An alarm system configured to transmit data over a data network at a monitored site , the data network implemented using wired or wireless network connection technology for directly or indirectly connecting various electronic devices at the monitored site to one another and/or to the Internet, wherein the various electronic devices are not components of the alarm system , the alarm system comprising: at least two alarm panels operatively connected to one another via the data network, the alarm panels further connected to one another by an alternate data path which is entirely independent from the data network , wherein each of the alarm panels is operatively connected to respective initiating devices that are distributed throughout respective areas of the monitored site , wherein each of the alarm panels is operative to monitor electrical signals associated with each of the respective initiating devices connected thereto for variations that may represent occurrence of an alarm condition, wherein the alarm panels are configured to communicate with one another via the data network when the data network is capable of facilitating such communication, wherein the data network does not meet government issued safety guidelines that establish minimum requirements for connection supervision, redundancy, or battery backup capability within the context of fire alarm system applications, and wherein the alarm panels are configured to communicate with one another via the alternate data path when the data network is not capable of facilitating such communication, wherein the alternate data path meets government issued safety guidelines that establish minimum requirements for connection supervision, redundancy, or battery backup capability within the context of fire alarm system applications. at least two alarm panels operatively connected to one another via the data network, the alarm panels further connected to one another by an alternate data path which is entirely independent from the data network , wherein each of the alarm panels is operatively connected to respective initiating devices that are distributed throughout respective areas of the monitored site , wherein each of the alarm panels is operative to monitor electrical signals associated with each of the respective initiating devices connected thereto for variations that may represent occurrence of an alarm condition, wherein the alarm panels are configured to communicate with one another via the data network when the data network is capable of facilitating such communication, wherein the data network does not meet government issued safety guidelines that establish minimum requirements for connection supervision, redundancy, or battery backup capability within the context of fire alarm system applications, and wherein the alarm panels are configured to communicate with one another via the alternate data path when the data network is not capable of facilitating such communication, wherein the alternate data path meets government issued safety guidelines that establish minimum requirements for connection supervision, redundancy, or battery backup capability within the context of fire alarm system applications. <EOS>