By guest blogger, Greg Rhoades, Associate Director of Marketing, HAI

Remote access and connection to third party devices is not new to the home automation industry. In 1988, HAI’s Model 1503 controller included telephone access so homeowners could activate their alarm from anywhere in the world, or use it within their own home as an extra interface. In 2001, we introduced systems that connect to popular third-party PDA’s, allowing visual wireless access to the home via a Touchscreen device.

Will the iPad kill touch panels? No. Lots of people will still want a dedicated machine to control their home – one that doesn’t go to the park or travel to the school library. One that can run multiple applications at once. One that allows the homeowner to immediately disarm their alarm system from a keypad, without having to wait for the app to load and connect. Also, if the glass is as fragile as my iPhone, which has shattered twice from minor drops, many people will desire the durability offered in a home control specific touchscreen.

That said, this potential revolution can’t be ignored. Effects will resonate throughout the industry. Many homeowners realize the cost efficiency of purchasing an iPad or other, yet to be released, tablet like HP and Dell models. Will we see companies introduce wall mounts, extended batteries, and other options that will be valuable to our market? Yes. But there’s still a need for a dedicated machines in many instances, especially commercial installations.

Applications are being used by many companies as a tool to sell the equipment they do manufacture. Other companies are selling discount apps, but they’re reselling the hardware (iPad) and thus make their profit that way. There are a lot of different theories, and I suspect we’ll see a plethora of strategies. For instance, although our dealers don’t profit directly from our development of an app, they can also charge for setup (which is incredibly simple) of the homeowner’s device, just as they would any other installation.

HAI’s own iPad app will be available in the 2^nd Quarter of 2010. The Snap-Link Mobile is a one-time download for under $50 that allows total home control on an iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch. If the client has a home, business, and vacation home outfitted with HAI, they use the exact same app to access all properties, which is especially beneficial to property managers.

We understand every installation requires a unique solution, with a mixture of many manufacturer’s pieces and parts, and we remain open to connectivity with our partners in the industry.