Managing vacation rentals can be a chore because properties are often scattered in remote locations. What if "smart devices" enabled property managers to control functions like setting the thermostat remotely, via the Internet?
Remote-controlled functions of a holiday home are one of the promises of the “Internet of things” -- a buzzy name for the idea that most our most practical, workaday belongings will get plugged into the Internet.
Remote security systems aren't new, but the level of control of all aspects of a property is deepening. Property managers will soon be able to use Internet interfaces to remotely control door locks, a pool or Jacuzzi, and guest check-in and check-out.
Putting holiday homes online -- literally
Today LiveRez becomes the first vacation rental reservations software company to integrate a first-generation type of this remote property control, partnering with PointCentral, a seller of cellular-powered smarthome tools.
LiveRez, a cloud-based platform, will make the PointCentral offerings available to its 800 managers of vacation rentals.
CORRECTION: This is a game of catch up with its largest rival, HomeAway, whose HomeAway Software for Professionals has offered remote property control for a while, via recently acquired company Glad to Have You.
PointCentral and its parent company Alarm.com say they have 1.8 million cellular property gateways installed in homes across the US and Canada.
It has already installed its smarthome tools in 300 North American vacation rentals managed by All Star Vacation Homes.
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