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Alarm-over-IP cuts costs

Travelex, the largest retail foreign exchange specialist in the world, has introduced 21st century alarms-over-IP intruder alarm monitoring at its 10 locations within Heathrow Airport's new Terminal 5. The company has opted to use Chiron Security Communications' Iris system, Europe's fastest growing IP alarm transmission and monitoring system.

Rob Page, Travelex's retail security manager for the UK and Europe, confirms that the move is a switch from the company's current method of signalling. Working with its alarm receiving centre provider, ADT, Travelex has added value to its existing IT wide area network by using this to transmit its alarm signals. He points out that after recouping the modest capital investment associated with equipment installation, he anticipates substantial monitoring cost savings of some 70%.

"We had a successful trial of the Iris system at our retail head office in London, where it proved itself over a 10-month period, which encouraged us to roll out Iris into our nine new retail shops at Terminal 5, along with a VAT refund desk being operated for HM Revenue & Customs. We previously evaluated comparable equipment, but did not feel this was proven compared with Chiron's Iris system.

"We have been aware for some time of the benefits Chiron's Iris system offers and our experience during the head office trial period and subsequent installations at Heathrow's Terminal 5 have demonstrated how well the company worked with ADT to resolve immediate installation issues. We are looking forward to reaping the operational cost savings Iris offers and actively considering a wider rollout of the system within our branch network."

Vikram Datar, Chiron Security Communications' business development manager, adds that Travelex's experience demonstrates why the Iris alarm transmission and monitoring system is proving so popular with end users, installers and ARCs alike: "Iris is supported by over 70 monitoring centres across Europe and is applicable to all systems from high security to residential. Many alarm panel manufacturers are now offering Iris technology embedded within their panels and the system is independently certified to EN50131 and 50136 approved to Grade 4 ATS-6.

"That is why an increasing number of insurers are also backing the system, allowing customers to reap the benefits of Iris' alarms-over-IP monitoring cost savings, added value functionality and future-proof technical capabilities."

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