Guys, I thought I would drop in here and provide a little insight and clarification.
First off, when it comes to integrating with other products, it is absolutely our intention to do as much as we possibly can to make that happen. That is a strategic decision going forward even with the introduction of our own line of products. Unfortunately we cannot force other companies to come on board. Some simply make the strategic decision that it is not worth it, there is not enough resources in their company to do it, or they simply do not understand the value to the customer or their company. Often I will approach a company and ask them "why don't you make that Apex Readyâ„¢" and send them the info. That is about as far as I can take it. Our standards now for integration are basically 0-10V and RS232 (VDM). The ETM and AI stuff was all custom work. Each of those were a one-off, only done due to the sheer size of the market, and the engineering pay back was via a hardware option. Now with that being said...
A recent RB article listed that 84% of aquarium owners want to control their aquariums with a smart phone. 89% said they wanted to be able to have access to everything in one place, one app.
At MACNA, in my couple of appearances, I brought forward a new direction for us on the Apex Ready front to take it to the next level. As we push toward and into 2016 we realize that a new standard is necessary. We are calling it IoA or Internet of Aquariumsâ„¢. Basically it is a communication protocol that we will give to equipment manufacturers that has categories of products in it that can be controlled over Ethernet (wi-fi or wired). We will begin with lighting of course but it should branch out from there depending on demand and need from the larger manufacturers. Now, for instance, if you are a lighting company with a wirelessly controlled light and native app, you can implement our standard into the light and the Apex and Apex Fusion interface will recognize it and control it. Now, the key here is that these companies have to be pushed (by you, not us) to do their part. Just like they are now on the current standards of 0-10v, etc. So, this is just one more way we are moving to expand the capabilities of the hardware you already own. No additional hardware would be required for this. Look for the first products using this standard in the coming months.
Some on the forums have made a comparison of us to Apple and being a closed shop. Glad they brought that up. There were two Apples when it came to integration with 3rd party products. In the 90s if you wanted your Mac to have a mouse, it had to come from Apple. Fast forward 10 years and they allowed interconnection to many other products - you could use a Logitech mouse. Now, would Apple have an advantage to creating a more integrated mouse for your computer than Logitech, Absolutely. Could they offer more to the consumer than Logitech - probably and likely. But ultimately there was still an integration possibility to a wide variety of products - so YOU have more choice! Now Apple makes headphones and integrates with all kinds of headphones, etc. If we wanted to stymie the growth of compatible products, why would we be continually adding powerheads and return pumps to the Apex Ready line up over the last few months while at the same time releasing the WAV and developing the COR?!
Finally on the Vectra integration to Apex w/ WXM. First of all there is no technical (hardware) reason our Apex with the WXM could not operate the Vectra. WE ARE READY TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN FOR YOU ASAP. The ball is completely in ETM court at this point. We have been talking to them at MACNA, have contacted them on our return, and await their response. We will let you all know more when we do.
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