Telecommunication software connects legacy infrastructure to modern dispatch centers

In the last few months, news of mass shootings has frequently dominated the headlines. It’s an increasingly concerning issue that must be confronted by public agencies in a number of ways, among them, by making it easier for those in trouble to connect with public safety organizations—and by giving dispatchers more information and tools at their disposal, faster.

With technological innovation pushing public-safety access points (PSAPs) into uncharted territory over the last decade, telecommunications now have more information than ever at their fingertips. But given the vast discrepancies between incongruent telecommunication systems, either public or private, bringing emergency dispatch into the digital era hasn’t been an easy task. Connecting disparate systems has become a particularly urgent challenge that many companies are working to overcome.

One of those software developers, 911inform, is addressing that need through an “overlying layer to existing 911 systems,” according to Ivo Allen, CEO of the company. With software that supports many different kinds of telecommunication technology—from building mapping to live video feeds—Allen said his software allows dispatchers to tap into a building’s existing telecommunication infrastructure.

In the event of an emergency, information like where exactly a telephone call is being made from inside a building (as opposed to a generic phone number) is relayed to PSAPs via RapidSOS’s popular dispatch platform. While the service is overseen by the building manager, the information and corresponding platform is freely provided to public safety organizations.

To read the complete article, visit American City & County.