FirstNet turns to InfoVista for network-planning tool
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FirstNet turns to InfoVista for network-planning tool
Fundamentally, there are two types of access to InfoVista: an engineer mode that requires a four-day certification course and would enable a user to directly input data into the system, and an executive mode that can be accessed via a web portal that provides a bigger-picture perspective that would allow consideration of various scenarios but no changes in underlying data.
“For a non-engineer, you have access to the engineering-management solution, a collaboration hub that allows you to have access to stakeholder information,” Suplita said, noting that the InfoVista web portal interface is very intuitive.
“For the governor to receive access to the network, it’s as simple as using Google Earth,” he said. “You can click on a button, put a password in, and it pops up information on the network and where the rollout is at any given time in the state—executive information. There’s no need for training on that.”
InfoVista offers the four-day classes designed for engineer certification to use its solution on a monthly basis in Dallas, and the company is exploring options to offer more educational opportunities in a variety of venues, Suplita said. In terms of pricing to use its software solution, InfoVista has created a package specifically designed for those who are participating in the FirstNet initiative, he said.
“InfoVista is offering a specific public-safety bundle, which includes all the necessary licenses and geodata that are identical in configuration to what FirstNet is using,” Suplita said. “We’re offering that in a bundle to state-level [users], consultants and vendors.”