Business Weekly - Cambridge, UK

Intamac, which develops internet-based home monitoring systems, has positioned its technology as a means of the Government hitting the targets set out in the recently published Freud Report.

The report highlights that, with an aging population, more people of working age need to be able to move out of the benefits system and into paid employment.

One of the key recommendations of the report is that benefit entitlement for single parents should cease when the youngest child reaches the age

of 12, four years earlier than is currently the case.

Intamac has developed an internet platform and portal that facilitates a range of home monitoring and security applications.

“Government should be investing in home monitoring, messaging, and control technology systems as part of their support package," said Intamac CEO Kevin Meagher.

"We believe technology has a key role to play in the support Government offers to those it is trying to encourage back into the workforce. Many of these people will need the re-assurance that what they can continue to monitor and care for those they are responsible for, as well as holding down a job.”

The company says it has not yet discussed this specific application of the technology with the Government, but that it does currently work with a number of public sector bodies and local authorities in other areas of monitoring.

Marketing manager, Claire Harris said: “We'd welcome the opportunity to discuss this with Govenment, and help find ways to make this type of technology an integral part of wider plans to improve social and economic wellbeing of the state.”

With low and falling hardware costs and plug-and-play capability, Intamac says that the technology is now an affordable option.

DIY systems, including an alarm system and two internet protocol cameras typically cost under £400, with subscription fees for the monitoring service starting at £5 a month.

Asked whether the Government could reasonably be expected foot the bill as part of its drive to encourage people back into work, Harris said: “There's no reason why not. Given the very low start-up hardware costs to purchase a basic system, and the low-cost monthly monitoring fees, this cost could, I'm sure, quite easily be offset against the reduction in benefits and allowances made by using this technology.”

With the use of IP cameras, subscribers are able to remotely view into their home from any internet connected device, via phone, e-mail or text message. It allows them to monitor whether children are home safely from school; when an authorised visitor - for instance a tradesperson or carer is in the home; or the movements of an elderly family member within the home.

"It is a reality that we have an aging population and many of the people who will now be required to seek employment will also be responsible for

children and/or elderly relatives.

“Home monitoring services, such as those we provide, can bring peace of mind to them whilst at work, and provide timely alert messages to them if actions needs to be taken,"said Meagher.