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LifeShield, Inc. is the maker of wireless home security systems with burglary and fire monitoring for homes, apartments and small businesses in the US. Founded in 2004 by inventor Louis Stilp, the company was originally called InGrid, Inc. LifeShield systems can be used with GSM /cellular units and come with mobile access to allow users to control and monitor their systems via the company website, and smartphone apps. It is headquartered in Yardley, PA.

History
LifeShield, Inc was formerly called InGrid, Inc, when it was founded in 2004 by Louis Stilp. Prior to founding LifeShield, Mr. Stilp founded TruePosition, the first and largest company in the wireless location market, involving the location of cellular phones for E911 and commercial applications. Stilp invented the wireless system as an alternative to the hardwired systems that were on the market. Stilp has filed 20 patents for the LifeShield alarm system.

LifeShield is a privately held company. CEO Michael Hagan left NutriSystem in December 2009 to run LifeShield. Hagan quickly rebranded the company as LifeShield, raised more than $20 million dollars in venture capital funding, and changed the company's sales to direct-to-consumer. The company is headquartered in Yardley, PA with operations also in Wayne, PA.

On September 28, 2010, LifeShield also unveiled a mobile app which allows users to control and monitor their LifeShield security systems from their smartphones. The app is available for iPhone, BlackBerry and Android platforms.

Today
LifeShield security systems are available in the US, in all 50 states. LifeShield is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has received many product reviews. LifeShield has been reviewed by The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Philadelphia Business Journal, Security News Daily, and Business News Daily. Websites such as EnGadget, PSKL, and Knoji have also reviewed LifeShield. LifeShield was featured on ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover. It was recognized as one of the “Hottest Companies in Pennsylvania in 2011” by Lead411.

After trying TV commercials with spokesman Dan Marino and print advertising, LifeShield now uses social media as an integral part of its marketing, and is active on Twitter , Facebook   and YouTube.

Residential Security
LifeShield’s home security systems consist of security equipment and 24/7 monitoring.

Products
Each user can customize the LifeShield wireless system to fit their homes. LifeShield currently offers security starter kits and with a basic system and users can add extra sensors, video cameras motion sensors or other devices. LifeShield users can add additional LifeShield devices to the system at any time. LifeShield wireless home security systems are available to renters and homeowners. LifeShield systems can be uninstalled and reinstalled when residents move. LifeShield systems use multiple communication methods. Homeowners can choose between a standard Base Unit which uses broadband internet, with a landline as for backup, or the Cellular Gateway unit which uses GSM/Cellular technology to communicate with the central monitoring station.

All LifeShield systems include a patented LifeShield Siren Detector  which is used with any existing smoke and fire detectors. The siren detector can “hear” when a smoke alarm sounds, and alerts the central monitoring station, who will then contact a user’s local fire department and the homeowner.

Services
LifeShield uses Guardian Protection Services for all monitoring. LifeShield monitoring includes:
 * burglary and break-in,
 * fire and smoke
 * carbon monoxide
 * medical
 * environmental (extreme heat, cold and water)
 * video surveillance

Mobile Access
All users also get unlimited use of mobile access to arm, disarm and control the LifeShield security system. The LifeShield mobile access system is called LifeView, and it can be used through the LifeShield website, or by downloading free apps for iPhone, Android or BlackBerry. Mobile access is secure, and only LifeShield users have mobile access for their alarm systems. Mobile access can be used to arm and disarm the system, view video and photos from security cameras, and monitor sensors and usage. Apps and website access can be used anywhere in the world.

Technology
The LifeShield system uses DECT, a digital communication standard primarily used in cordless phones, to send messages between the wireless sensors and the base unit. DECT is a low-power and allows the users to create a short-range wireless network in their home. It also has for less interference than Bluetooth, Wifi, or other wireless devices.

LifeShield does not use the popular z-wave technology that is popular with other do it yourself wireless security systems because Z-wave is less efficient, less secure (more easily hackable), and requires more battery power. .

Leadership
LifeShield’s headquarters is in Yardley, PA. The current leadership is as follows:


 * Michael J. Hagan – CEO, President, and Chairman of the Board. Joined in December 2009.
 * Louis A. Stilp – Founder, 2004
 * Shannon J. Dominello -  Chief Marketing Officer, December 2009
 * Evan Kramer – Senior Vice President, Interactive & Ecommerce, June 2011
 * Neil Brown – Vice President, Software Development, 2005
 * Heather Ata  – Vice President, Sales & Marketing, January 2010