We are retired and several months down the road in having a custom house built & now at the point of wiring for security. As a side issue I'm planning to implement our own IP camera network to cover our automatic gate, VERY long driveway and house exterior. While it would be ideal it if were a implemented within our security system it's not an absolute requirement.

Aside from providing security for the house, my main goal is that we are able to monitor the house when away via IP, internet, smart phones, Ipad, etc. In other words, without involving a third party.

My concern is that our security system vendor (who admits not knowing much about IP) is suggesting a Honeywell Vista 20P. So after reviewing the various Vista models I'm wondering will the Vista 21IP model will suit us better? Or further, will either of these models accomplish my goal of monitoring our own system? If the answer is “No” the question then becomes something like …is there a major vendor out there whose system is “open” enough to allow us to do what we want?

Thanks,
GolfCharlie