eKEY - Provides Keypad and Palm functionality
The eKEY is actually a clamshell case which fits around a Palm product (PDA). The eKEY (case) is specially designed with a built-in keypad in the back. The built-in keypad is still necessary to access our current AEII keyboxes. In the future, when our marketplace is saturated with infrared boxes (such as the iBOX), many different palm and cell phone products will work with the system. But, as CBR has no plans for a keybox conversion, that day is a ways down the road for us. Therefore, due to the unique design of its shell, the eKEY fits only four Palm products – Palm m500, Palm m505, Palm m515 and Zire 71.
Features & Benefits of the eKEY
MLS — Download a scaled-down version of the MLS automatically every day. While it doesn’t contain photographs, and the total number of data fields is around 30 (the ‘full’ MLS is usually around 100 fields of data), this mini version is usually more than adequate for the needs of real estate professionals on the road. There are other limitations but the speed of access and automated updates makes the ‘mini MLS’ very worthwhile to most agents and brokers.
Agent Roster — Supra has developed a complete agent roster for the Palm that gets updated automatically every day. The benefit of this particular roster software is that, while browsing the MLS listings on the Palm, a user can simply tap next to the agent’s name within the listing and jump to their listing in the agent roster. With agents moving and changing contact numbers so frequently, this can be a real time saver.
Traditional Palm Functions – In addition to keybox system functionality, eKEY users will get the functionality of the palm product. This includes date book, address book, To-Do list, memo pad, calculator, and any number of additional palm software products you may be interested in such as Tarasoft Titan.
Buyer Profile - Supra engineers developed a ‘Buyer Profile’ form which agents complete for up to 50 clients. The agent enters the buyer criteria and, following the daily update, the collection of appropriate properties automatically is ready for a tour. An added benefit is that, if a client postpones a tour, traditionally the research collected would have to be recompiled so that new properties aren’t missed and sold homes don’t become a wasted visit. With an automated system, the tour is always ready. Plus, there is a ‘Quick Search’ feature that acts like a buyer profile but can be performed with the available MLS data on a moment’s notice.
Maps — Through an agreement with the Mapopolis people, Supra enables agents to look at a map of the location on Mapopolis maps by simply tapping the map button from within a listing in the Palm MLS.
Miscellaneous Keypad functions – With the eKEY, much, if not all, of the functionality of the electronic keypad is available on the eKEY itself. This functionality is also available with the DisplayKEY, however, you’ll need to access it via the internet instead of having it available on the keypad. This includes activity reports and changing your pin code, shackle codes, CBS codes, and access hours.
eKEY Costs – The eKEY is leased directly from Supra for $25.03/month and are deducted directly from a checking account or credit card. (FYI – the DisplayKEY is billed annually by CBR.) However, remember that the eKEY is just the case. So you’ll also need one of these four palms. You are welcome to purchase these from whomever you choose.
- Palm m500 - no longer available in the stores but if you already have one, it will work
- Palm m505* - (introduced in 2001) sells for around $100
- Palm m515 (introduced in 2002) sells for around $150
- Zire 71 - (introduced in 2003) Supra sells for $299
* If you’re considering the m505 or m515, staff recommends buying the Palm m515. The extra $50 investment will provide you with improved technology and more memory which is necessary if you want to take advantage of many of the MLS software/products available for the palm.
For more information on the eKEY™, check out www.supraeKEY.com.
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