$50bn US giant in the clouds with AlertMe
Cambridge UK CleanTech company AlertMe and Lowe’s, the giant US DIY retailer, have launched Iris™ – new cloud–based smart home technology based on the AlertMe connected home platform.
Iris allows homeowners to monitor and control their home from anywhere via smartphone, tablet or computer – driving up energy efficient practices and cutting cost.It is currently available on Lowes.com and will be available in 500 stores by the end of August.
It represents a landmark deal for AlertMe because the $50.2bn turnover Lowe’s offers a major distribution channel and entry into the US market, with over 1,700 stores across North America and a footfall of 15 million customers a week.
It is important for Lowe’s because it allows the Fortune100 company to be a leader in the smart home technologies market by providing their customers with simple, affordable and customised solutions to make their homes safer and more energy efficient.
Greg Bridgeford, Lowe’s chief customer officer said: “We know that because of advances in technology and the Internet, one day virtually everything in the home will be connected and controlled by the homeowner via smart phone or tablet.
“We also know that what is currently available in the marketplace for the smart home simply isn’t working for homeowners because systems are complex and expensive.
“Iris changes the game. It offers our customers simple, affordable and customised solutions to make their homes safer, more efficient and customised to their needs, interests and life stage.”
Mary Turner, CEO of AlertMe added: “Today’s consumers are already using their smartphones to connect to everything important in their lives, so why should the home be any different?
“We put the home ‘in the cloud’ bringing the customer and their home closer together. It’s about making interacting with your home more efficient and convenient and at a price that is affordable.”
While the AlertMe technology takes care of energy efficiency it could also be used as a platform for a turnkey intelligent home solution. Wall Street-quoted Lowe’s says it is working with its broad network of vendor partners to further develop a wide range of devices that are compatible with Iris.
