In our many years in the alerts and notifications field, we don't recall a year when there's been so much movement, transition, and even confusion. The whole topic is changing. So, here's our list of Top Ten Developments in Alerts and Notifications in 2009:
1. System-of-Systems Momentum: To us, the most significant development of 2009 was momentum developing over a system-of-systems approach for alerts and notifications. During the year, it became more clear that end-users and industry are waking up to the fact that no single approach will do the job. There are many reasons for the realization. One of the most important is the evolution of individual communication preferences. There are clear signs of the momentum. In fact, no fewer than five of the items on our Top Ten list support the system-of-systems concept. Other signs include growth of the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and announcement of technology partnerships by various vendors. (See "Showcasing Alerting Standards", "Meshing Alerts & Notifications with Other Solutions" and "Interesting Emergency Notification Partnerships Developing".) When we release our 2010 predictions in a few days, you'll see more on the system-of-systems topic.
2. CMAS Clock Starts Ticking: The timetable officially began this year for building a national cellular alerting system. FEMA and the FCC unveiled technical specifications for part of the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS). (See "CMAS Specifications Released", "Another Step for National Cell Alerting", and "National Cell Alerting Moves Forward".) If this doesn't seem important to you, then imagine this: a federal program through which most cell phones will receive emergency messages depending on their current location. Even people from outside the area who happen to be passing through could receive the messages. The system could be activated by local public safety officials for imminent threats or Amber Alerts. (The President could also use the system.) With the technical specifications approved in December, cell carriers now have 28 months to re-tool their infrastructure and make mobile devices support CMAS. This is a volunteer program for cell carriers, but most of them have already said they'll participate. Otherwise, new laws would give subscribers an "out" from their cellular service contracts.
3. IPAWS Criticized: The federal government's Intergrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) was criticized by Congress's General Accounting Office (GAO). (See "GAO Testimony Blasts IPAWS Program for Lack of Movement & Results"). The GAO audit cited weaknesses of the Emergency Alert System (EAS), lackluster pilot results, and poor collaboration. New IPAWS management testified in a Congressional hearing, accepted the criticsm, and pointed to signs of progress.
4. Social Media Buzz Spreads: Emergency management professionals throughout the country started talking about whether they should, and how they can, use social media for emergency alerting. Some have taken the plunge. Denver, for example. Twitter, MySpace, and YouTube are all used. (See "Emergency Notification & Social Media"). A "Random Hacks of Kindness" event was held, and keynoted by the new FEMA Director. It was to bring together disaster relief and software engineers to work toward dealing with social media and emergency response issues, including alerting. (See "Random Hacks of Kindness"). The UN Foundation recently released a report on social media and emergency response, including for alerting. (See "Report Released: New Technologies in Emergencies and Conflicts"). Heck, we even did a post on using electronic games to issue emergency alerts. (See "Emergency Alerts Through Gaming Consoles").
5. Fire Code Redefines Mass Notification: The fire code is omnipotent in the US. However, it has been only loosely associated with what emergency management and alerts/notifications industry people know as emergency and mass notification. That changed in 2009. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) approved changes in the fire code that broaden the definition beyond in-building alerts to "wide area" and "distributed recipient notification"...in other words to notify those on networks that originate from the building and those in the surrounding community. (See "Mass Notification Redefined").
6. Patent Lawsuits Filed: Two companies sued competitors over use of notification/alerting patents. Techradium sued Twitter, then filed suit against a number of other companies involved in notifications and alerts. (See "Notification Company Sues Twitter" and "Notification Companies Sued") Twenty-First Century Communications (TFCC) vollied back saying "It appears that Techradium, a small participant in the crowded field of mass notifications, is trying to use litigation to leverage its competitors into licensing its narrow and limited patents". (See "Twenty First Century Communications Responds to Techradium Patent Suit"). Later in the year, Cooper Notification, Inc filed patent infringement lawsuits against Twitter and Rave Wireless.
7. San Diego Notification Study Released: While buzz spread over new modes of alerting and notifying, a scientific study conducted for FEMA by Oak Ridge National Laboratories pointed back to a traditional mode of notification. (See "New Study Gives Telephone Notifications High Marks") The report showed that most residents within the path of approaching 2007 wildfires in San Diego County received their initital notifications from automated telephone calling systems. The total percentage amounted to 47%. The next highest was a distant 7%. The study also showed that evacuees didn't leave their homes simply because of the telephone calls. Most waited for confirmation from television or personal acquaintances.
8. Large-Scale Systems Announced: Several states and large communities announced more aggressive notification and alerting programs. Connecticut announced a calling and text messaging program, accompanied by an aggressive roll-out campaign. (See "State Plans 'Major Kick Off' of Notification Program") Pennsylvania announced a text messaging program. (See "Another State Announces Statewide Notification Program") California conitinued to plug away on its more aggressive alerting program, despite money troubles. (See "Statewide Notification Plan Stifled By...Guess What") Los Angeles County announced a calling and texting notification program. (See "Nation's Largest County Tackles Notification") And, New York City released a Request for Proposal for a citywide notification program.
9. Complex Topic Becomes More Complex: Do a web search of "emergency notification" and you'll find well over a hundred vendors serving the field. Many claim to be leaders. Add to this evolving communications preferences, imminent threats, advancing technology, and demanding budgets and you've got still more confusion. In 2009, government organizations reached out for help navigating the maze. Several procurement actions were released seeking independent help. (See "Alerts and Notifications. Help!")
10. Alerts and Notifications Blog Launched: OK, this one is a bit self-serving. In 2009, Emergency Management magazine launched a web site to go along with its award-winning publications. We were asked to blog regularly on the topic of alerts and notifications. Considering our "activisim" (as one federal contractor called it) on the topic, we gladly accepted. We have been pleased, even surprised, at the response. Perhaps this is becoming a forum for an increasingly complex topic. We hope the blog will become more interactive. We encourage comments and suggestions. (Perhaps reaching that goal can be on our Top Ten List for 2010.)
Please, let us know what you think of the list. Did we miss anything? What did we include that you believe doesn't belong on the list? Meantime, look for our post beginning on New Years Day of our Top Ten Alerts & Notifications Predictions of 2010.
Happy Holidays, and best of wishes for a safe, happy and productive 2010.
All the best,
Rick and Lorin
Monday, December 28, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Another State Announces Statewide Notification Program
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has joined several other states by announcing a statewide alerting program. Called AlertPA, residents can sign up to receive messages via text, email, and pager. (Delivery through telephone calls is not an option currently offered by AlertPA.)
Governor Ed Rendell's press release said, "Emergency alerts include information on incidents involving toxic chemicals, nuclear power plants, failure of large dams and other urgent situations. Other types of alerts include weather, warnings, public health notifications, airport delays, consumer product recalls, prison notifications and more."
Other states offering comparable services are New York, Connecticut, California, and Montana.
The vendor proving the AlertPA system is Cooper Notification. Cooper recently filed patent lawsuits against Twitter, Rave Wireless, Inc. and Everbridge, Inc - all three companies with significant buzz in the notification space. The patent in question concerns use of multiple gateways for delivering messages.
All the best,
Rick
Governor Ed Rendell's press release said, "Emergency alerts include information on incidents involving toxic chemicals, nuclear power plants, failure of large dams and other urgent situations. Other types of alerts include weather, warnings, public health notifications, airport delays, consumer product recalls, prison notifications and more."
Other states offering comparable services are New York, Connecticut, California, and Montana.
The vendor proving the AlertPA system is Cooper Notification. Cooper recently filed patent lawsuits against Twitter, Rave Wireless, Inc. and Everbridge, Inc - all three companies with significant buzz in the notification space. The patent in question concerns use of multiple gateways for delivering messages.
All the best,
Rick
Friday, December 11, 2009
Next-Generation ENS Part III: Moving from Single-entity to Multi-jurisdictional Control
Emergency notification systems of the recent past were almost exclusively acquired and used by single agencies. Earlier in the decade, it was not uncommon to see Emergency Management using one system, Police or Fire using another, and Public Works using yet another. Typically, there was no attempt at collaboration between agencies (that’s putting it mildly). Even within the same department, different systems may have existed in separate locations.
Although this is still the situation in many municipalities, a growing trend is developing around breaking the traditional ENS boundaries. As such, next-generation systems will move from being single-entity controlled to highly-networked, multi-agency controlled.
Why the move?
First, since 9/11, interoperability has been the industry buzz word. The tragic lessons of that day taught us that communication silos are dangerous, both to the public and to first responders. While interoperability is still a term used most frequently in describing radio systems, the change in thinking surrounding this issue has spilled over into other areas including emergency notification. Walls are being broken down.
Second, the technology has changed. Ten years ago, systems were isolated, hardware-based solutions, residing inside operations centers, and typically attached to dedicated telephone lines. While there are still plenty of these around (and arguments can still be made for taking this approach), the movement today is toward an Internet-based, software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, with no software or hardware residing in the EOC at all. In the future, such a model will be pervasive. And, emergency notification will be but one configurable "module" within a wider, more robust online incident management suite.
Third, funding mechanisms are changing. Years ago, grant restrictions were set up to encourage capital expenditures and hardware acquisition, and to discourage monthly "service fees." As desired solution delivery is changing to a SaaS approach, so are certain funding limitations.
So what does this mean for emergency managers?
First, the breadth and depth of communications across boundaries will continue to grow. A coordinated response is clearly best, and IP-based tools (including emergency notification) that aid in this will mature. Learning to use these effectively and collaboratively will be of high priority.
Second, operating policies will become more complex. Determining who has the authority and responsibility for launching a public alert through a multi-jurisdictional system can be tricky in the heat of battle. Policies and procedures must be clearly outlined, and users across differing cultures and geographic areas must be trained to understand them. Also, solution functions such as security, administrative management and reporting see heightened importance.
Third, multi-jurisdictional funding arrangements will become more common-place (and more complex). When multiple agencies are tapping a central resource, the question of proper and equitable funding always arises. Inter-agency deals will need to be crafted to allow for cost sharing across disparate departments.
While the move to a more connected, multi-jurisdictional approach to notification is not without its challenges, the benefits appear to outweigh the problems. NG ENS will help facilitate a more integrated and interoperable approach to notifying the public and first responders.
What do you think? Do you know of success stories relating to multi-jurisdictional deployments of ENS? Let us know. We'd love to hear from you.
All the best,
-Lorin
To receive a comprehensive Galain Solutions white paper: "Notifications Alerts & Warnings, The Next Generation" go to http://galainsolutions.com/resources.html.
Galain Solutions, LLC
www.galainsolutions.com
Although this is still the situation in many municipalities, a growing trend is developing around breaking the traditional ENS boundaries. As such, next-generation systems will move from being single-entity controlled to highly-networked, multi-agency controlled.
Why the move?
First, since 9/11, interoperability has been the industry buzz word. The tragic lessons of that day taught us that communication silos are dangerous, both to the public and to first responders. While interoperability is still a term used most frequently in describing radio systems, the change in thinking surrounding this issue has spilled over into other areas including emergency notification. Walls are being broken down.
Second, the technology has changed. Ten years ago, systems were isolated, hardware-based solutions, residing inside operations centers, and typically attached to dedicated telephone lines. While there are still plenty of these around (and arguments can still be made for taking this approach), the movement today is toward an Internet-based, software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, with no software or hardware residing in the EOC at all. In the future, such a model will be pervasive. And, emergency notification will be but one configurable "module" within a wider, more robust online incident management suite.
Third, funding mechanisms are changing. Years ago, grant restrictions were set up to encourage capital expenditures and hardware acquisition, and to discourage monthly "service fees." As desired solution delivery is changing to a SaaS approach, so are certain funding limitations.
So what does this mean for emergency managers?
First, the breadth and depth of communications across boundaries will continue to grow. A coordinated response is clearly best, and IP-based tools (including emergency notification) that aid in this will mature. Learning to use these effectively and collaboratively will be of high priority.
Second, operating policies will become more complex. Determining who has the authority and responsibility for launching a public alert through a multi-jurisdictional system can be tricky in the heat of battle. Policies and procedures must be clearly outlined, and users across differing cultures and geographic areas must be trained to understand them. Also, solution functions such as security, administrative management and reporting see heightened importance.
Third, multi-jurisdictional funding arrangements will become more common-place (and more complex). When multiple agencies are tapping a central resource, the question of proper and equitable funding always arises. Inter-agency deals will need to be crafted to allow for cost sharing across disparate departments.
While the move to a more connected, multi-jurisdictional approach to notification is not without its challenges, the benefits appear to outweigh the problems. NG ENS will help facilitate a more integrated and interoperable approach to notifying the public and first responders.
What do you think? Do you know of success stories relating to multi-jurisdictional deployments of ENS? Let us know. We'd love to hear from you.
All the best,
-Lorin
To receive a comprehensive Galain Solutions white paper: "Notifications Alerts & Warnings, The Next Generation" go to http://galainsolutions.com/resources.html.
Galain Solutions, LLC
www.galainsolutions.com
Monday, December 7, 2009
CMAS Specifications Released
FEMA and the FCC today announced the adoption of design specifications for an interface that will enable wireless carriers to provide emergency notifications through cell phones and other mobile devices.
As discussed in our previous post, CMAS will allow Federal, state, and local governments the ability to send geographically-targeted text messages of up to 90 characters to citizens for Presidential alerts, imminent threats to life and property, and Amber Alerts. Participation by the cellular carriers is voluntary, though it appears as if the major players will participate.
Today marks the start of a mandated 28-month period for commercial mobile service providers to develop, test and deploy the system. According to the timeline, mobile alerts will be delivered to the public by 2012.
-Lorin
As discussed in our previous post, CMAS will allow Federal, state, and local governments the ability to send geographically-targeted text messages of up to 90 characters to citizens for Presidential alerts, imminent threats to life and property, and Amber Alerts. Participation by the cellular carriers is voluntary, though it appears as if the major players will participate.
Today marks the start of a mandated 28-month period for commercial mobile service providers to develop, test and deploy the system. According to the timeline, mobile alerts will be delivered to the public by 2012.
-Lorin
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Another Step for National Cell Alerting
FEMA is expected to announce soon approval of technical specifications for a national system for distributing alerts through cell phones. Approval of technical specs for the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) is an important step because it tells the cell companies how to build mobile devices and infrastructure to support the alerts.
Alerts would be issued for three purposes. Presidential Alerts would get top priority. Local and state officials could also issue alerts for "Imminent Threats" or Amber Alerts.
Details on local and state activation process and procedure haven't been worked out. We hope local and state emergency management officials will have a strong voice in development of the details. Rob Kenny, a spokesman for FEMA's partner in the project the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) told us, "We recognize and understand local and state concerns about need to work effectively, so will be working with localities to help make sure they have the tools they need notify rapidly through the system."
The cell companies, or Commercial Mobile Service (CMS) providers as they're called, are not required to participate in the program. But, the law creating CMAS makes participation enticing. CMS providers who don't take part will be faced with strict requirements for notifying subscribers of non-participation. Plus, those who don't take part would be forced to allow customers to break their service contracts. Cell companies don't like their customers breaking contracts (granted, an understatement)...so, most major cell providers plan to take part.
With pending announcement on approval of the technical specifications, the CMS providers can start evaluating what this means for them from a technical perspective. One of the forums for developing knowledge is a telephone seminar next week conducted by the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association, the organization that represents CMS providers in rural areas. Key FEMA and FCC personnel are scheduled to participate.
CMAS and the process between now and anticipated launch in 2012 will become quite important for emergency management professionals. They'll certainly want to weigh in on the processes for actually operating CMAS, and could find themselves with an alternative approach for some of their alerts and warnings.
All the best,
Rick
Alerts would be issued for three purposes. Presidential Alerts would get top priority. Local and state officials could also issue alerts for "Imminent Threats" or Amber Alerts.
Details on local and state activation process and procedure haven't been worked out. We hope local and state emergency management officials will have a strong voice in development of the details. Rob Kenny, a spokesman for FEMA's partner in the project the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) told us, "We recognize and understand local and state concerns about need to work effectively, so will be working with localities to help make sure they have the tools they need notify rapidly through the system."
The cell companies, or Commercial Mobile Service (CMS) providers as they're called, are not required to participate in the program. But, the law creating CMAS makes participation enticing. CMS providers who don't take part will be faced with strict requirements for notifying subscribers of non-participation. Plus, those who don't take part would be forced to allow customers to break their service contracts. Cell companies don't like their customers breaking contracts (granted, an understatement)...so, most major cell providers plan to take part.
With pending announcement on approval of the technical specifications, the CMS providers can start evaluating what this means for them from a technical perspective. One of the forums for developing knowledge is a telephone seminar next week conducted by the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association, the organization that represents CMS providers in rural areas. Key FEMA and FCC personnel are scheduled to participate.
CMAS and the process between now and anticipated launch in 2012 will become quite important for emergency management professionals. They'll certainly want to weigh in on the processes for actually operating CMAS, and could find themselves with an alternative approach for some of their alerts and warnings.
All the best,
Rick
Authenticating Public Alerts
Integrating notification practices with digital messaging (and other forms of social media) is receiving growing interest from emergency managers. However, a recent text-messaging scam highlights security and authentication problems associated with notifying the public through these means.
Officials in Nampa, Idaho are warning citizens about a text-messaging scam currently circulating in the area. Citizens receive an apparent "emergency notification" concerning their bank account, along with a callback number. When citizens call the number, they are solicited for detailed account information, or charged exorbitant fees for making the call itself.
It is not clear how criminals are obtaining cellular numbers to target residents, but they are apparently targeting specific banks--Mountain Gem Credit Union in this case.
The situation has implications for the alerts and warnings industry. Citizens face similar challenges in verifying whether or not an ENS message actually originated from public safety officials. It would not be difficult to imagine scammers or "hackers" mimicking a public warning for personal gain or for simple maliciousness.
We, as an industry, need to consider options for encryption, decryption and authentication of messages so the public can be certain information received is legitimate. A quick search of applications and patents show encryption solutions are available for email, SMS, SMS-CB and MMS-type messages (we'll talk more about the latter two message technologies in the future). We need integration with and further development of these applications.
As the "bad guys" get more sophisticated, so must our alerts and warnings methods. Security and authentication should be high on the list of concerns as technologies are pushed to their limits.
What do you think? What are you doing to secure and authenticate your public alerts? We'd love to hear from you.
All the best,
-Lorin
To receive a comprehensive white paper: "Notifications Alerts & Warnings, The Next Generation" go to http://galainsolutions.com/resources.html.
Officials in Nampa, Idaho are warning citizens about a text-messaging scam currently circulating in the area. Citizens receive an apparent "emergency notification" concerning their bank account, along with a callback number. When citizens call the number, they are solicited for detailed account information, or charged exorbitant fees for making the call itself.
It is not clear how criminals are obtaining cellular numbers to target residents, but they are apparently targeting specific banks--Mountain Gem Credit Union in this case.
The situation has implications for the alerts and warnings industry. Citizens face similar challenges in verifying whether or not an ENS message actually originated from public safety officials. It would not be difficult to imagine scammers or "hackers" mimicking a public warning for personal gain or for simple maliciousness.
We, as an industry, need to consider options for encryption, decryption and authentication of messages so the public can be certain information received is legitimate. A quick search of applications and patents show encryption solutions are available for email, SMS, SMS-CB and MMS-type messages (we'll talk more about the latter two message technologies in the future). We need integration with and further development of these applications.
As the "bad guys" get more sophisticated, so must our alerts and warnings methods. Security and authentication should be high on the list of concerns as technologies are pushed to their limits.
What do you think? What are you doing to secure and authenticate your public alerts? We'd love to hear from you.
All the best,
-Lorin
To receive a comprehensive white paper: "Notifications Alerts & Warnings, The Next Generation" go to http://galainsolutions.com/resources.html.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Leader Leadership Changes
An internet search for notification and alerting vendors produces well over a hundred companies. Clicking through the search results, you'll find an amazing number of these companies claiming to be leaders. Depending on how you define leadership, we suspect some are over-stated and some are justified.
If longevity and customer list count, Dialogic Communications Corporation (DCC) is one of those leaders, and DCC's management leadership is changing. Scott Alfieri has resigned as President of DCC. He's been President during a period of transition. The company was sold to PlantCML®, which then bought DCC competitor REVERSE 911®. DCC took over much of REVERSE 911® operations. Meantime, the PlantCML family was sold to EADS, the huge European company best known in the U.S. as owners of Airbus.
We've worked closely with Scott for years. (Full disclosure: Both Lorin and I worked for DCC and PlantCML.) We know him to be very energetic, even passionate - a forward-thinker and always up for a challenge. Scott told us, "This is a good time for me to go. I leave behind a stronger team with a new leader I have confidence in. I am in an exciting time of discussion and opportunity".
Scott will be replaced by Bob Freinberg, who's been named Vice-President and General Manager. This is not Bob's first stint with the company. He was at one time Vice President of Sales for PlantCML. We haven't worked as long or closely with Bob as we have with Scott, but we know Bob to be quite capable and professional.
What does all of this mean for the alerts and notifications industry? Well, hard to tell at this point. We do believe this is an industry in transition. The key players are changing, technology is advancing, government programs are evolving, standards are being created, and public safety customers are trying to figure it all out.
We're always interested in leadership changes in the industry. If you know of any that you think would be of interest to emergency management professionals and the industry, please let us know.
All the best,
Rick
If longevity and customer list count, Dialogic Communications Corporation (DCC) is one of those leaders, and DCC's management leadership is changing. Scott Alfieri has resigned as President of DCC. He's been President during a period of transition. The company was sold to PlantCML®, which then bought DCC competitor REVERSE 911®. DCC took over much of REVERSE 911® operations. Meantime, the PlantCML family was sold to EADS, the huge European company best known in the U.S. as owners of Airbus.
We've worked closely with Scott for years. (Full disclosure: Both Lorin and I worked for DCC and PlantCML.) We know him to be very energetic, even passionate - a forward-thinker and always up for a challenge. Scott told us, "This is a good time for me to go. I leave behind a stronger team with a new leader I have confidence in. I am in an exciting time of discussion and opportunity".
Scott will be replaced by Bob Freinberg, who's been named Vice-President and General Manager. This is not Bob's first stint with the company. He was at one time Vice President of Sales for PlantCML. We haven't worked as long or closely with Bob as we have with Scott, but we know Bob to be quite capable and professional.
What does all of this mean for the alerts and notifications industry? Well, hard to tell at this point. We do believe this is an industry in transition. The key players are changing, technology is advancing, government programs are evolving, standards are being created, and public safety customers are trying to figure it all out.
We're always interested in leadership changes in the industry. If you know of any that you think would be of interest to emergency management professionals and the industry, please let us know.
All the best,
Rick
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