INDUSTRY NEWS
SIDEBARS:
Cellular-GPS Integration
Mill Valley, CA, based Zoltar Satellite Alarm Systems has announced publication of a broad U.S. patent covering integration of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) with wireless communication for personal safety and security devices.
According to Zoltar President Dan Schlager, "Rescue personnel are increasingly frustrated by indirect calls for assistance in life-threatening situations where emergency location cannot be fixed. Integrating GPS and cellular technologies offers the most cost-effective and accurate solution to this problem."
According to wireless communications industry analyst, Clement J. Driscoll, "current network solutions for identifying emergency 911 location cost about $50,000 per base station, which means that nationwide coverage for cellular and PCS networks would cost several billion dollars," assuming local jurisdictions will allow antenna towers and other facilities to be built. FCC rules allow carriers to pass on these costs to state and local governments, and subsequently to taxpayers. With GPS built into wireless phones, only wireless consumers would cover the cost.
"Integrating GPS with cellular and PCS phones is currently the only reliable, low-cost method of providing wireless subscribers with E9-1-1 service," said Schlager. "Why build a $5 billion Dodge Dart when you already have been handed the keys to the Mercedes?"
Wireless Data in Philadelphia
PRC Public Sector, Inc., Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile, and the Philadelphia Police Department have joined forces to equip more than 100 police cruisers with new wireless mobile data technology. Based on a technology known as Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD), 100 laptop computers have been installed into Philadelphia Police vehicles. The computers, with software provided by PRC, will provide officers on the street with instant wireless access to the information they need to make critical decisions.
"Area residents will be the direct beneficiaries of this new technology," said Philadelphia Police commissioner Richard Neal. "Our officers will spend less time doing paperwork and more time in the community."
The wireless data service, known as Bell Atlantic Airbridge® Packet service, uses the existing cellular network; there's no need to construct additional radio towers or to worry about network maintenance or upgrades. Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile takes full responsibility for maintaining and upgrading the system.
Cerulean Mobile Data Goes CDPD
Announcing a joint marketing agreement with SNET Mobility, Inc., Cerulean Technology now offers law enforcement agencies extensive Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) coverage via its partnerships with regional CDPD providers. The partnership will team Cerulean's PacketCluster®Patrol law-enforcement software with SNET's CDPD-based communications network to create an integrated mobile information solution. The Patrol software enables officers to tap directly into national, state and federal criminal and motor vehicle databases from cruiser-based laptop computers.
Unlike traditional, geographically-limited radio transmissions, CDPD technology enables officers to access information in real-time across entire cellular coverage areas which is useful for forces patrolling large regions. CDPD technology also allows departments with limited human resources or radio channels to maximize Patrol's capabilities without clogging their communication system. Both CDPD-based networks and PacketCluster Patrol encrypt data, enabling officers to communicate silently with each other and headquarters.
Power 911 Coming To A PSAP Near You
Positron has announced four new PSAPs for its Power 911 Intelligent Workstation. PSAPs in Chardon, OH, Police Dept., Carroll County, IN Sheriff's Dept., Cook County, IL Sheriffs/Police Dept. and Rensselaer, NY, have chosen Positron's Power 911 system to replace old and outdated telephone systems. In addition, Pacific Bell has chose Fairfield, CA, Police Dept. for field testing of Positron's Power 911 Intelligent Workstation. The Fairfield PSAP began hosting two Positron Power 911 Intelligent workstation positions last February.
E.F. Johnson Bought by Transcrypt
E.F. Johnson, a close third behind Motorola and Ericsson as a leading manufacturer of public safety radio systems, has been bought by Transcrypt International, which now stands to strengthen its position in public safety communications. Transcrypt, known for its scrambling and encryption devices, announced a restructuring plan for its new acquisition and plans to introduce a complete line of APCO 25 compliant digital radio products. Jeff Fuller, Former VP of Marketing and Sales at E.F. Johnson until becoming President of Transcrypt, will preside over his former employer. Scott Bocklund, Johnson's former Chief Operating Officer, will remain as Senior VP of Finance, while VP of Sales, Fred Maner, will assume duties as VP International.
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"Talking" Wireless Data From AT&T, SCA, HTE Co-venture Premier MDT 3.0, a public safety mobile data communications system from Software Corporation of America (SCA), and HTE's Crimes Management System and CAD III, a public safety computer aided dispatching system, have been integrated to perform together over AT&T wireless networks to bring electronic state and federal law enforcement information and resources to laptop computers mounted in police cars. Although CAD and mobile data systems have existed for more than a decade, this software product has brought together all currently available high-tech features, including text-to-voice, in-vehicle paging, mugshot integration and in-vehicle mapping capabilities. AT&T's Wireless Services is the Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) service provider for the police department's wireless system. The text-to-voice feature "reads" vital information from the computer to the officer over speakers installed in the squad car. This enables the officer to drive while responding to a call. "We've made it as easy as hitting the rear defroster button for officers to hear all of the critical information they need to perform their jobs effectively," said Brian Lehmann, SCA director of wireless products. "In the past, voice products have been available to officers only for reporting information, but Premier MDT 3.0 offers voice capability throughout its entire application." |
TRANSITIONS
Ronnie Rand has resigned as the Executive Director of APCO, effective August 15th. A search committee has been appointed to determine a new, permanent director.
George Caspary has joined Plant Equipment, Inc., as customer service project manager. Caspary comes to PEI after a senior engineering position in 9-1-1 systems with Pacific Bell in Concord, CA.
Von Beals has been added as TCI's new Western Regional Account Manager. Von is the past president of California NENA, is very active in 911 for Kids and brings 18 years of Public Safety service to TCI.
Gary Whitehead has also joined TCI as the new Southwest Regional Account Manager. Gary was a participant in the Texas Advisory Commission on State Emergency Communications, involved in the planning and implementation of E9-1-1 service.
Jose Luis Menghini is the new Vice President International, Public Safety Division, of Positron Industries. Mr. Menghini joins Positron from his recent tenure as President and CEO of IMPSA Corporation of Brazil.
Greg Kleven brings 12 years of telecommunications experience to XYPOINT. Greg will plan, implement, and oversee the global sales programs for XYPOINT's wireless location-based services, such as E9-1-1. He is the former VP of International Sales for Metapath Software Corp., and earlier was a national district manager of Sequent Computer Systems.
