One of the most common misconceptions about home security is that alarm companies and alarm monitoring centers are the same when, in fact, they often are not. To clarify, the alarm company sells the system to customer, installs it, and fixes any problems with the device that may arise, while the monitoring station is where your alarm sends a signal when it detects a break-in. The monitoring station representatives are the people who respond and alert the authorities. While some home security providers may have their own monitoring center in-house (ADT is one example), the majority hire an outside company to provide monitoring services for them.
So which is type is better for the consumer: a home security provider that hires a third party monitoring service or one that does it in-house? There's no easy answer, as both options have benefits. For example, keeping the functions separate allows each company to focus on their job without the distractions of the other. On the other hand, keeping both functions within the same company allows for more oversight.
This aspect of the home security industry underscores why researching alarm companies is critical for consumers. Before buying, read reviews and get quotes for different systems. If the alarm company uses a third party monitoring center, find reviews of that as well. A good home security provider will make their organizational structure work reliably and efficiently—and pass the savings on to you.