CES 2009: Unlock Your Front Door With Your BlackBerryCES 2009: Unlock Your Front Door With Your BlackBerry

Schlage was in the Research In Motion booth at CES demonstrating its latest bit of lock technology: locks that can be opened from your BlackBerry.This is pretty neat.

Schlage has locks and a system setup that allows you to lock and unlock your doors via a BlackBerry. Here's how it works.

You buy the system, which can be had for about $300. That includes one lock, the software for your BlackBerry, and access to the Schlage servers. The software on the BlackBerry allows you to communicate with the Schlage secure network, which is encrypted. It will then send a message to your home network.

Part of the setup includes an RF transmitter that attaches to a router in your home. The signal will reach the transmitter, which broadcasts the signal to the doors, which can then unlock. You can also relock a door using the new tool, and see whether a door is opened or closed.

The locks in question have numeric keypads on them, which can be programmed for different family members. Each person gets a different code to unlock the door.

Schlage has a service that will send you alerts when the door is locked or unlocked. So, say your teenage daughter gets home from school and uses her code to unlock the door. The system will send you an SMS alert to let you know that she opened the door and is home.

Of course, this can all be applied to your business.

The basic setup goes for $300. After that initial charge, there is a $13-per-month fee for maintaining the service.

In all, it's a pretty cool product for business or home user alike.