[Articles] ELK RMDesigner

[CT Droid]

ELK has released more information about their upcoming ELK RMDesigner software.  The software will allow you to fully customize your ELK RMS touch screen interfaces, and also configure the audio, video and links interfaces.  The software is available for purchase now (directly from ELK only), costs $275 and also requires you to read, sign and return the EULA, which can be downloaded here.


Press release
RM Designer Software customizes the Graphic User Interface, known as ELK RMS, for ELK M1 Security & Automation Controls.

Customization can range from a simple addition of the integrator’s logo to the creation of totally unique pages containing custom backgrounds, colors, buttons, text, information boxes, etc.  RMDesigner features a variety of tools for page customization as well as utilities for audio, video, and links setup.  It also incorporates the ability to store all setup & graphic changes for each job under a project folder, providing ease and convenience for future changes or modifications.



View the full article

 

[electron]

Updated article with pricing and other info.

 

[WayneW]

Wow, I thought Spanky said the ElkRMS and the configuration tool was a free upgrade for existing ElkRM users? I wasn't expecting this. I was expecting to be able to make ElkRMS run on smaller screens.

And the EULA is pretty tight... one computer? no network? limited support? no transferability?

So, is a pro installer able to buy one license/copy and configure multiple customers installs or must a pro installer buy a license for every customer?

 

[bphillips]

Wow, I thought Spanky said the ElkRMS and the configuration tool was a free upgrade for existing ElkRM users? I wasn't expecting this. I was expecting to be able to make ElkRMS run on smaller screens.

And the EULA is pretty tight... one computer? no network? limited support? no transferability?

So, is a pro installer able to buy one license/copy and configure multiple customers installs or must a pro installer buy a license for every customer?

The ElkRM (RMS) upgrade (ver. 2.0.2) is indeed free to existing licensed owners of ElkRM. It was released on June 8 and is available for download now on the Elk website. Release notes are posted there also.

RMDesigner, the configurator tool is not free, but yes it can be used to resize all the graphics to allow ElkRM to run on smaller screens.

One license copy of RMDesigner is all that a pro installer (or any installer for that matter) would need, regardless of how many customer locations that he may be managing. In other words, RMDesigner installs on the installer’s PC, and the results that are created "the skin" is simply loaded to the customer’s touchscreen or PC that is running ElkRM. A thumbdrive is the best way to move skins around. You can even store multiple versions and pick/choose which one you want to install.

 

[Neurorad]

This new software looks awesome. Thanks, David.

A little pricey, though. Thought it would be an update of ElkRM, rather than separate software.

C'est la vie - you have to pay to play.

 

[Neurorad]

Thanks for the explanation, Dan.

ELK-RMS = Remote management/touchscreen software - 'free' with M1
ELK-RMD = Design software for touchscreen graphics customization - $275

When was ElkRMS v2.0.2 released? I can't access the Release Notes without installing .NET framework. The RMS manual still says 11/06.

It appears that another IP camera or 2 were added to the 'Supported Cameras' list, and there is a large list of supported Russound devices.

I didn't know RMS could display local weather, stock, and traffic - is that new? There is also a photo screensaver function - my wife will love this new digital picture frame I'm getting her.

 

[Spanky]

Someone out there needs to become an ELKRM Designer Service Provider to do custom designs for the people that do not want to buy RM Designer. With a single copy of ELKRM Designer you can make all the custom designs you want for anyone.

 

[gatchel]

Sounds a little pricey to me...

 

[BryanE]

Sounds a little pricey to me...

I'm afraid I have to echo this sentiment.

I'm sure a ton of development time has gone into getting this product to market and I can appreciate wanting to recoup some of those costs. I also commend Elk on their efforts and I'm glad to see new products coming to market.

Obviously Elk's target market for this product is not the average Elk end user. It's geared more towards the installer or graphic designer. Although at $275, I tend to think it might even scare away many installers.

Elk could take a number of approaches with this...

1. They could offer the Designer at a lower cost (between $59-$99). I suspect at this price point they would attract not only installers/designers but system owners as well. Increasing their overall market share. This would also become an excellent marketing tool for installers.

2. Keep the $275 price point and hope installers who do large volume Elk installs will be able to up sell customization service to their clients. This seems like a very limited market and I find it difficult to believe this approach will be profitable.

This makes me think of the ongoing iPhone/App Store debate. Some companies provide free iPhone apps to help sell their hardware. Companies like Life|ware, ReQuest, Sonos, etc. Other companies are charging what many consumers believe to be excessive amounts for their iPhone apps. Especially when you consider most iPhone apps cost between $.99-$4.99. Which model is better? Which will increase consumer awareness? Which will increase customer loyalty? I'll let you be the judge. I will say that I was never a huge Sonos fan until after I used their free iPhone control app. Now I'm a Sonos owner and couldn't be more excited about their product and promoting it to others.

Did someone say Cocoon Discount?

 

[Nostromo]

Given the specialist area and the functionality this designer appears to provide I dont think the price is unreasonable (although as an end user I would always appreciate a lower price). It is a good point on the Appstore - I think ELK should consider giving it away (or at a slight price premium) with the touchscreens they sell or have bundles with the base RMS software to attract new customers.

Another approach ELK could take for end users would be to start selling different skins ($5 each? would need to be professional quality) - I think this would provide a degree of customisation without a completely bespoke design.

Regards Jim

 

[jwilson56]

Isn't HSTouch at $199 so the price is not way out of line if it is robust enough. Sure it would be nice if it were cheaper but considering what type of hardware your using this with like Russound for instance I would think if you can afford that you can afford a mere $275 for designer software package to create a custom GUI frontend for your setup. IMHO

 

[WayneW]

ELK-RMS = Remote management/touchscreen software - 'free' with M1
ELK-RMD = Design software for touchscreen graphics customization - $275

AFAIK, Elk-RM & Elk-RMS have never been free.