They had all worked in consumer marketing and logistics, so they planned to use that expertise on the Internet. A month later, they had their idea when they noticed that the medical clinic next door kept metal boxes outside for pickups of blood and urine samples and hazardous materials. Instead, they bought the rights to the technology for an undisclosed sum. These guys have done a great job of executing a business plan,'' Phelps says, referring to strategic partnerships like the one with IDEO, which also is a Brivo investor. Brivo hopes to link soon with a major home-appliance firm that would make and help market the Smartbox through retail outlets.
Some analysts agree.
The Brivo system ''is an interesting solution, but consumers have repeatedly demonstrated that they're more sensitive to cost than convenience,'' warns Jupiter Communications analyst David Schatsky. He has come to view his Smartbox as another household appliance. Now Brivo has to convince thousands more like him that a doorstep lockbox, like a dishwasher, is something no home should be without. The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.