The Biggest Question for Each Security Manufacturer

The security industry is in a peculiar spot as of early 2021. Almost every manufacturer has a major question right now. Today, we thought it would be helpful to take a look at current industry questions and share our thoughts. These are the biggest questions for each security manufacturer.

Resideo: Can the PROA7PLUS regain the trust of DIY users?

The decision by Resideo to initially release the ProSeries 7" All-In-One Panel, also known as the PROA7PLUS, without end user programming is something that we still wholeheartedly disagree with. At the time of this writing in early February, the system still does not support local programming. Many DIY users have already jumped ship and switched to systems that leave them empowered, rather than at the mercy of their monitoring providers.

By all accounts, people love the PROA7PLUS System. It has an extremely attractive design, and it is loaded with great features that help it stand-out in a highly competitive market. But there are more users each and every day who instead choose a different option so that they can perform their own programming. It's funny to think that this same company was once seen as the champion of DIY security systems, as their Honeywell LYNX Touch and Honeywell Lyric Systems definitively proved that an end-user could easily install and program their alarm system on their own and save huge amounts of money.

Resideo says that local end-user programming will eventually be made available for the PROA7PLUS, and we are eagerly awaiting this update. But with an increasing number of users switching to manufacturers who never abandoned the concept in the first place, we have to wonder if it will be too little too late?

Qolsys: Is the IQ Hub a mistake?

When I think about any given company in the security industry, I usually start by considering where they are right now, and also where they are going. For years now, Qolsys has been riding the wave of their IQ Panel 2, and later their IQ Panel 2 Plus. No matter how you slice it, the IQ Panel 2 has been a highly successful security system. So when we first learned about the IQ Hub, which was nearly two and a half years ago, our initial reaction was excitement, followed by us scratching our heads, and then us oddly trying to block it from our memories. You can read more about our predictions regarding the IQ Hub here.

Every clue associated with the IQ Hub suggests that its purpose is to serve as a lower entry point, a "budget" system, if you will, in relation to the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. And while that's not inherently a bad thing, it's just that we're not really sure if the IQ Panel 2 Plus needs a lower entry point. If there ever was a true "one-size-fits-all" security system, then the IQ Panel 2 Plus might very well be that golden child. Additionally, the IQ Panel 2 has become the very "face" of Qolsys, and the company wouldn't have it any other way. Their premier system is well-known for being sleek, easy to operate, and extremely versatile.

Then you bring in the IQ Hub, and well, from aesthetics alone, it looks like an ugly stepchild. Pair that with the fact that we have now gone two and a half years with no major updates regarding the system, and we're starting to wonder if maybe Qolsys is trying to just sweep this one under the rug and hope we all forget about it? Granted, there was a serious pandemic in the past year, but we haven't even gotten a delay notice. We will give it a few more months before we call this system a total lost cause, but this might be a mistake that never sees the light of day. Or maybe it will make a big splash at a certain security tradeshow in the summer? Crazier things have happened.

2GIG: Is the 2GIG Edge a Hail Mary attempt?

It's no secret that Nortek, the parent company of 2GIG, is going all-in on their 2GIG Edge System. The associated website is bold, and the campaign surrounding the system seems to be far more aggressive than anything we have previously seen out of the company. If we're being honest though, 2GIG seems to be acting a bit wild right now. They're trying very hard to draw up hype for the Edge with "giveaways" and by posting particularly bold quotes from the system's beta testing cycle.

It kind of makes us wonder - why is 2GIG acting with such urgency? Not to mention, they tried to discreetly push back the system's "countdown timer" by a few weeks, as if nobody would notice. Meanwhile, behind closed doors, the company has just axed the only remaining touchscreen keypad option for their current flagship system. And speaking of that current flagship system, the 2GIG GC3e was only released less than two (2) years ago. Now they're already trying to generate hype for a new system?

We still haven't even asked why 2GIG feels the need to be so "artsy" and "revolutionary" with their Edge website. Why not just show us a full image of the panel and list some important features? That would be more helpful than telling us that we have "Reached the Edge", whatever that means. Actually, they're correct. I have reached the edge of my patience.

All of this seems fishy to me. 2GIG is desperate here. And to be fair, the panel looks like it has some great features. There is no reason why the Edge can't be a roaring success. We have always appreciated the exceptional build-quality associated with 2GIG Alarm Panels. And now it looks like 2GIG will finally have an option with all the fancy bells and whistles of their competition. Think a feature-packed system like the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, but with better build quality. If all goes well, then the Edge should serve 2GIG very well for many years to come. But we also get the vibe that this might be a do or die situation for 2GIG.

DSC: Are the days of DSC Residential Security Systems gone?

When we talk about DSC these days, it's usually for the PowerG Sensors that have become the go-to option for IQ Panel 2 Plus users. The only time a DSC Security System is brought up is if it's a commercial user considering a hardwired DSC PowerSeries NEO or DSC PowerSeries PRO. But while DSC is still highly regarded for its commercial security system offerings, its residential offerings are non-existent.

The DSC Iotega is a total flop of a system, and we can't imagine it ever being relevant. That's really no surprise, as the Iotega basically mirrors the Honeywell Lyric Gateway, which had its own product life cut short due to its poor performance. You will still come across DSC Impassa Systems in the field, and many users opt to upgrade them and extend their useful life. But really, nobody is actively seeking out a brand-new DSC Impassa to build around.

Every time we look at DSC, it just seems like they are inching closer to the likes of Napco and Bosch and becoming exclusively known for their commercial and industrial offerings. Again, it makes sense. Now that both Qolsys and DSC are under the Johnson Controls banner, the divide seems clearer than ever. Qolsys is for residential and small business applications, and DSC is for larger commercial and enterprise applications. Maybe a few of you out there have a fond memory of working on a DSC Impassa System. But we can't picture a new DSC System entering the residential market anytime soon.

Got your own alarm system questions? You can send them to us at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to check your emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. This is also a great email to use if you are wanting to learn more about how you can get started with Alarm Grid monitoring services. We look forward to hearing from you!