ECKey starts to unlock potential

Kiwis could soon be unlocking their front doors with their cellphones using technology developed by Auckland firm ECKey.

ECKey, which counts a United States online search company and a large US telecommunications firm among its customers, makes remote-control locks which automatically unlock and disarm alarms when a registered Bluetooth device, such as a cellphone, is in range.

Chief executive Nick Willis says the company is looking to install its technology in standard door locks, such as those sold by Mitre 10, in the next two years.

"Everybody carries a cellphone with them these days. There are more than 1.5 billion Bluetooth devices out in the market and any one of them can unlock the door with ECKey."

ECKey's customers prefer not to be named, but the US online search company is a major player, Dr Willis says. Google spokeswoman Annie Baxter declined to comment on whether it was a customer.

ECKey, whose shareholders include Trade Me founder Sam Morgan and The Warehouse founder Stephen Tindall, also plans to embed the technology in the security systems of several big international security companies, and is raising US$1 million in capital from overseas investors to fund its growth, Dr Willis says.

ECKey won the best new wireless product award at the ISC West international security conference in Las Vegas last month for its online security system, which lets users grant access to buildings and areas remotely.

Users can register cellphones for the new service, allowing users to text in for a constantly changing Bluetooth PIN that will automatically unlock doors, gates, garages and deactivate alarm systems.

"A mining company wants to use it for managing access to remote accommodation and a telephone company in the US is looking at it for giving access to remote cell towers."

ECKey has sold about 1500 locks, which range in price from US$249 to US$400, depending on how many users they can support and whether they can be integrated with other systems.

Customers also include homeowners and small businesses wanting to replace keys with automated security.

ECKey has seven staff.

- © Fairfax NZ News