Kev,
The installer menu and the upcoming eK Server product are optional features of the eKeypad platform that help resellers and installers to more easily manage eKeypad installations for their customers. These special features are there to meet their unique needs and are all optional.
In this most recent release, I have consolidated these settings into a common sub-menu for easier access. If you are not managing eKeypad installations for others these features will not be of much value to you.
To give you more detail:
The installer sub-menu has several features that allow the installer to customize how eKeypad operates. For example, the "Installer Code" is a unique code provided to installers that will enable GUI customizations. Installers are able to add their logo and company contact information throughout eKeypad. Likewise, the "Login at Config" option allows the installer to manage who is allowed to enter the configuration screens and make changes.
The eK Server is an optional internet service that enables installers to have full management control over an unlimited number of eKeypad installations. Some of the features it provides are:
- Direct management over licensing. Including re-sellable and upgradable licenses
- Ability to provide multi-seat and other commercial style licensing agreements
- Enhanced co-branding support. Similar to the GUI customizations above
- Full remote management. Allowing the installer to add/change configuration settings remotely over the internet.
- Ability to authorize and blacklist individual devices from using eK Server. (i.e. Lost or stolen phones)
- Automatic configuration backup and restore services. (i.e. Replaced or upgraded devices)
- Remote client wipe. This sends a command over the internet that clears all configuration details from eKeypad.
- Ability to push informational messages to individual or groups of eKeypad installations.
The largest challenge to adding a mobile device for an installer is how to manage this device after they sell it to the end-user. For installers and end-users in this scenario, the installer sub-menu and eK Server provide the installer the features they need to perform this management easily and inexpensively. For their customers, these features provide the safety and security features expected from a full service installer.
