Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for remotely updating security systems is provided. The method includes defining a messaging sequence exchange between a host system and a gateway. The gateway is in communication with a security system panel. The method further includes identifying an update for the security system panel and transmitting the update from the host system to the security system panel via the gateway using the messaging sequence exchange.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for implementing multi-tiered management of security systems is provided. The method includes listing activities for implementing a security management system and identifying information, systems, and processes needed to execute the activities. The method also includes defining a set of roles and associating selected activities with each role in the set. The roles include an administrator role, a dealer role, a service entity role, a local responder role, and a security subject role. The method further includes assigning access capabilities for each of the roles based upon the associated activities and corresponding information, systems, and process requirements. The method also includes storing results of the listing, identifying, defining, and assigning in a role assignment database.

Abstract: A system for communicating messages is described. The system includes a server and a gateway. The gateway sends a first message to the server. The first message queries the server to determine whether the server is ready to communicate with the gateway.