Security professionals, rather than IT experts, can install Iris Touch while commissioning the equipment is akin to the ease of setting up a home broadband connection. The key to this simplicity is a specially designed touch-screen interface and an intuitive laptop program that makes each step clear, self-explanatory and self-correcting.

For security users, Iris Touch works seamlessly with existing installations and is independently certified to the highest European standards, while being approved worldwide by major insurers claims Chiron. Iris Touch offers all the advantages of alarms-over-IP transmission and monitoring technology, including substantial operational cost savings (eg 50-70 percent compared with conventional RedCare links), remote troubleshooting, remote CCTV camera control and proven network resilience through constant dual-path back-up communication via PSTN, GSM or GPRS routes.

The Iris Touch range employs the latest technology processors, making the equipment over 20 percent more cost-effective than existing Iris units, as well as backwards compatible with all existing alarm diallers in current use. This ability to interface with legacy systems allows existing alarm installations to be converted to fully-functioning IP without fuss.

Iris Touch 200 is the introductory level in the range, comprising a stand-alone solution built around a stylish, ergonomically designed consumer operating unit. Like all Iris Touch models, the 200 series features a user-friendly touch screen that makes commissioning and day-to-day operation simple and error-free. Model features include the ability to send and receive SMS messages, alternately transmit via fixed wire IP network (such as ADSL, corporate LAN/WAN or VPN), or connect through GPRS or GSM. Iris Touch 200 models also boast Iris' unique PSTN-to-IP conversion, allowing any existing alarm panel to be incorporated within an IP network.

Next step up in the range is the Iris Touch 400 series, designed to be embedded in existing security control panels and to bring all the benefits of the 200 range to the legacy panel market - including the ability to work with any alarm monitoring centre using both main and back-up transmission methods.

Final element in the series is Iris Touch Embedded, a range designed for use in third party manufacturers' alarm panels including Honeywell, Texecom, Coopers Security and Visonic.

Iris Touch also allows options with full GSM/PSTN dual-path communications. Iris Touch 400 offers a competitive option to existing dual communications diallers at a more attractive price and with no limitations to one single airtime carrier or long-term contracts.

"Iris Touch represents a tangible leap forward in the exciting area of alarms-over-IP," declares Ian Tredinnick, Chiron Security Communications' MD. "IP is the future-proof way forward for alarm transmission and monitoring and Iris Touch is just what the market has been waiting for - a fuss-free, user-friendly way to exploit IP's operational advantages, cost savings and added-value benefits."

"At this stage in the market's development, the introduction of Iris Touch could be compared to Microsoft's launch of Window 95 in the computer world - a system representing a quantum jump ahead compared with what was available beforehand. We're enabling alarm system users to take control and fully exploit the advantages the technology brings, safe in the knowledge that IP now offers high security levels combined with insurer approval."