Temecula, Calif. — Emergency communications leader PlantCML, an EADS North America company, announced the latest release of the VESTA Pallas call processing solution, which provides next generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) functionality for emergency call centers with up to 24 call-taking positions.

“The IP-ready and fully deployable VESTA Pallas solution offers the same level of proven and reliable functionality with enhanced features in both critical and administrative situations,” said David Lukeson, director of product management, PlantCML. “We have taken the industry’s leading computer telephony integration (CTI) platform, doubled its position capacity, and allowed it to share voice and data seamlessly with additional VESTA Pallas call centers. It also continues to provide a very cost-effective call processing option for small- to mid-size call centers.”

Designed for single sites working independently, call centers that are part of a multi-site county organization or those using remote positions at satellite facilities, this end-to-end NG9-1-1-ready solution provides call takers with the CTI, integrated voice and data, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and voicemail needed to better serve their communities.

Three emergency call centers in Texas¾Hays County Sheriff’s Office, San Marcos Police Department and Georgetown Police Department¾were the first to upgrade their existing VESTA Pallas solution to the latest version within their emergency operations facilities. Part of the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) Emergency Communications Division, which works with 33 emergency call centers throughout 10 counties in Texas, these call centers have been valued PlantCML customers since 1992.

“Each of the three call centers is equipped with six call-taking positions, in which the latest version of the VESTA Pallas solution was upgraded and tested. The call takers now have the opportunity to transfer emergency calls from their line to a call taker at another facility along with caller information,” said Gregg Obuch, director of emergency communications, CAPCOG. “Being able to transfer calls seamlessly between one call center and another is imperative for our counties. It’s another step in providing interoperability among our 33 call centers as either back-up sites or added lines in the event of a county or statewide emergency.”

The VESTA Pallas solution provides call centers with a number of new features, including the availability of a private emergency network (PEN) and the high availability framework (HAF).

The PEN, available for interconnected call centers, enables voice calls to be established between an external caller and call takers at more than one location. A transferred call includes call party number (CPN), location information, call history, supplemental information, call notes and TTY. Each call also includes PEN call information and a unique PEN Call ID, improving call history and retention of caller data.

HAF monitors VESTA services and ensures they are operating properly so that call centers receive the highest level of availability for services and applications.

The VESTA Pallas solution upgrade includes support for the 1140E and 1120E IP phones, along with a variety of configuration changes, including the following settings:

• Call Control: Ability to configure the default order, layout and appearance of the Call Control window for call takers and supervisors
• PEN: Ability to configure at the local site and for PEN sites with which the local site can communicate using the PEN
• Instant recall recorder (IRR): Ability to configure and store the call center’s IRR files on each VESTA workstation, determine playback and record control, and display all associated call information in the Call Information Display window for a selected recorder
• Log On Enhancements: Administrators can prevent users from logging on until a headset is plugged in
• Shut Down: Ability to configure whether the Shut Down button is displayed on the VESTA login screen, thereby preventing unauthorized or inadvertent application shutdowns

The IP-readiness of the VESTA Pallas solution, coupled with PlantCML’s robust portfolio, maintains the VESTA’s tradition of quality and demonstrates yet again why PlantCML is the industry leader in delivering end-to-end public safety solutions.

About PlantCML, an EADS North America Company
A pioneer and trusted leader in mission critical communications, PlantCML, an EADS North America company, provides key technologies for public safety, federal and corporate markets. Our full-circle security and communications portfolio includes 9-1-1 call center CTI applications for call processing, CAD, mapping and information management, as well as managed services, notification solutions and services and P25 Land Mobile Radio networks. Headquartered in Temecula, California.

About EADS North America
EADS North America is the North American operation of EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over $11 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 200,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers and services. Operating in 17 states, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.