Computers & Communications

Companies come together to connect Aurora public safety
NetMotion Wireless and Sierra Wireless have joined forces to provide mobile workers in the city of Aurora, CO, with secure, persistent connectivity using two distinct networks: a cellular-based EDGE/GPRS system and Wi-Fi (802.11). The fast-growing city has selected NetMotion and Sierra to provide its police and firefighters with real-time access to mission-critical information through a wireless data network. In order to maximize the system's efficiency, the city needed a secure Internet-based solution that would enable seamless connectivity between the different networks throughout the city. NetMotion combined its Mobility XE mobile VPN solution with Sierra's AirCard 775 wireless wide-area network cards and MP 775 rugged wireless modems, allowing the city's mobile workers to access data quickly, securely and efficiently. "Our former system took an average 4.7 minutes to respond to a vehicle query," says Michael Bedwell, the city's public safety systems manager. "Our new system takes less than 12 seconds."
For more: 206/691-5500; www.netmotionwireless.com.

First laptops with embedded EV-DO wireless access
Panasonic has announced that its Toughbook fully rugged CF-18 and CF-29 notebook computers and semi-rugged CF-73 notebook computer are now available with built-in access to Sprint's EV-DO and CDMA 1X networks. Panasonic, which has been embedding wireless capabilities for six years, was the first notebook vendor to integrate and ship embedded EV-DO laptops on the Sprint network, starting in August 2005. Panasonic's integrated wireless solutions are designed, developed and manufactured with embedded OEM modules (the EV-DO connectivity comes via an embedded Sierra Wireless EM5625 OEM module) and retractable built-in antennas to provide advanced performance. Toughbooks are engineered to provide access to all current technologies, including CDMA 1x, GSM/GPRS, EDGE and EV-DO. They utilize the Intel Centrino chip set for seamless connectivity to local networks and can be configured with Bluetooth technology for connectivity to local printers, headsets and networks. The CF-18 and CF-29 are designed using MIL-STD-810F environmental testing procedures. Both models are encased in magnesium alloy and feature a shock-mounted removable hard drive in a stainless steel case.
For more: www.panasonic.com.

RemComm aids Katrina victims
Pittsburgh-based RemComm, Inc., a technology company specializing in radio-based emergency communications and data transfer products used in the absence of commercial power, used its newly developed system to aid Hurricane Katrina recovery and relief efforts. RemComm was contracted by Centropy, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation that provides emergency communications systems in the event of disasters. Volunteers deployed new RemComm technologies in ravaged areas of Louisiana and Mississippi by helping the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) track its fleet of mobile "canteen" kitchens, which were distributing hot meals to victims. Last year, RemComm announced the development of its advanced radio emergency communications system that significantly improves crisis response. The system enables emergency personnel to send and receive time-sensitive data by combining simple radios with laptop computers and interfacing equipment, thus providing interoperability.
For more: 412/708-4784; www.remcomm-inc.com.

QSI offers ORBCOMM interface support
QSI Corporation, manufacturer of rugged operator interface and mobile data terminals, and ORBCOMM, a provider of global two-way messaging, data communications and geopositioning services, have announced support for the ORBCOMM serial interface on QSI's popular line of mobile data terminals running Qlarity object-based software. QSI's Qlarity line of intelligent MDTs is designed for rugged vehicle environments. QSI's vehicle terminals feature Ethernet-enabled color touchscreen terminals, rugged hand-held graphic terminals and small, economical graphic terminals.
For more: 801/466-8770; www.qsivehicle.com.

Four communications platforms in one system
A critical component of statewide preparedness is efficient, real-time and fault-tolerant communication. In California, where wildfires are common, many emergency responders, including EMS directors, hospital staff, ambulance and fire providers and those at long term-care facilities, have ReddiNet in place. ReddiNet is an emergency communications system that can access four communication platforms--Internet, satellite, radio and voice technologies--for mass communication among emergency medical professionals with speed, complete coverage and redundancy. The company recently launched an upgraded system, ReddiNet Version 4, in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Features of Version 4 include redundant power and network connections; encrypted password control; a new emergency department management tool that captures more information on patient loads, ambulance arrivals and the status of patient admissions; real-time transport information for paramedics; modular pricing options; and customizable and easily changeable features to accommodate individual network preferences or evolving needs.
For more: 800/440-7808; www.reddinet.com.

Fast location of 9-1-1 callers
Teltronics, Inc. has announced the release of Call Locator, a hardware module that is installed between the PBX and the public telephone network to translate a 9-1-1 caller's station number to a format compatible with the E9-1-1 system. The Call Locator works with any PBX that supports ISDN/PRI and may send 9-1-1 calls to the public E9-1-1 system over CAMA and PRI circuits, ensuring compatibility with all telephone companies. When combined with the Telident SiteAlert on-site notification system, Call Locator provides a comprehensive solution that gives arriving emergency responders detailed directions to the caller's location and other critical information that will help them respond to specific emergencies in a large business or campus environment.
For more: 941/753-5000; www.teltronics.com.

Interoperable talk groups for EOCs
Communications-Applied Technology (C-AT), a manufacturer of radio interoperability devices, has launched the ICRI/EOC version of its Incident Commanders' Radio Interface. The ICRI/EOC expands the portable ICRI's capabilities to permit the connection of 10 different agency radios in an interoperability network, and their division into four independent "talk nets" or "talk groups" using clearly definable rotary switches. The ICRI/EOC, for a fixed site or mobile emergency operations center, provides simple-to-configure, easy-to-operate cross-band, cross-platform radio interoperability across typically incompatible equipment. The ICRI/EOC supports all commercial trunking and conventional radios, military radios, satellite phones, cell phones and landline phones. The four-talk group capability provides an incident commander with expanded control to separate special teams and agencies into task-specific radio nets. Based on the design and engineering of all ICRIs manufactured by C-AT, the ICRI/EOC can be set up in less than five minutes, creating voice connections without technical assistance, special training or computer interfaces. The ICRI/EOC is available for console or rack-mounted installation in fixed or mobile emergency operation centers, or SUV-type mobile command centers.
For more: 800/229-3925; www.radiointeroperability.com.

General Devices to supply Tucson telemedicine components
The city of Tucson has selected General Devices to provide the ambulance and emergency-department equipment for its new ER-Link EMS Telemedicine Program. The project will represent the first full EMS telemedicine system in the country. It will allow the transmission of still and video images, physiologic monitoring information, ultrasound scans and other data from moving ambulances to the ED over a broadband mesh communications system. The system's objective is to provide hospital-based physicians with the ability to more fully assess patients' conditions before their arrival at the hospital, assist EMS crews when necessary and help make advance preparations to immediately treat patients upon their arrival. City ambulances will contain General Devices' Rosetta-VC Vehicular Controller, which manages communications as well as information from monitoring devices and cameras (the cameras can be remotely controlled by ED personnel). At the ED, the company's CAREpoint EMS Workstation will provide camera and communications controls.
For more: 201/313-7075; www.general-devices.com.

Upgraded video surveillance solution
InterAct Public Safety Systems, a supplier of public-safety technology systems, has announced the availability of TrueSentry Version 6.0, a complete IP-based video security monitoring solution available for use in the public and private sectors. TrueSentry 6.0 offers a new level of intelligent threat detection and response. The enhanced solution features out-of-the-box support for more than 80 camera models, new intelligent video content analytics, clear digital video feeds and programmable image-sharpening tools that focus in on suspicious targets to provide a superior level of protection. Extending the power of the company's existing IP camera solutions, version 6.0 provides access to a sophisticated surveillance system and the ability to manage installations at multiple locations. It features a Web client that allows designated users to view video from remote sites, and upgraded mapping capabilities that give security personnel a fuller, more detailed perspective of the area they're viewing.
For more: 800/768-3911; www.interact911.com.

DCC, Twisted Pair form partnership
Dialogic Communications Corporation (DCC), a global leader in emergency notification technology, and Twisted Pair Solutions, Inc., a Seattle-based developer of interoperable group communications software, have entered a partnership to improve communications between first responders nationwide. DCC's emergency notification software, Communicator! NXT, rapidly sends time-sensitive information to first responders through various devices (e.g., phone, pager, e-mail, etc.). Twisted Pair's WAVE software application suite utilizes standards-based IP communications to tie any two-way radio, cell phone, landline, IP phone or PC together for true group communications interoperability. Through this partnership, public-safety organizations will use DCC's technology to alert and mobilize first responders. After being notified, personnel will then utilize Twisted Pair's software to communicate with one another, regardless of their device or carrier, ultimately helping them better manage the situation at hand.
For more: 800/723-3207; www.dccusa.com; www.twistpair.com.

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