Let me tell you a story. As the CTO at AlarmFront, I deal with all sorts of security system headaches. Recently, a client approached us looking for an alternative to a dinosaur in the industry: SIMS II. Now, don't get me wrong, SIMS II is a legend. It's the workhorse of central station monitoring software, used by countless companies for years. But, well, legends get a bit… long in the tooth.Yes! SIMS II is a MS DOS software!!
Here is how SIMS 2 displays events:
Here is how SIMS 2 displays object info
This client, bless their hearts, loved SIMS II. It was reliable, stable – the alarm monitoring equivalent of a trusty old pickup truck. But there's a reason people eventually trade in their pickups for shiny new SUVs. SIMS II, for all its glory, is a pure DOS experience. Think black screen, green text, zero graphics – a far cry from the sleek interfaces we're used to today.
So, our client came to us with a challenge: replicate the magic of SIMS II, but with a modern twist. They wanted the features they knew and loved, minus the limitations of a bygone era. And let me tell you, it was an eye-opening experience.
Why Our Client Held Onto SIMS II: A Love Affair with Legacy Performance
Our client, like many in the security industry, had a long and trusted relationship with SIMS II. Here's what made them hesitant to let go:1. Unwavering Performance Under Pressure
They weren't just managing a handful of sensors; they were dealing with a whopping 30,000 objects, generating a constant stream of events per minute. SIMS II was built for this kind of high load, handling massive data volumes with ease. Multiple operators could work simultaneously, sifting through hundreds of events per second without a hitch. It was a true workhorse, optimized for quick and efficient alarm handling.2. Rock-Solid Stability
Stability is paramount in security monitoring. A system that crashes during a critical event is a recipe for disaster. Our client valued SIMS II's unwavering stability. It simply didn't crash – period. This reliability provided peace of mind and ensured their security system remained vigilant 24/7.3. Unique Functionality Beyond the Basics
Beyond its core performance and stability, SIMS II offered some unique features that our client found invaluable. These weren't standard offerings in most alarm monitoring software, and they became a key part of their workflow. We'll delve into these features in the next section to see what truly set SIMS II apart.Why We (Secretly) Loved Diving into SIMS II
But the real gems came in the form of some unique features that weren't exactly standard in the industry. These were the things our client truly cherished, and the things we had to get right in our own software. Here's where things got interesting:100.000+ of Object Support
We took AlarmFront's object support to a whole new level, allowing for a massive increase in the number of objects a single server could handle. We're talking well over 100,000 – enough to satisfy even the most object-heavy clients.Event Priorities
Let's face it, with a constant stream of events, you need a way to prioritize the chaos. We implemented a robust system where events are color-coded based on their importance – burger alarm? Red alert! Low battery? Not so much. This allows operators to quickly identify and address critical situations.
Operator Message Takeover
Picture a war room with multiple operators managing alarms. We built a feature that lets operators claim messages, preventing others from seeing them after initial notification. This keeps everyone focused and avoids confusion when dealing with multiple alarms.
SIMS II Data Import
Nostalgia can be a powerful drug. We made sure our client could seamlessly import all their data – objects, contacts, zones, the whole shebang – from their trusty SIMS II system. No need to start from scratch.Out of Service Mode
False and duplicate alarms are the bane of any operator's existence. We implemented a test mode that allows operators to temporarily silence alarms from specific objects or entire devices, perfect for troubleshooting or maintenance.SIMS 2 Out of Service Mode
AlarmFront Out of Service Mode
Object Equipment Management
SIMS II allowed for some pretty granular object configurations. We replicated that functionality, allowing objects to have multiple alarm panels with individual IDs, while still consolidating events for easier monitoring.Batch Alarm Handling
Sometimes, you just gotta clear the decks. We gave operators the power to accept or dismiss batches of alarms – perfect for dealing with duplicate alerts or focusing on the most critical ones.Object History Tracking
Ever wonder who modified what and when? We added a log that tracks all object edits by operator, making it easy to see who made changes and when.UI Makeover
SIMS II has outdated UI (MS DOS) but it has increadable usability. Here are some from a lot of improvements:- New hotkeys for faster navigation through events and menus (object search, switch off object into test mode and more).
- Recent message history and zone liest at Alarm Windows for better context and faster resolution
- Flexible event history displays allowing customization (e.g., only time, object ID, event code) for quicker analysis
A Not-So-Secret Admiration for a Legacy System
Here's the thing: while we built a fantastic modern alternative for our client, there were some aspects of SIMS II that genuinely impressed us. Their binary file storage system for objects and events, for example, was surprisingly efficient. They even had a clever backup system that removed old messages from the binary file and archived them as text for easy retrieval. We were so impressed, we've actually added a similar ZIP + plain text backup feature to our own roadmap.The Modern Alternative to SIMS II: Introducing AlarmFront
The security industry evolves rapidly, and the limitations of legacy systems like SIMS II become increasingly apparent. While it served its time well, the lack of user-friendliness and limited customization options can hinder modern security operations.Here's where AlarmFront steps in as the best alternative to SIMS II. We built AlarmFront with a focus on providing the same level of unwavering performance and stability that SIMS II is known for, while offering a host of modern features and a user-friendly interface.
Why AlarmFront is the Superior Choice as a SIMS 2 alternative:
Modern Interface:
Ditch the green text! AlarmFront boasts a sleek, intuitive interface that prioritizes usability. Operators can navigate quickly with hotkeys, access improved message history for better context, and customize event history displays for faster analysis.Event List
Alarm Window
Seamless Data Migration
Moving from SIMS II doesn't have to be a headache. AlarmFront allows for seamless import of all your existing data – objects, contacts, zones, devices – ensuring a smooth transition without starting from scratch.Future-Proof Technology
AlarmFront is constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the security industry. We're committed to providing cutting-edge features and functionality, ensuring your system remains effective for years to come.AlarmFront goes beyond basic alarm monitoring, offering a comprehensive suite of features to streamline your operations, enhance awareness, and empower your team. Here's a breakdown of what sets us apart:
Unmatched Compatibility:
Wide Alarm Receiver & Protocol Support: Integrate effortlessly with your existing security ecosystem. AlarmFront boasts support for over 20 industry-standard protocols, including SIA, Surgard, and Ademco 685, ensuring seamless communication with most alarm receivers and panels.Remote Access and Control:
Client/Server Architecture with Secure Web Server: Enjoy the benefits of a centralized system accessible from anywhere. Access your AlarmFront server securely using our thin client application over the internet. This web-based architecture allows for remote management and real-time monitoring, regardless of location.Streamlined Technician Management:
Tech Support Call Management: Optimize your service delivery.
Manage technician support calls efficiently, dispatching the right personnel to client locations based on object details and expertise needed.
Mobile Workforce Empowerment:
Dedicated Mobile Apps (x2): Equip your team for on-the-go operations. AlarmFront offers two distinct mobile applications:Client App
Provides clients with real-time notifications and system status updates, ensuring they're always informed.
Rapid Response & Technician App
Empowers response teams and technicians with critical alerts, object information access, and dispatch management directly from their mobile devices.Enhanced Situational Awareness:
Maps & Object Plans Integration: Visualize your security landscape. Integrate maps and object plans with your AlarmFront system, allowing for a clearer understanding of object locations and potential threats.
GPS Tracking & Moving Object Support: Monitor mobile assets in real-time. Track the movement of vehicles and other valuable equipment equipped with GPS devices for improved security and asset management.
Multi-Channel Communication:
Granular Notification Options (Telegram, Email, SMS): Stay informed through your preferred communication channels. AlarmFront provides customizable notification options, including Telegram, Email, and SMS. Receive real-time alerts for critical events and ensure everyone is aware of security incidents.Advanced Security Integration:
IP Camera Support: Expand your security perimeter. Integrate IP cameras with your AlarmFront system, enabling live video feeds and centralized video management for comprehensive monitoring.
With this feature set, AlarmFront empowers you to manage your security operations with greater efficiency, improve response times, and maintain complete situational awareness.
Ready to Escape the Limitations of SIMS II?
Don't settle for outdated technology. Upgrade to a modern security monitoring solution that offers the best of both worlds: unmatched performance and a user-friendly experience.Contact AlarmFront today to learn more about how we can help you streamline your security operations and take your monitoring to the next level.