Cisco Systems and AT&T have collaborated to develop a home security and automation service known as AT&T Digital Life.
As part of the deal, Cisco will design Digital Life control panel and back-office provisioning and applications life-cycle management system, which will enable users to monitor, protect and manage their homes through a smartphone, tablet or PC.
AT&T is planning to kick off its Digital Life service in eight US markets in March 2013, with further plans to launch the service in nearly 50 additional markets during the year.
The new service will allow users to boost security and control their home from virtually anywhere. Consumers can view live video from inside and outside their home, arm and disarm the security system, and control and manage appliances.
The service will also allow lighting and HVAC for energy efficiency, lock or unlock doors for guests or repairmen as well as detect water leaks before damage occurs.
Cisco Connected Home Devices vice president and general manager Joe Chow said that as more data and devices become connected, it is possible for consumers to check in on loved ones, pets and energy consumption while on the go.
"We’re excited to team with AT&T again to deliver another industry first, this time letting people proactively monitor their home from any device," Chow said.
"This truly is an application platform that opens up new opportunities for service providers – beyond monitoring, security and control to drive additional revenue, and provide higher satisfaction by offering additional networked services to consumers inside and outside their market."
Features of the new Digital Life controller include five radios, OSGi software framework, advanced power management to enhance back-up, improved diagnostics to ensure device reliability and Home Plug AV.
AT&T recently announced plans to add small cells and distribute antenna networks to densify its network in large U.S. cities.
The plans are part of AT&T’s Project Velocity IP (VIP) revealed in November 2012, under which the company will invest about $14bn over the next three years to expand and improve its wireless and wired broadband IP network infrastructure in the US.
AT&T will add 10,000 new large cells and 40,000 small cells in urban areas, as part of ‘Project VIP’.
