Public Safety Industry Leaders Support NENA Next Generation 9-1-1 Architecture Interface Standard known as i3
Arlington, VA April 27, 2011 – The ability to dial 9-1-1 for emergency-related requests is a fundamental component of the public safety service delivery system in the United States, North America and abroad (via various dialing numbers (112, 611, etc). As such, the public expects 9-1-1 to work whenever and wherever it is needed. This level of 9-1-1 service availability has been achieved through the establishment of rigorous standards. Over time, these critical standards have evolved to adapt to the changes in technologies as well as requirements from the public safety community of users.
The National Emergency Number Association (NENA) has been an active player in the 9-1-1 standards effort. Over the years, NENA has led the way in the development and evolution of essential technical, operational and administrative standards related to 9-1-1 service delivery. NENA’s leadership and ability to pull together key members of the public safety community (end-user agencies and business/technology ecosystem members) has truly enabled advances in overall service reliability and delivery for 9-1-1 communications.
The global shift to broadband, Internet Protocol (IP)-based communications and services (such as the internet, instant messaging, text messaging, video, and voice-over-IP [VoIP]) requires a commensurate shift in 9-1-1 service standards. Once again, NENA has led the way in the standards development process through the evolution and approval of Next Generation E9-1-1 (NG911) standards such as “i1” and “i2” which deal with VoIP technology integration.
As a result of their experience and expertise, NENA also recognized that a single NG911 network architecture and interface standard would be imperative to foster competition, control costs and accelerate NG911 adoption. Most importantly, a single comprehensive and open (non-proprietary) standard would be absolutely essential to achieve reliable, fully interoperable NG911 communications and to realize the full potential and benefits associated with receiving non-traditional data types to 9-1-1.
It is for these reasons that the vendors identified in this press release convey their full and complete support and urge immediate approval of the NENA “i3” document (Functional and Interface Standards for Next Generation 911, Standard 08-002 v1 and 08-003 v1) as the sole NG911 network architecture and interface standard. The NENA i3 standard represents an evolutionary standard(s) progression that masterfully builds upon previously published and approved i1, i2 and i3 requirements and architecture documents. Additionally, public safety agencies are encouraged to procure and implement NG911 solutions which fully align to the i3 standard in order to provide optimum mission critical communications performance and interoperability.
We fully advocate that NENA remain the “Voice of 9-1-1” and continue its NG911 standards development and evolution efforts. Doing so will enable the public safety community (end-user agencies and business ecosystem members) to enhance and accelerate the development and deployment of NG911 emergency communication solutions. This will ensure that public expectation for a 9-1-1 system that has become the world’s benchmark will remain robust and continue to protect life and property.
About 911 Datamaster (www.911datamaster.com)
911 Datamaster, founded in 1993, focuses exclusively on the development and support of innovative, best-in-class, 9-1-1 database solutions. 911 Datamaster is the leading provider of 9-1-1 data validation and request/response software, currently used in more than 30 states, 700+ counties, highly secure Military Installations and for statewide systems.
About Avaya (www.avaya.com)
Avaya is a global leader in business communications and collaboration, providing unified communications, contact centers, data solutions and related services to companies of all sizes around the world.
About Cassidian Communications (www.CassidianCommunications.com)
As the largest and most trusted source of mission critical communications solutions, Cassidian Communications, an EADS North America company, is leading the way in standards-based NG9-1-1 call center applications, notification solutions and services and P25 land mobile radio systems.
About Digital Data Technologies, Inc. (DDTI®) (www.ddti.net)
Columbus, Ohio-based Digital Data Technologies, Inc. is the leading provider of the most accurate mapping solutions for Public Safety.
About GeoComm (www.geo-comm.com)
GeoComm is a communications consulting, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and software development firm dedicated to public safety. GeoComm, headquartered out of St. Cloud, Minnesota; is an industry leader in integrating enterprise GIS with public safety communications for 9-1-1, including Next Generation 9-1-1 systems.
About RedSky Technologies (www.redskytech.com)
RedSky Technologies, based in Chicago, IL has been in the business of selling E9-1-1 solutions since 1999, and boasts over 300 customers for its market-leading, award-winning E9-1-1 location management solution, E911 ManagerTM. RedSky’s solutions are used by large enterprises, government institutions, colleges and universities, and other organizations to manage emergency location records, track device and phone movement, and provide E9-1-1 call completion services through its E911 AnywhereTM hosted service offering. RedSky is also a leading contributor in the Next Generation 9-1-1 market with Legacy Gateways and Location Information Servers. RedSky’s expertise in E9-1-1 solutions consulting, integration, product development, and operations support has enabled the company to expand into providing emergency services and solutions for both the service provider and direct public safety market as well.
About Solacom (www.solacom.com)
For almost 30 years, Solacom Technologies has been engineering some of the world’s most reliable critical communication systems. With the expertise to integrate voice, video and data into a powerful set of communication tools, Solacom delivers advanced IP-based interoperability solutions for public safety, 9-1-1, military command, security systems, and other mission-critical applications.
About TeleCommunication Systems (www.telecomsys.com)
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (NASDAQ: TSYS), a world leader in highly reliable and secure mobile communication technology. TCS deployed the first U.S. wireless E9-1-1 solution and pioneered the methods by which public safety dispatchers in the U.S. are able to receive wireless or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) subscribers’ locations during calls for emergency assistance. Today, TCS supports about half of U.S. wireless E9-1-1 calls. TCS’ award-winning E9-1-1 solutions serve over 140 million wireless and IP-enabled devices. Active in E9-1-1 and next generation NG9-1-1 legislation and standards, TCS continues to be a leading innovator of NG9-1-1 services.
