AlertMe.com, provider of people-friendly home security, has teamed up with Ember to make it easy for people, wherever they may be, to keep a close eye on their homes by combining ZigBee wireless technology, the Internet and mobile phone networks.

U.K.-based AlertMe.com is launching an intelligent home security service based on Embers ZigBee technology that lets people protect, control and monitor their homes from around the world via the Internet or a mobile device.  The direct alert system immediately notifies people via text, or email, about problems at home, including fire and burglary.  Offering much more than traditional burglar alarms, AlertMe can also notify people when smoke or carbon monoxide alarms go off or when people enter or leave the home.  This increased functionality is provided at a significantly lower cost compared to the installation and monitoring fees of conventional alarm systems.

Self-install is easy, with no wiring or drilling required.  The homeowner can also personalize the security and monitoring system to suit their unique needs, whether they need to accommodate pets, visitors or a house cleaner.  AlertMes direct alert system means that homeowners no longer have to rely on security company call centers or noisy sirens.  Friends, neighbors and family can also receive alerts for incidents as added support.

The AlertMe kit consists of a compact hub which serves as a gateway to the Internet, and a selection of sensors which are sufficient to cover a typical home.  Included are door and window sensors, motion sensors and alarm detectors which listen for existing smoke or carbon monoxide alarms and forward on alerts.

Using Embers EM250 ZigBee "system-on-chip" and EM260 ZigBee network co- processor with its EmberZNet PRO wireless mesh networking software, the AlertMe system self organizes to provide robust coverage of the home.  The hub is also equipped with battery backup and a GPRS modem so that in the event of a power outage it can always deliver the alert.

AlertMe.com looked at a range of wireless technologies, such as Z-Wave, and chose ZigBee because it offered the best combination of low-power, security and scalability, according to Laura James, AlertMe.coms vice president of engineering.  The increasing recognition of ZigBee as a leading wireless monitoring and control technology, together with its open standards and wide community of users, added to its appeal for AlertMe.

James said the company partnered with Ember due to its strong reputation for high performance semiconductors, software and support.  "Ember came highly recommended by many happy customers," she said.  "Ember also offered the most advanced and reliable ZigBee software stack, the ability to do over-the-air upgrading of our products, and their technical support has been top notch."

Embers ZigBee technology includes chips, software and development tools that enable OEMs like AlertMe to easily embed low power wireless communications into their products, delivering dramatic improvements in the quality of life for consumers, as well as better energy efficiency improvements for their homes.

"What AlertMe really offers is peace of mind," said Bob Gohn, vice president of marketing at Ember.  "Its a great example of how companies can innovate with ZigBee to make our homes, safe and secure without the expense, complexity and hassles of traditional security systems."

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