A British startup called AlertMe.com has introduced a remotely managed security system that runs off a Linux-driven Hub. The AlertMe Hub tracks various sensors via Zigbee, and then reports back to AlertMe.com's servers, which in turn relay alarm events to the customer via SMS or email.

Costing $800 plus $23.50 a month, the system alerts remote customers to events such as an intruder or a fire, says the company. The battery-powered, ZigBee-enabled devices in the AlertMe network include door and window sensors and alarm detectors that listen for existing smoke or carbon monoxide alarms. There's also a ZigBee router/wireless range extender, keyfobs for turning alarms on and off, and a programmable “Button,” currently being used as a door alarm.

The Linux-based AlertMe Hub is equipped with an ARM9-based Cirrus EP9302, which is typically clocked at 200MHz. The Hub also includes 64MB RAM and 64MB flash, plus a small boot ROM. There's also an Ethernet port, LEDs, and audio in and out, says the company. It provides both battery backup in case of power failure and a GPRS radio in case of broadband failure. The box is also equipped with a ZigBee radio, using an Ember EM260 co-processor running Ember's ZigBee EmberZNet PRO stack.

“Embedded Linux is simply the right choice for a smart platform within the home,” said AlertMe.com Chief Architect, Laura James. “All our engineers have been happy with our choice, and I'm sure that would not have been the case with any alternative embedded platform.”

A full Device Profile of the AlertMe system, plus an interview with James on the Linux implementation, is available here.

 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.