 |
|
|
| 1)
What receiver formats does Rapid Response Monitoring
support? |
|
Rapid
Response can receive nearly any format commonly
used in the industry. Please refer to our Technical
page and the Receiver Table. If the format you
are using or want to use is not listed, please
contact our Technical Department and we can program
a receiver for that format.
|
|
|
Return
To Top
|
| 2)
Does Rapid Response offer Two-Way Voice service?
|
Yes.
We have dedicated Two-Way Voice Operators that exclusively
monitor our Two-Way accounts. |
|
|
|
| 3)
What type of long-range radio and cellular phone
back-up service does Rapid Response offer? |
|
Rapid
Response offers all of Ademco Alarmnet's radio
back-up services, including Alarmnet A One-way,
Alarmnet A Two-way, Alarmnet C, Alarmnet-M (Mobitex),
Symphony, Alarmnet i and Optiflex- but we can
work with almost any of the radio back-up services
on the market today. It is best to call our Technical
experts to discuss your options or existing system.
|
|
|
|
| 4)
Does Rapid Response Monitoring have Dealer Access
interactive software? |
|
Rapid
Response has its own proprietary Dealer Access
software, RapidLink 2000. RapidLink gives users
real-time connectivity with the Monitoring Center.
We can offer Dealers and their staff direct access
to their database, as well as receive current
Account Activity. RapidLink integrates with several
applications including Alarm for Windows as well
as our Palm OS application and a PDA/Pocket PC
application, giving Dealers a tool that can run
their office and on-the-road operations. Rapid
Response has also developed specific applications
for the Palm Pilot, Pocket PC and Nextel cellular
phones to give Dealers access to accounts and
database from the field.
|
|
|
|
| 5)Is
Rapid Response Monitoring UL listed? |
Yes.
Not only are we UL listed, we are also Factory Mutual
(FM) and IQ certified. |
|
|
|
| 6)
How many accounts do I need to become a Dealer with
Rapid Response? |
|
None.
Rapid Response does not differentiate
between
the "Start Up Dealer" or the established
installation firm: we give our Dealers, big or
small, the same personalized service and support.
|
|
|
|
| 7)
What passcodes or passwords are acceptable? |
|
Rapid
Response Monitoring accepts any passcode or password,
as long as it is 12 characters or less. Rapid
Response will not accept profane or off-color
words: As a company that prides its self on professionalism
and courteous service we ask for the same consideration
to our staff, who may be sensitive to harsh language.
|
|
|
|
| 8)
What marketing materials do you offer Dealers? |
|
Rapid
Response has several brochures the Dealer can
use to promote his services to prospective clients
and gain referrals from his existing subscribers.
Dealers may call their Dealer Support Representative
and request the materials.
|
|
|
|
| 9)
Can I use the Rapid Response logo and photos in
my advertising? |
|
Rapid
Response reserves the right to limit this, in
compliance with our copyrights and depending on
the intended use. We occasionally make exceptions.
|
|
|
|
| 10)
Can Rapid Response Monitoring monitor elevator alarms?
|
|
Yes.
All that is needed is the location of the elevator
and the telephone number the car will be dialing
out on. A Dealer Support Service Representative
can explain further details.
|
|
|
|
| 11)
Does Rapid Response Monitoring service accounts
for the hearing impaired? |
Yes.
Rapid Response monitors residences of the hearing
impaired. Normally the Subscriber is set up with
a TDD service: We need to be alerted that this service
is enabled when setting up the account. |
|
|
|
| 12)
How long has Rapid Response been monitoring alarms? |
Rapid
Response Monitoring was founded in 1992. |
|
|
|
| 13)
How is redundancy provided? |
|
All
incoming signals are handled by Rapid Response's
Avaya Definity 63R Version II phone switch, which
has critical reliability, dual processors and
a redundant fiber optic links between carriers.
Rapid Response utilizes two local telecommunications
companies, four national providers, and the most
advanced SONET architecture available today. There
are also a total of four T-3s deployed. All incoming
phone lines are enclosed in an underground cable
system and underground access to the monitoring
facility. Rapid's power redundancy is in the form
of dual, custom-designed 600kw diesel generators
with independent fuel tanks and dual Liebert 150kVA
UPS units, each capable of supporting the monitoring
center's full critical load.
|
|
|
|
| 14)
Does Rapid Response provide back-up alarm signal
processing? |
|
Each
receiver line card has an in-place rollover for
incoming transmissions. Every incoming receiver
line card phone line has an in place, operational,
back up phone line. A second computer backs up
the main computer with continual data backup so
that the backup is ready to take over should the
main default. We have a third system, that we
test new applications on, that is configured so
that should the primary or secondary servers go
down, we have the third ready for service. In
addition, we also have a PC network of duplicated
data, should it be required.
|
|
|
|
| 15)
What happens to Rapid Response's monitoring if
its power goes out? |
|
Rapid
Response's safety and back-ups assure that the
power literally never goes out. We exceed UL and
FM requirements for back-up power. Rapid Response's
automated, custom designed 600 kw diesel generators
have 12000 gallon independent fuel tanks, and
are housed in environmentally controlled and physically
secured housing monitored by site security. Rapid
Response additionally utilizes dual Liebert Uninterrupted
Power Systems (UPS). All of this equipment is
on a computer driven automatic switch, and our
monitoring center is fully equipped with battery
operated emergency lights. Other than UL and FM
testing of the generators, demonstrations for
clients, or service checks on the generators,
we have never never had to rely on these back-ups,
but have given them regular load testing and have
reverted to these fail safes as during severe
weather related power outages.
|
|
|
|
| 16)
How does a Dealer get referrals from Rapid Response
Monitoring? |
|
They
do not. Rapid Response enters into Non-Disclosure
Agreements with all of our Dealers. This provides
an even playing field, and we will not divulge
or discuss any of the provisions in your contract
with us with anyone.
|
|
|
|
| 17)
Does Rapid Response buy accounts? |
|
We do not. Rapid Response Monitoring is first,
foremost and exclusively a wholesale provider
of electronic monitoring services. We are an alarm-monitoring
center. Rapid Response will neither service nor
install systems, as this would be a conflict of
interest on our part, putting us in direct competition
with our Dealers.
|
|
|
|
| 18)
Area codes are being changed in my area. What
does Rapid Response need to know? |
|
When
area codes are changed, Rapid Response verifies
the codes affected, then the timeframe by which
the codes need to be changed. We then use a conversion
tool in our software that automatically changes
all affected phone numbers throughout our database,
including those of responsible parties (RPs).
|
|
|
|
| 19)
Do I need any special license to become an Rapid
Response dealer? |
|
Many
states (and municipalities) that require Dealers
to hold a license or permit to install alarm systems.
If there are any questions regarding licenses,
permits or qualifications, it is best for the
Dealer to contact the appropriate agency. Rapid
Response abides by all state and local regulations.
In those states with regulations, Rapid Response
holds all necessary licenses to monitor systems
and requires all Dealers to be licensed to service
and/or install systems as well.
|
|
|
|
| 20)
How can I get supplies, like monitoring agreements
or marketing materials when needed? |
|
Please
contact your Dealer Support Services Representative
at 1-888-799-1050 or fax requests to 1-315-479-9573.
|
|
|
|
| 21)
What types of Alarm Activity Reports are available
to Dealers? |
|
Alarm
activity reports are available on a monthly, weekly
or bi-weekly basis, or even daily depending on
the type of report requested. We offer these reports
for All Activity, Open/Close Reports and Exception
Reports, any of which can be mailed, e-mailed
or faxed.
|
|
|
|
| 22)
What are the requirements to become an Rapid
Response Dealer? |
|
Rapid
Response's Dealer Application Process as streamlined
as possible. Dealers need to be properly licensed
and certified according to state and local mandates
in their area and the region in which they will
be installing systems. Rapid Response will supply
you with a complete Dealer Application Package
with all forms necessary. After we receive the
completed forms, verify the information and approvals,
Rapid Response will set up each Dealer and their
employees with passcodes, assign account numbers,
and they are ready to begin!
|
|
|
|
| 23)
What is the procedure for putting a new account
on-line? |
|
Rapid
Response will assign each Dealer an account block,
according to the type of panel and format by which
the panel is programmed. After testing the install,
the technician can fax the information to Rapid
Response Monitoring, where it is entered by Data
Entry Representatives almost immediately. Rapid
Response works to have each account, account changes
or updates entered within 30 minutes of its receipt
at our offices. The Dealer Support Service Representatives
then proof-reads the account to check for accuracy.
(Rapid Response requires that an original copy
be sent to our offices) At that point, our staff
will proof the contract, sign it and print out
a copy of the information as it appears in our
database.
|
|
|
|
| 24)
How can I put a subscriber on-line today? |
|
If
a Dealer needs immediate monitoring service for
a subscriber, they must fax in the account's Subscriber
Monitoring Agreement form. Faxed forms are entered
as they are received, most often within a half-hour
from the time they are received. Rapid Response
can accept verbal information over the phone,
but discourages this and only very rarely will
make an exception: Verbal exchange of data is
error-prone and leaves no verifiable record of
information or liability. For the best interest
of our Dealers and our Company, Rapid Response
prefers to have hard copies of account information
on hand.
|
|
|
|
| 25)
My subscriber needs documentation for insurance
purposes that his alarm system is monitored. Is
this available? |
|
At
the Dealer's request, Rapid Response can supply
Insurance Certificates for their clients. Forms
are available at no charge and may be obtained
by contacting the Dealer Support Services Department
or their specific Support Representative.
|
|
|
|
