The new App requires only four simple information-fields to be completed by authorised engineers, in order for remote panel uploads to be transferred via IP, saving time and money for installers and end-users.

Alarm panels connected via IP should be protected behind firewalls – but while these firewalls are essential for security, they are an obstacle to authorised engineers every time they need to remotely service and upgrade the panels.

"Whereas outgoing connections from firewalls are almost always allowed, incoming connections are not. Up to now this has limited the effectiveness of remote servicing," explains Mike Kennedy, Chiron’s technical director. "The new Remote Service App solves this problem entirely, by sitting in-between the alarm panel and the engineer, at the remote monitoring centre and acting as a conduit."

The new system is simple to use, particularly for any installer used to managing alarm or fire panels over PSTN or with a direct serial connection from a laptop. The Remote Service App lets the engineer carry out any required operation as normal, using the panel’s own management software, then it ensures that the data is transferred swiftly, over IP.

"Our new App takes care of the task seamlessly, even though firewalls are in place," explains Mike Kennedy. "It provides an efficient alternative servicing route that is applicable to all alarm systems where a laptop can be connected directly to the alarm panel with a serial cable."

Although there are no standards for alarm panel management and all manufacturers have their own specific software, which is usually not IP-enabled, the new Remote Service App works with all panels, providing a fast, generic way to connect over IP. The new App is highly secure, and is protected with all the authentication features found in the Iris Secure Apps family – including user-name, password and additional physical token protection where required. The monitoring centre retains ultimate control and grants access to authorised engineers at specified times, as appropriate.