Neocom Keeps Minister In Touch With Technology

Illawarra Mercury

Friday June 30, 2006

By GREG ELLIS

MINISTER for the Illawarra and Regional Development David Campbell felt like cartoon character George Jetson this week when he gained first-hand experience of a system that could control an automated home or workplace from a PC and mobile phone.

Mr Campbell saw how Unanderra company NeoCom had integrated a home or business computer with electrical appliances able to be controlled by phone anywhere in the world.

It could monitor devices including security systems, lights, locks, airconditioners, climate control systems, power points, TVs and stereos.

The company has even made LCD TVs double as touch screens with a full layout of a home or workplace controlled by a remote control.

It can also include a cellular interface which allows a mobile phone to control the computer.

NeoCom's Jaie deMaagd said the TV application was particularly good for the elderly and for aged care applications.

"Television touch screens are much easier to use. It is easier to see, read and touch," he said.

NeoCom began with household applications for the technology but now was moving into high-end residential, industry and aged care applications.

Mr deMaagd said its applications were only limited by people's imaginations.

If an alarm was triggered by an unauthorised person a message was sent to designated mobile phones and security personnel within seconds.

While the NeoCom technology was developed several years ago, Mr Campbell said assistance from the NSW Government's Regional Business Development Scheme would allow the company to take the next step towards production.

Mr Campbell said the funding support would allow NeoCom to develop a business plan and marketing strategy to get the world-class automation systems into the marketplace.

"The company intends to set up a high-tech factory to make the complex central control devices ...," he said.

© 2006 Illawarra Mercury

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