OPENING CEREMONY:Mavcap chief executive officer Mohd Azwar Mahmud (left) cutting the ribbon to open the centre while Tok looks on.

INIX Technologies Sdn Bhd's new research and development (R&D) centre will help the local intelligent home systems developer compete on innovative products rather than low price, its chief executive officer Jimmy Tok said at the centre's opening last week in Subang Jaya.

The company spent about RM400,000 on moving its existing development lab into more spacious premises and providing its developers with new software and hardware development tools.

“Our Secure Smith intelligent home systems provide customers with a home security system, electrical equipment automation, home surveillance and closed-circuit TV – accessible over the Internet – for between 10% to 20% more than regular home security systems,” said Tok.

These regular systems cost up to RM2,000 for a two-storey link house, he added.

Inix users can modify and expand their system by adding components and accessories themselves, instead of having to call in a contractor.

The system's controller communicates with intelligent power socket adaptors over the earth and neutral wires of existing mains wiring to switch on and off lamps, fans and other appliances. It communicates with various sensors, including infrared sensors, by radio.

The only additional wiring required is for its video cameras and telephone lines.

“This not only lets home users modify and add sensors to the system as they renovate their home, but also lets them be creative by attaching wireless sensors to their cars or place it in their shoes.

“If anyone tries to break into their car or steal their shoes, the system will be alerted to switch on the lights, start recording the scene with hidden cameras, and anything else as preconfigured by the user,” said Tok.

“Moreover, they can attach proximity sensors to their pets, and should the animal escape from their compound, the system will alert them that it's lost contact with the relevant detector,” he added.

Each of these sensors costs about RM50.

Inix is a joint-venture established between Tok's company PC Sentry Sdn Bhd, which originally developed its intelligent home automation and security system, and Malaysia Venture Capital Management Bhd (Mavcap), the Finance Ministry's investment arm.

So far the partners have invested a total of RM1.5mil in Inix's old and new R&D centres.

Since Inix began operations in May 1, 2003, it has received orders for 5,764 of its systems, mainly from local housing developers wanting to include them as a feature of homes they are building.

However, it's also been aggressively targeting export markets in the Middle-East, the United States and Australia, and plans to exhibit its products at the upcoming CeBIT 2004 trade fair in Hanover in March.

“We're also working with the Malaysian Invention and Design Society (MINDS at www.minds.org.my) to participate in the upcoming Geneva International Invention Awards 2004,” said Tok.

Inix can be reached by phone at (03) 5632-2222, by e-mail at enquiry@inix.com.my, and has a website at www.inix.com.my.