the Do-It-With-Me model.

The Complexity of a Smart Home

The commercials make it seem so simple: A video doorbell communicates effortlessly with the screen of a smartphone or tablet. What the ad fails to mention is that installing the doorbell requires an amp meter and some knowledge of electrical wiring; in fact, almost one in five DIY amateur installers say their system or equipment does not work properly after installation.

From robotic vacuums to internet-connected clocks, lights, doorbells, speakers, window blinds, ovens, baby monitors and cooking utensils, the consumer today faces a daunting range of choices. Which of these gadgets – some of which run on Wi-Fi, some on ZigBee and others on Z-Wave – can play nice together? How many different apps will it take to control all these different aspects of the home? Even the bravest DIY-er soon realizes there is no definitive playbook.

Although sales of video doorbells and other smart home security products have been growing exponentially, a surprising number of devices are returned to retailers only gently used, or not used at all. Complexity and difficulty are the No. 1 reason customers return DIY systems after activation.

Maintaining the Smart Home

The marketing for automated home security systems tends to focus on the promise of these technologies – and the way things look when everything is humming along perfectly. But real life has a way of confounding those rosy scenarios. The truth is, automated security systems need more than a one-time installation – they require ongoing maintenance, firmware updates and monitoring. This means that a system that once worked harmoniously can easily fall out of tune.

A consumer who has purchased smart security products may capable of getting a system up and running after hours of reading, research and  YouTube tutorials; however, what happens when that consumer’s dog knocks a sensor loose, and the system starts emitting an annoying beeping sound?

While some DIY-ers might have the time and the bandwidth to install, maintain, optimize and set up their system more than once, those people will be in the minority; in fact, most consumers probably will not know they have done something wrong until it’s too late.

In the end, peace of mind is a large aspect of the security industry – something that gadgets alone cannot offer.

Monetizing the New Model

Some progressive security installers we work with are learning to monetize the latest trends in security – even the rise of DIY products – and new technologies are making installation faster and easier than it was in the past, which should translate into a savings of time and manpower.

For example, in the past, acquiring a new customer involved two separate visits to the home – one call for sales and another for installation. Security professionals today are able to accomplish the same outcome with a single visit. After making a sale, the integrator can immediately begin installation, working side-by-side with the customer as security devices enroll on the network, in a consultative sales model that leads to happier customers and more robust revenue.

Some residential integrators are taking this concept a step further, and are leveraging the DIY movement to set up digital storefronts where customers can assemble their own custom kits to fit their unique needs. The professional can then pre-provision the hub and sensors and send it as a package for the customer to install themselves, since many sensors are now peel-and-stick. This saves a truck roll for the professional and a day off work for the customer.

In my experience, if a security integrator has 100 sales prospects, expect about 15 to sign on the dotted line right away, while the other 85 say “not right now.”

Because modern security systems are easily customized and upgraded, the integrator no longer has to write off that 85 percent as a loss; instead, they can offer an introductory version of the system for a lower cost, with an expectation that it will be upgraded later. Start the customer with a Video Doorbell; within the next few months they’ll be asking for additional cameras, door and window sensors, and smart thermostats to complete their system.

New technologies have offered new flexibility when it comes to installation and pricing, and forward-looking businesses are using that flexibility to boost the bottom line.

The Professional’s Changing Role

Today’s security professionals have the opportunity to become tomorrow’s smart home security consultants, and importantly, they are better positioned to offer this service than Big Box stores or online retailers offering DIY solutions. That is important, because the definition of security is changing as the market grows. Sometimes being able to see who is home, what they are doing, and when they leave is enough. There’s value in that for today’s consumers, and smart home security consultants stand ready to benefit.

Security pros may need to make some changes in order to evolve. But progressive installers are embracing growth and new opportunities. When they do, they find that their consumers will need them far into the future.

Russell Vail is EVP of Market Development for smart home and security provider Alula. Learn more about the company at www.securityinfowatch.com/12070939.

Alula Launches AlulaConnect, a New Mobile-Friendly Portal to Manage and Streamline Installs for Security and Home Automation Professionals

Upgraded portal enables mobile set-up, support, troubleshooting and more efficient communications with customers

PAUL, MN – April 30, 2019 – Alula, the leader in smart security and automation systems for professional installers and award-winning inventors of the Connect+ Platform, announced today the launch of AlulaConnect, a new partner portal that makes it easier than ever for security professionals to connect customers to the Alula Platform.

AlulaConnect replaces the previous portal, AlarmDealer.com, which will remain available throughout the year as security professionals begin a phased migration to the new interface at AlulaConnect.com.

“A new look, new features and a new name–we have rebuilt this element of our platform from the ground up,” said Brian McLaughlin, CEO of Alula. “We extended the capabilities to elegantly manage the full suite of services: security, video and home automation. Additionally, we aligned this with our Connect family of products as it really brings all the elements of our vertically integrated solution together–from sensor to hub to network and data.”

Thousands of security professionals will see an upgrade to the portal they use to add customers and register devices for their accounts. The rebranded and improved portal–which will lower the total cost of ownership for dealers–offers a simplified, modernized user experience, creating consistency between the popular Alula mobile app and the desktop experience.

“We accomplished this with responsive design that automatically adjusts the page elements to best display on whichever screen you’re using, whether it’s desktop or mobile,” said Corey Plender, Director of Product Management for Alula. “Security professionals need this flexibility to stay competitive in a sector that’s increasingly tech-enabled. The openness of our platform means they can spend less time on management of accounts and more time selling.”

AlulaConnect employs the same open APIs that partners can use to create accounts at point of sale and which allow security professionals to connect seamlessly to their customer-relations management (CRM) systems such as Salesforce.

The upgraded portal enables full remote management of customers’ devices, limiting truck rolls.

Security and automation professionals will use the new partner portal to:

  • Adjust notifications (such as push, email and phone calls) to match their customers’ preferences
  • Set up the Central Station information, including phone number, IP connection, Caller ID number, account number and billing information
  • Manage devices and troubleshoot remotely

Additional functionality planned for future updates include:

  • Ability for end-user to access Connect+ operations and video content
  • Activity and usage based reporting to enhance stickiness and reduce account attrition
  • Monthly details on new activation, including device class reporting

Alula is also updating the portal’s workflow management to simplify the account creation and customer-onboarding process. The AlulaConnect experience is driven by icons that make it intuitive to accomplish the most common tasks in the portal, streamlining data entry and management.

“A portal like this, which makes it easy to communicate with customers and manage accounts with a mobile device, is an invaluable tool for growing our business,” said Ravi Sana, Founder of Allvy Technology Integrators in Spring, Texas. “Security professionals will be thrilled with this upgrade to the account-management portal they know and trust, and they’ll be happy they can access it wherever they are.”

AlulaConnect will also offer improved diagnostic and configuration for communicators and support for Alula network products such as BAT-Connect and Connect+. The portal will feature a framework for enhanced analytic and reporting tools, which Alula will continue to build into the platform.

The new portal will be rolled out to select Connect+ installers in May. It will be available for use with BAT-Connect this summer and open to all users by the end of the third quarter of 2019. Alarmdealer.com will continue to be available throughout 2019 during the transition.

About Alula

Alula is the only vertically integrated security and home automation platform purpose-built for today’s independent security and installation professionals. From sensors to hub to network, Alula offers a complete, end-to-end solution and one accountable partner. Today, thousands of partners across North America have nearly 300,000 active locations secured and connected with Alula. Designed for professionals, the Alula platform provides a complete security, automation and video solution for renters, homeowners and commercial installations. Alula is a business-driven platform designed to reduce truck rolls, increase RMR, simplify inventory and put  today’s professional providers in control of their business, their customers and their revenue. The Alula platform is available nationwide through distributors that cater to the alarm and integrator industry. 

Alula Wins SIA New Product Showcase Award for BAT-Connect Communicator at ISC West

First communicator to provide triple-path connectivity, 5G ready technology and first to enable legacy security panels to utilize a modern touchpad for on-site control

ST. PAUL, MN – APRIL 16, 2019 – Alula, the leader in smart security and automation systems for professional installers and the award-winning inventors of the Connect+ Platform, was awarded a New Product Showcase Award in the Residential and Monitoring Solutions category for their BAT-Connect Communicator at ISC West, the largest converged security event in the U.S.

Alula’s BAT-Connect Communicator, launched at ISC West, was commended by the judges for being the first interactive communicator to provide three paths of communication outside the home / business; the first communicator to enable legacy security panels to utilize a modern 7” touchpad for onsite control and status; and the first to leverage CAT-M1 cellular technology, the IoT band for 4G and 5G networks

Beyond solving the looming industry challenge of the CDMA network sunset, the BAT-Connect allows customers to instantly modernize their legacy security systems. The device incorporates video and home automation functionality as well as the ability to add a modern touchpad to replace aging LED keypads.

Powered by the encrypted, lightning-fast Alula network, system control is delivered instantly to the smart devices that customers already use and love. Upgrading aging security systems will enable dealers to increase recurring monthly revenue and retain more accounts. Because BAT-Connect provides both IP and the new CAT-M1 cellular technology as primary communication paths it doesn’t have the same vulnerability to sunsets as cell-only communicators.

“We’re honored to be recognized at this show for our BAT-Connect Communicator, a product that will allow our partners to solve a looming problem by instantly modernizing legacy systems and provide the functionalities the consumer demands,” said Brian McLaughlin, CEO, Alula.

Armed with the BAT-Connect, security dealers can streamline their takeover business, cut install time and simplify operations. The easy-to-install communicator is broadly compatible with common panels, giving security dealers a game changer upgrade for 15 million security systems online today.

About Alula

Alula is the only vertically integrated security and home automation platform purpose-built for today’s independent security and installation professionals. From sensors to hub to network, Alula offers a complete, end-to-end solution and one accountable partner. Today, thousands of partners across North America have nearly 300,000 active locations secured and connected with Alula. Designed for professionals, the Alula platform provides a complete security, automation and video solution for renters, homeowners and commercial installations. Alula is a business-driven platform designed to reduce truck rolls, increase RMR, simplify inventory and put  today’s professional providers in control of their business, their customers and their revenue. The Alula platform is available nationwide through distributors that cater to the alarm and integrator industry. For more information about the BAT-Connect Communicator, visit https://alula.com/communicators/bat-connect/.  For more information about Alula, visit http://www.alula.com.

Media contact: Laura Cruz, TenorPR for Alula, (917) 406-7517; laura@tenorpr.com.

Alula Releases Ultimate Alarm System Takeover Solution, BAT-Connect Communicator

With the new offering, security and automation partners can easily upgrade millions of legacy alarm systems to add video and automation while delivering a modern, app-driven user interface

ST. PAUL, MN – APRIL 5, 2019 –Alula, the leader in smart security and automation systems for professional installers and the award-winning inventors of the Connect+ Platform, announced today the release of the BAT-Connect Communicator, a device that easily upgrades legacy security platforms and modernizes the mobile experience.

Beyond solving the looming problem of the CDMA network sunset, the intuitive BAT-Connect device smartly bridges intrusion security, video and automation with the Alula iOS or Android App to give security professionals a path to instantly modernize their customers’ experience. Powered by the encrypted, lightning-fast Alula network, system control is delivered instantly to the smart devices that customers already use and love. Upgrading aging security systems will enable dealers to increase recurring monthly revenue and retain more accounts. Because BAT-Connect uses IP as its first form of communication with cell as an optional backup, it doesn’t have the same vulnerability to sunsets as cell-only communicators.

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CSM Corporation Announces Alula to Lease 68,000 SF in Relocation to St. Paul

Alula leases first floor of CSM’s Midway Innovation Center I

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT:
January 9, 2019, Katelyn Childs
612.395.7136
kchilds@csmcorp.net

MINNEAPOLIS – Alula, the leader in smart security systems for dealers, has leased 68,000 square-feet at CSM Corporation’s Midway Innovation Center I in St. Paul. Alula will move from their current headquarters and production center in Hudson, WI to St. Paul.

Midway Innovation Center is located at the intersection of Highway 280 and Energy Park Drive.

The previous tenant was McAfee who vacated the building in May 2018.

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Alula Wins IoT Integration Award, Demos Smart Home Security and Video at ISC East 2018

November 13, 2018 – Hudson, WI Alula, the leader in smart security systems for dealers, today was recognized with an IoT Integration award for best video security on the eve of the International Security Conference & Exposition (ISC East), the Northeast’s largest security trade show with 7,000 security and public safety professionals. Demos of the award-winning Alula Connect+ security platform including new video cameras and mobile apps will be given at Alula’s ISC East booth # 337 November 14-15, 2018 at The Javits Center, New York.

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