Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) is contemplating a joint purchase of one of its key home automation vendors, iControl.
According to Medium, Comcast may purchase a piece of the iControl, which supplies backend software to the MSO's home automation and security service. If it goes through with the purchase, Medium said, Comcast would partner Alarm.com, an iControl competitor.
A Comcast representative said he couldn't comment for FierceInstaller.
Founded in 2004, iControl quickly became a go-to vendor to major home-automation and security operators including Comcast and ADT.
In 2011, Comcast tapped iControl's OpenHome software platform to power its Xfinty Home security service
The company was backed by $90 million in private investment, but it's business was hurt by the emergence of off-the-shelf, DIY home-automation and security products.
The company responded by launching its own DYI product lines. Notably, in 2014, it acquired Blacksumac and its Piper all-in-one home security product for $239 million.
However, iControl found itself competing directly with its big operator clients. When Comcast started integrating third-party home-automation devices like Chamberlin garage door openers, Lutron Caseta wireless light controllers and Nest Learning thermostats directly into X1 last fall, iControl was left out of the equation.
For more:
- read this Medium story
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