A relatively simple redialer device is provided at the customer's home to
redirect outgoing alarm calls to a middleware processing center. The
redialer first dials ".star-solid.82" (or other appropriate code) to
disable caller-ID blocking. The redialer then redirects the alarm call to
a middleware processing center. The middleware processing center receives
the alarm call and determines the customer identification by detecting
the caller ID. The middleware processing center then dials out to the
appropriate alarm company for that customer, and transfers the alarm data
along with customer identification information (account number or the
like) in a data format compatible with the alarm monitoring company's
computers. The alarm is then handled by the alarm monitoring company in
the normal manner practiced by the alarm monitoring company.