Players warm up to home security mart

The electronic home security market has become an eye candy for companies such as Honeywell, Siemens, Bosch, Zicom and Eureka Forbes.

These companies, which are already present in electronic government and corporate security, are expanding into the home security space.

As a result, the home security systems market, which is currently valued at about Rs 70 crore, will reach Rs 400 crore in the next four years, said industry officials.

Solutions range from integrated home automation, to high end stand-alone systems such as burglar alarm phones, fire detectors, video door phones, CCTV systems, and anti-access and intrusion systems.

"Events like the September 11 attack, the attack on parliament and the ongoing bomb blasts have resulted into an overall growth in the security systems market. Besides, growing income, lower customs duty and availability of cheaper electronic goods, have resulted into growth of home security systems," said Pramod V Rao, managing director for Zicom Electronic Security Systems.

In the next 2-3 years, more than five lakh house holds would subscribe to electronic security systems, he said.

Siemens, which has recently set up a Siemens Building Technologies for providing security systems and automation to buildings, has identified a dedicated line of products in the area of home security.

"Our systems, control all home appliances like phones, AC and washing machines remotely, control electrical appliances like thermostats, lighting, curtains, gas valve and fans, and integrate magnetic sensors, fire alarm detectors and alarms," said Anant Maheshwari, the South Asia director for Honeywell Security Group.

For a monthly charge, which ranges between Rs 200 and Rs 500, Zicom Security Systems, offers electronic security systems.

"The electronic gadgets, which are relatively inexpensive, can also be bought by the customer. Besides, we have tied up with Cholamandalam. They will offer free insurance up to Rs 30 lakh," said Zicom's Pramod Rao.