automation technology to the business.

Mr. Andre Simons, owner of Automation Electrical Contracting (AEC), which sells security systems, believes there is a niche market in Bermuda for the wide range of electrical gadgets which convert the home to "an intelligent automated secure environment''.

"The key is to be able to educate people as to what is available,'' he said.

"The simple light switch can be changed to a smart switch giving the home owner more control over his or her environment.'' With the smart switch, the light can be turned on or off from an alternate source. Or the light can be manipulated to work in connection with an existing or new security system.

This function, and others, can be added to security systems and access to a home's security control system can be achieved with a phone call home where a digitised menu voice system is available to provide information about whether or not the system is up and running and receive commands, he explained.

"The home owner can install a basic security system or he or she can install a system capable of accepting many more commands,'' Mr. Simons said.

The cache of technology includes systems from simple lighting operations, to tiny wide angle video cameras to display the doorway and yard.

AEC, started in 1993 by Mr. Simons, can even provide the home owner with the technology to turn the air conditioner or water heater on or off -- from a location outside the house.

"AEC is geared to home security, lighting, energy management and audio/visual equipment,'' he said.

The entrepreneur, an apprenticed electrical installer, has been involved with the electrical trade for about 14 years, and has attended the Bermuda College as well as courses offered by Home Systems Plus, the New Jersey company Mr.

Simons is associated with for merchandise.

He has spoken with many local architects about how new homes and those being remodelled can utilise Home Systems Plus systems.

Mr. Andre Simons.