Home security giant Vivint has developed a new system, called Vivint Sky, that uses Vivint's own hardware and software, the first announcement since a bold move away from former partners 2GIG (hardware) and Alarm.com (software).

Catch their short promo video (notice access and video surveillance heavy):

Vivint states they intend on replacing more than 800,000 existing 2GIG/Alarm.com panels with the new platform. Why such a dramatic step, to rip out and reinstall what could be perfectly good panels with a new product? Former 2GIG CTO and current Vivint VP Jeremy Warren explains:

“2GIG is a great company, Alarm.com is a great company, but when you have two separate companies serving lots of customers it waters it down a little bit, dulls the tip of the spear in taking an idea that will really work for these customers.”

Even before announcing the new panel, Vivint has clearly made moves far beyond only home security by combining home automation, cloud video, and even solar power into standard offerings.

Vivint thinks going end-to-end gives it an advantage over the glut of (recent) competition that has cropped up from many corners, including telephone and cable providers. The company is gambling that owning all aspects of the system gives it an edge when expanding features, and offering support and service.

Indeed, few companies are willing or able to provide their own hardware, backend software, and cloud services. Vivint does not seem to be intimidated by that.

What do you think? Is Vivint being crazy or bold?