Editor’s Note: On August 31, Best Buy will begin offering PEQ, a do-it-yourself (DIY) home automation from SmartHome Ventures that allows consumers to view, manage, and receive alerts from their homes through a single app on their smartphone, tablet or PC with no contract requirement for $9.99 a month. The system is powered by Icontrol, a company that has played in the professionally installed space for years. Jim Johnson, executive vice president and general manager at Icontrol, released the following blog sharing the company’s thoughts on the addition of a DIY product targeting the consumer space.

The connected market is getting a lot of attention right now, but we are not new to this space. We've been in the smart home industry for more than ten years and during this time have had the same one mission: provide a connected home solution for every household, so people worldwide spend less time managing their lives and more time living them. 

And today that mission remains the same, which is why we strive to put the consumer in charge by giving them as many options as possible. Whether they prefer a professional service provider solution, a self-installed package they can purchase and build upon, or a point solution, we’ve got them covered.

Today, we’re excited to announce that we’re bringing consumers yet another way for them to experience the benefits of a smart home with the introduction of PEQ home automation system. This announcement brings our best-in-class, proven smart home platform to consumers who would prefer to purchase a retail solution. We currently manage more than 22 million sensors and devices, unsurpassed in the smart home industry, and our open, extensible platform means PEQ customers won't need to be concerned about interoperability. What's more, our OpenHome Developer Program means PEQ can quickly accelerate the number of devices compatible with its platform, expanding options for consumers and helping drive mass adoption of the smart home.

This announcement truly brings us one step closer to our vision of a home management solution for every household, and we’re excited for what’s to come. 

So check out Best Buy beginning August 31 and sit back, relax and let your home take care of you for a change.

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But what about the professional install, SDM asked Johnson?

“As the home automation space continues to evolve, Icontrol sees various business model opportunities for the connected home emerging. In order to drive mass adoption of the smart home, we want to give consumers as many options as possible, whether they prefer a professional service provider solution, a self-installed package they can purchase and build upon, or a point solution,” Johnson said. “Now, with the introduction of PEQhome automation system, we're excited to give consumers yet another way for them to experience the benefits of a smart home,” he explained.