• At $200, the new INV-APP-500 is the industry’s lowest cost remote monitoring appliance
• Simple and easy to deploy – field installation takes only minutes
• New low cost service model starts at no annual fee
• Enables remote power management via the cloud for existing IP-based power products
• Cost efficient way to own a customer’s network – large or small

Austin, TX – January 31, 2012, – ihiji, creator of the award-winning cloud-based remote monitoring and support system invision, has begun shipping the new and much-anticipated INV-APP-500. This low-cost and energy-efficient remote monitoring hardware appliance is destined to be the industry standard for installations large and small.

The INV-APP-500 boasts a game-changing starting price of $200 and is sold as part of the ihiji invision solution. When implemented, dealers are able to further reduce remote servicing costs while simultaneously increasing system reliability, thereby earning recurring revenue and maximizing operating efficiencies. Furthermore, in contrast to competitive solutions, ihiji’s annual services have been greatly reduced, and the first monitoring tier is free. This enables dealers to deploy an appliance on virtually every installation. Therefore, authorized ihiji dealers are now able to offer both hardware and the first year of service for as low as $200, which is easily recouped by avoiding just one truck roll.

The end-user benefit is equally impressive. ihiji’s low-power appliance INV-APP-500 can deliver a remarkable $700 in annual energy cost savings per location, when compared with traditional in-home server scenarios.

“With the introduction of our new INV-APP-500 appliance, dealers are able to implement robust and reliable remote monitoring and support services for a fraction of the price,” according to ihiji VP of technical operations, Michael Maniscalco. “Our goal is to enable dealers to own their customers’ network and doing so requires remote management. With ihiji invision’s cloud-based architecture, all of the heavy lifting is done on our servers, meaning dealers do not sacrifice features or reliability with the new low-cost appliance. Utilizing cloud services, dealers can offer the most reliable monitoring and support solutions available while keeping the costs of entry and ongoing maintenance as low as possible. We believe this approach to the category is more than a trend. It’s an emerging industry standard.”

invision is the only cloud based monitoring solution built specifically for custom dealers and designed to simplify remote management. It also avoids the high costs and complexities associated with traditional IT-focused monitoring solutions. Developed and maintained entirely in-house by ihiji’s software engineering team, invision has been frequently lauded by dealers as being both the most robust and the most easy-to-use solution available, providing “profound benefits”.

To join the ihiji invision community, or to learn more about establishing business-stabilizing proactive recurring revenue streams and improved customer loyalty, please email info@ihiji.com or call (512) 538-0520.

Some of your clients will immediately embrace your service contract option, some will ask for changes, and others will pass altogether. This is normal and to be expected as one single package will rarely meet the needs of all clients. Learn from the feedback received during the sales process, and then tweak your offering accordingly.

At First, Start Small. A basic service contract is relatively simple to put together, and can include a simple checklist of items that can save you time and money while providing real value to your customers. Some examples for this could include services such as an annual twohour inspection and basic calibration, an hour of firmware upgrades, a VIP call in line, access to remote support and service, or a basic remote monitoring solution. Once established, you can gather feedback from clients and utilize it to build a more robust service contract over time.

Know Your Service Costs. Even a basic service contract structure requires a thorough understanding of associated service costs, which is a healthy exercise for any organization to go through. Once costs have been determined, you can establish the services you intend to offer, and calculate your desired margin and the prices you will need to charge for each service tier. It is not uncommon for an integrator’s base service contract program to be based on a fixed price while their higher-end contract is based on a percentage of the total system package price.

Create a Name for Your Contract. Not surprisingly, titles are important. Thus, many integrators have found that they have had greater adoption rates when calling the service or maintenance contract something similar to a “Preferred Client Care Program.” This provides the client with a sense of protection and security. Be careful, however, not to employ excessive fear tactics. Instead, simply illustrate the benefits and costs savings, and you will have far greater success.

Marketing, Training, and Roll Out. Finally, create compelling marketing material, train your sales staff, and roll out the program to your customers. Be sure to present these new services to your previous customers and those with whom you have not interacted with recently. Review the equipment they have, make suggestions for upgrades, and perhaps add remote monitoring and support that provides insight into the connected equipment’s health and status. Take advantage of the opportunity to show them something new, to assist them with any issues they may be experiencing, and create a new transaction. Show your customers that you care, and you may be pleasantly surprised by their reactions.

Michael Maniscalco (info@ihiji.com), ihiji co-founder and vice president of technical operations, served as one of the principal architects of invision, the company’s cloudbased real-time remote systems monitoring and support solution.

Read the entire article on ResidentialSystems.com…

Establishing a firm basis for his future success, Seth received his Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Black Studies, from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1994. He then went on to receive a Master of Education with Advanced Study in Counselor Education from Pennsylvania State University in 1997.

Prior to joining ihiji Seth served as Sales Director for D-Tools, where he managed the sale of software and services to more than 2500 accounts in North America alone. There, he implemented a recurring revenue model, effectively raised predictable cash flow, and achieved status as the top sales performer.

Since joining ihiji during the summer of 2011 as Director of Sales and Business Development, Seth has been instrumental in providing ESC’s the proper knowledge and education required to be successful in the Remote Monitoring and Support category.

Volunteering his time and energy for the betterment of our industry, Seth has held concurrent appointments for over five years, including a recent term as Chairman of CEDIA University’s College of Customer Relations, and as Vice-Chair of the highly impactful CEDIA Management Conference. In 2008, he was honored as CEDIA’s Manufacturer Volunteer of the Year and remains committed to initiatives that continuously raise the stature and prosperity of the entire ESC community.

Contribution to the company:
As a relatively new member of the team, Seth has focused his energies on increasing the industry’s awareness and adoption of the ihiji invision solution. Advocating and educating, he provides dealers the expertise to handle the transition from a reactive break-fix service model to a proactive and more efficient service approach.

Seth’s masterful relationship building skills and client-centric consultative sales approach enable him to provide extensive education and support to dealers, bolstering their knowledge base, and establishing a strong foundation of success for each firm in the Remote Monitoring and Support category.

Utilizing his extensive experience selling enterprise software solutions, Rubenstein interacts with and educates CEDIA dealers worldwide, working tirelessly to promote a positive and holistic development of the industry and Electronics Systems Contractors alike.

Contact Information
Seth Rubenstein phone: 512.538.0520
Seth Rubenstein e-mail: seth@ihiji.com

Click to see the entire 2012 Custom Retailer Magazine’s Young Turks edition.

You see, the home of the future is destined to be fully connected. We’re already seeing it happen with smart appliances, which are entering the mainstream market as we speak. Society will rely on this constant connectivity more and more, and companies just like yours will be necessary to maintain all of the pieces and parts that ultimately make up the home network. In case you are wondering, this spells nothing but opportunity. However, you, the electronics systems integrator, must ensure that your IPIQ is up to par so that you can properly manage your client’s needs, now and into the future.

Read The Full Article…

Media Contact:
Jamie Riley
CEDIA
317.328.4336 ext. 119
jriley@cedia.org

CEDIA Announces 2012 – 2013 Leadership

INDIANAPOLIS (December 13, 2011) — The Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) has announced the 2012 volunteer Executive Committee and Board of Directors. The volunteer leadership will be responsible for guiding the association’s strategic initiatives for the 2012 – 2013 term. Two Directors were voted in by CEDIA members and one Director was appointed by the current Board of Directors. The term will run from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013.

Executive Committee

Chairman
Federico Bausone
Multisistemas BVC Sa de Cv
San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, Mexico

Vice Chairman
Larry Pexton
Triad Speakers ~FM~
Portland, OR

Secretary
Buzz Delano
Delano Associates
San Clemente, CA

Treasurer
Gordon van Zuiden
cyberManor
Los Gatos, CA

Immediate Past Chairman
Randy Stearns
Engineered Environments
Alameda, CA

Directors

Michael Creeden
M&R Digital Innovations, Inc.
Spring Grove, IL

Dennis Erskine
Erskine Group
Symrna,GA

Mark Hoffenberg *NEW
AudioVisions
Ladera Ranch, CA

Richard Millson *NEW
Millson Technologies, Inc.
Vancouver, BC

Seth Rubenstein *NEW
Ihiji, inc.
Symrna,GA

Peter Shipp
ZIO Group, LLC
Winter Park, FL

Bill Skaer
Eric Grundelman’s Cool AV ~FM~
Mesquite, TX

John Stiernberg
Stiernberg Consulting
Sherman Oaks, CA

Images of each board member are available for media purposes. Contact press@cedia.org for more information.

About CEDIA

CEDIA is an international trade association of companies that specialize in designing and installing electronic systems for the home. The association was founded in September 1989 and has more than 3,500 member companies worldwide. CEDIA members are established and insured businesses with bona fide qualifications and experience in this specialized field. For more information on CEDIA, visit the association’s website at www.cedia.org.

Follow @CEDIA on Twitter, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CEDIA.Region2, or join the CEDIA group on LinkedIn.

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This is the first part of ihiji’s new Dealer Playbook, a resource kit that will help you roll out remote monitoring and support to your company and clients.

Here are a few successful approaches to use when deploying ihiji’s invision to the first 5-10 customers:

1. Approach a few friendly clients
2. Install in problem installations
3. Simply include it on newer installations that are under warranty

From a customer service, scheduling and financial standpoint, any of these scenarios provide an opportunity for dealers to immediately benefit from remote monitoring and support.

Our recommendation is that you start remote monitoring and support with a limited number of critical devices. This approach helps you and your customers get comfortable with the way the system works, helps you keep the initial cost down, and most importantly ensures that the most critical equipment is monitored. By simply installing the ihiji appliance you are automatically providing valuable internet monitoring out of the box which allows you to quickly identify ISP connection or installation problems.

When you are able to better monitor and control the core of the system, the entire stability and performance is enhanced. Here is a quick list of the core critical devices that ihiji recommends dealers begin with.

Network Equipment:
Modem
Router
Managed Switches
Wireless Access Points

Control System Devices:
IP Touch Panels
Control Processors

Power Devices:
UPS
PDU

Media Devices:
Request Servers
Kaleidescape Systems

As you become more familiar with the devices that frequently have problems you can slowly expand on this list. You’ll also find that as your customers become more comfortable with remote monitoring and support that they’ll begin to request monitoring of specific devices.

This is a post that was originally written for as an article Commercial Integrator magazine and is expanded on in an older ihiji blog post on network troubleshooting tools and recommended equipment.

As integrators migrate to business models based on service as opposed to profit margins, their command of networks becomes even more critical.

IP control systems, Wi-Fi-based touch panels and content delivery via the network are becoming standard. Clients demand the latest and greatest, and expect it to function as it did on day one. To keep up with that demand, integrators must keep up with networking tools and technologies.

To ensure the customer experience is not compromised due to equipment malfunction or failure, integrators must utilize the power of network technology and incorporate advanced diagnostics into their technical support offerings. This may seem daunting, but once you understand the basics there are significant and tangible benefits that soon can be realized. For instance, by implementing cloud-based remote monitoring at client sites, integrators receive alerts that aid in the early detection and resolution of client-site issues.

Easily identifying that a malfunctioning projector or touch panel is the result of an accidentally unplugged wireless access point, and then eliminating an unnecessary service call to reset it, creates a much more positive experience for your clients. They’re happy and you potentially saved a bundle; it’s a win-win scenario.

Networking Devices Perform Distinct Functions

We’ll assume that you are using a Windowsbased system (although much of this information is relevant and some of the applications mentioned are available for Macs).

Networks derive their functionality from routers, switches and wireless access points (WAPs). Each of these devices has a unique and distinct function to perform on a network. To understand network functionality best, you must understand how each functions within the environment, how best to configure them in order to maximize their performance, and troubleshoot any issues that occur down the road. Utilizing the right networking equipment will not only improve your client’s overall experience, but your firm’s productivity and profitability. Remember: Face time with clients is good, but being efficient with their time and yours is better.

Routers: These can be thought of as the main brains of the network, ensuring information (data) is properly routed from its originator to its destination. They create a network and serve as the controller, enabling networks and their devices to talk to each other efficiently. Many routers also include services for firewall, Network Address Translation (NAT), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Port Forwarding, Dynamic Domain Name Services (Dynamic DNS), and Virtual Local Area Networks (VLAN).

Network Switch: A switch connects network segments, effectively expanding the reach of the network and the number of devices connected to that network. Network switches are both a more common and a more efficient way to expand a network in comparison to older ‘hub’ technology.

Managed Switches: A managed switch is configurable, offering greater flexibility and capacity than an unmanaged switch. They can be monitored and adjusted either locally or remotely, giving integrators the ability to expand their service offering and improve the customer experience. Managed switches also provide for more advanced troubleshooting, such as bandwidth management, port role assignment, and port status, as well as advanced configuration for VLANs.

Unmanaged Switches: Unmanaged switches are more “plug and play” than managed switches but are basically “dumb;” they are neither configurable nor accessible remotely. They are completely “transparent,” typically requiring onsite technician visits to troubleshoot and resolve issues.

Wireless Access Point (WAP): Expanding network access to 802.11 wireless devices, WAPs come in four general varieties; A, B, G and N (each offering different range and speeds). The higher-end WAPs provide expanded features such as Virtual SSIDs, VLAN integration, Auto channel selection, removable antennas, and central controllers.

Additionally, many IP-based power distribution modules exist, allowing integrators to remotely reboot equipment. You also can get creative with relays and a control systems processor for added functionality.

Networking Tools and Terminology

Basic routing, Ethernet, and IP principals are the fundamental building blocks from which solid troubleshooting skills can be established. To stay ahead of the curve, you will need to expand your horizon and add more definitive network administration skills. Become comfortable with the OSI model; OSI layers establish functionality across a network and each stage is essential for any information to be passed through a network. Using these layers, you can easily troubleshoot and pinpoint the exact source of network problems.

Windows comes standard with diagnostic tools that can be run from the command line to assess the status of the network. Here are just a few that you should know about and use as part of your troubleshooting regime:

To access the command line in Windows go to start 1run, type “command,” and hit Enter.

ipconfig: Will display the IP address, subnet, and gateway of the associated computer and each of its interfaces. Ipconfig /all will show DNS information. ipconfig /release or ipconfig /renew will reset the IP connection if it is using a DHCP. ipconfig /? Will display help for the ipconfig command.

Ping: Basic troubleshooting tool to determine if a device is able to communicate over the network. Internally you can ping the local gateway to test LAN connectivity (typically the router). Once LAN connectivity is verified, you can ping DNS servers or your service provider’s gateway to verify Internet connectivity. Two common DNS servers for testing are Verizon 4.2.2.2 or Google 8.8.8.8. Type ping — help for more information on the ping command.

Tracert: Troubleshooting tool that allows you to determine where in the network latency or network outage exist. Trace route will show you the hops across a network to the final destination. Try tracert 8.8.8.8 to see the route to Google’s DNS server from your home or office, through your ISP network, and through the “Big I” Internet.

nslookup: Will look up the IP address for a domain name. Try nslookup to look up Google’s server address.

ihiji is committed to helping dealers increase their knowledge of networking because we feel it is a critical skill for all businesses and technicians. We continue to help create and instruct our own networking essentials webinars, CEDIA University courses, write blog posts, guest editorials and work with our dealers to accomplish this. Please follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the upcoming news and resources.

The winners of the CE Pro BEST Awards were chosen by a panel of industry experts, integrators, and by the editors of CE Pro and Electronic House magazines. Over 200 entries were received, each judged on innovation, functionality, competitive advantage, and benefit to the installer. The winning entries represent an exclusive group of products deemed by the industry as the most noteworthy for 2011.

“It is a true honor for us to receive the CE Pro BEST Award for a second straight year,” said Michael Maniscalco, ihiji co-founder and vice president of technical operations. “We work closely with our channel partners to develop simplified remote monitoring and support solutions and strive for excellence in all that we do. The BEST Award,” Maniscalco added, “validates our efforts and confirms for trade and industry professionals that the capabilities provided by the ihiji invision managed service platform are not only unique, but game-changing.”

Installed at the client site to proactively monitor and service components 24/7, invision automatically reports equipment problems to ihiji’s back-end servers in real time. This in turn provides technicians, via either an email or SMS message, with detailed diagnostic information. A secure web interface displays status and alert history, enables remote support, facilitates system downtime scheduling, and allows for prompt and effective resolution.

invision was designed and developed from the ground up, allowing ihiji to maintain total control over the product roadmap. This unique advantage makes it possible for ihiji to swiftly add features and enhancements based on dealer feedback and technical evolution. The cloud-based architecture does not burden dealers with the added cost attributed to third-party licensing fees, expensive server infrastructure or in-house IT experts, making invision the most cost-effective and feature-rich monitoring solution on the market today. There is not a more simple or powerful solution for integrators available.

ihiji holds three regularly scheduled web demonstrations of invision each week for dealers interested in learning more about this powerful and exciting business-enhancing tool. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about the ihiji invision solution, please contact ihiji director of sales Seth Rubenstein at (512) 538-0520 or email sales@ihiji.com.

About ihiji

ihiji, the leading residential systems monitoring company, provides invision, a simple-to-use, yet robust remote systems monitoring and network support solution that enables proactive system performance management for Electronics Systems Contractors. ihiji creates a partnership with its dealers and leading industry manufacturers to offer inspired solutions to complicated problems that increase both end-user satisfaction and dealer profitability. Prototyped within the founders’ high-end systems integration company, the team has a rich history as futurists and technologists, with a unique background comprised of computer and electrical engineering, research and development, information technology, computer programming, and graduate-level business experience. Follow ihiji on Twitter and on Facebook, and learn more about the company online at www.ihiji.com.

Media Contact:

For press or media inquiries, please contact Katye McGregor Bennett of KMB Communications by calling (425) 374-8930 or by writing to Katye@kmbcomm.com.

Ease Of Implementation and Unequalled Breadth of Offering is Catalyst for Expansion and Growth

Austin, TX – October 3, 2011 – ihiji, creator of the award-winning cloud-based remote monitoring and support system invision, today announces the recent appointment of several independent sales representation firms to execute the company’s strategic growth initiatives in the US and Canada.

Advancing ihiji’s mission to simplify remote monitoring and support services for dealers of any size and scope, the sales rep firms act as an extension of the company providing needed territory support. Serving as educators and facilitators, ihiji invision reps assist dealers with successfully implementing and deploying remote monitoring and support tools, as well as creating more profitable and efficient service organizations through the implementation of service contracts.

To further support and foster dealer success, ihiji provides direct support in the form of outreach and education. Weekly open webinars detail remote monitoring and support practices. Dealers receive a comprehensive explanation of the category and technologies, as well as a demonstration on how to implement ihiji invision. Maintaining an “open-door” policy, ihiji encourages and appreciates questions from the field. “Inquiries need not come only from established dealers. We welcome comments from trade professionals who simply want to know more about ihiji invision or the remote monitoring and support category,” stated ihiji vice president and co-founder, David Rench.

The newly appointed sales representative organizations are:

• Stagg Ventures, Chris Stagg – Canada
• The Jarmac Group, Peter Dyroff – CT, MA, ME, NH, VT, Upstate NY
• River City Sales, Brett Phelps – IA, KS, MO, NE
• Elite Marketing, Dale Pugh – AR, LA, OK, TX
• AV Partners, Eric Leicht – Southern California

“The response from the dealer base in Canada has been fantastic so far,” said Chris Stagg, president of Stagg Ventures. “Dealers in this market see ihiji as a cost effective way to deliver a new and unique service, providing an excellent opportunity to reach out to previous and current customers. The implementation of service contracts is critical in delivering the kind of service levels that end-users expect, and ihiji invision provides the perfect solution. invision is the simplest, easiest to implement remote monitoring and support solution out there and we are excited about the potential it represents.”

Representatives utilized this month’s CEDIA Expo to show attendees the simplicity of implementing remote monitoring services, whether for client sites or their own facilities. Displaying unique and unrivaled technological advancements, ihiji demonstrated the many benefits that can be derived through the use and sale of the invision system, revealing new features designed to foster and support dealer success in this quickly-evolving category.

However, it was ihji’s newest product announcement that produced a big splash at CEDIA Expo. There, the INV-APP-500, an energy efficient wall wart-styled remote network monitoring and support appliance made its debut, receiving accolades for its size, capabilities, and price point. The new ihiji invision monitoring appliance breaks through traditional pricing barriers, thereby increasing its potential, making it a viable option for installations of any size or scope.

Dealers, trade professionals, or anyone else interested in learning more about ihiji invision or how to prosper with remote monitoring and servicing solutions are encouraged to contact ihiji director of sales and business development Seth Rubenstein, by writing to sales@ihiji.com or by calling (512) 538-0520.

About ihiji
ihiji, the leading residential systems monitoring company, provides invision, a simple-to-use, yet robust remote systems monitoring and network support solution that enables proactive client system performance management for Electronics Systems Contractors. ihiji creates a partnership with its dealers and leading industry manufacturers to offer inspired solutions to complicated problems that increase both end-user satisfaction and dealer profitability. Prototyped within the founders’ high-end systems integration company, the team has a rich history as futurists and technologists, with a unique background comprised of computer and electrical engineering, research and development, information technology, computer programming, and graduate-level business experience. Follow ihiji on Twitter and on Facebook, and learn more about the company online at www.ihiji.com.

Media Contact:
Katye McGregor Bennett
KMB Communications
O. 425-374-8930
E. Katye@kmbcomm.com

Indianapolis, IN – September 7, 2011 (CEDIA Expo booh#4732) – ihiji, creator of the award-winning cloud-based remote monitoring and support system invision, will unveil for CEDIA Expo attendees the new INV-APP-500, a low-cost, energy-efficient remote monitoring hardware appliance, destined to be the industry standard for installations large and small.

Boasting a game-changing starting price of $200 and sold as part of the ihiji invision solution, ihiji’s new INV-APP-500 enables integrators to further reduce remote servicing costs while simultaneously increasing system reliability, earning recurring revenue and maximizing operating efficiencies. In contrast to competitive solutions, ihiji monitoring services start as low as $120 a year, which when coupled with the new appliance, allow authorized ihiji dealers to offer both hardware and the first year of service for as low as $320. The cost of which can easily be recouped by avoiding just one truck roll.

The end-user benefit is equally impressive. ihiji’s low-power appliance INV-APP-500 can deliver a remarkable $700 in annual energy cost savings per location, when compared with traditional in-home server scenarios.

“With our new low cost appliance, integrators now have what they need; a remote monitoring solution for any price point,” said ihiji VP of technical operations, Michael Maniscalco. “Because invision is cloud-based, all of the heavy lifting is done on our servers, which means dealers do not sacrifice features or reliability with the new low-cost appliance. In addition, the cloud offers the

most reliable monitoring and support solution available while keeping cost of entry and ongoing maintenance costs as low as possible. We believe this approach to the category is more than a trend, but an emerging industry standard. What you see now is just the beginning.”

invision is the only cloud based monitoring solution built specifically for residential integrators and is designed to simplify remote management without the high costs and complexities associated with enterprise IT-type monitoring solutions. Developed and maintained entirely in-house by ihiji’s software engineering team, invision has been frequently lauded by integrators as being both the most robust and the most easy-to-use solution available.

Visit ihiji at CEDIA Expo 2011 in booth #4732, where the new INV-APP-500 will be unveiled. There, ihiji will also be demonstrating the award-winning invision solution, as well as delivering next-generation prototype services for in-home connected appliances, energy management systems and more for the Future Technology Pavilion, in booth #4754. Don’t miss it!

To learn more about the new INV-APP-500, the ihiji invision solution, or to schedule an appointment at CEDIA Expo, please contact Michael Maniscalco at 888-321-9170 or email info@ihiji.com.

About ihiji
ihiji, the leading residential systems monitoring company, provides invision, a simple-to-use, yet robust cloud-based remote systems monitoring and network support solution that enables proactive systems performance management for Electronics Systems Contractors. ihiji creates a partnership with its channel partners, offering inspired solutions to complicated problems, thereby increasing end-user satisfaction and facilitating a sustainable and healthy, recurring revenue stream.
With a rich history as futurists and technologists, the company’s management team has a unique background comprised of computer and electrical engineering, research and development, information technology, computer programming, and graduate level business with vast experience in electronics systems design, installation and servicing.
Follow ihiji on Twitter and on Facebook, and learn more about the company online at www.ihiji.com.

Media Contact:
Katye McGregor
KMB Communications
O. 425-374-8930
E. katye@kmcbcomm.com