Ordia Solutions Introduces Mobile Tactical Collaboration System™ for First Responders Print
Milestone Achievement Towards "5Cs of Interoperability" in Multi- Jurisdictional and Multidisciplinary Operations
 
MANASSAS, Va. and ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., June 19 -- At Police Security Expo 2007, Ordia Solutions today announced the availability of its Mobile Tactical Collaboration System™ (MTCS) solution for law enforcement, fire/EMS, and search and rescue agencies, and for fusion and emergency operation centers. This marks a major milestone in Ordia Solutions' efforts to drive effective and interoperable communication, collaboration, coordination, command and control among first responders as they prepare for, execute, and analyze multi-jurisdictional and multidisciplinary responses to complex operations.

As on of the original developers of a cutting edge command and control (C2) system successfully fielded to the US Army's 1st Cavalry Division in 2004, Mr. Joe E Ordia returned from Iraq to see the chaotic response to both Asian Tsunami and Katrina. "After witnessing first hand the operational benefits that collaborative C2 technology has brought to the US military" said Mr. Ordia, "I saw an urgent need to bring a similar capability to first responders". Mr. Ordia co-founded Ordia Solutions in 2005 and serves as CEO. Developed using standards-based Web 2.0 technologies, MTCS is the first of a new generation of intuitive, easy-to-use browser-based solutions that addresses the "5Cs of Interoperability***" for first responders: Communication, Collaboration, Coordination, Command and Control. MTCS can be securely hosted inside an agency's firewall and is available as a lightweight client for browser-enabled devices such as desktop PCs and Mobile Data Terminals, but requires no client installation.  Among the Web 2.0 technologies employed by MTCS is Virtual Earth™, Microsoft’s next generation mapping platform that allows businesses and governments to visualize data within the context of location for enhanced business intelligence, improved collaboration, and faster response times.

When timely communication is critical, a picture is worth a thousand words. By allowing first responders to share their understanding and intentions visually and with the aid of real-time voice communication, MTCS maximizes information sharing and enhances situational awareness. According to Colonel Robert Akam, Task Force Katrina, "If rescue and law enforcement agencies had this capability, we could have eliminated face-to-face meetings to conduct interagency planning with much greater fidelity."

Mobile Tactical Collaboration System is continuously being updated based on real-world feedback from law enforcement, fire/EMS, search and rescue, emergency operation and fusion center personnel. It is being fielded at several agencies in the Mid-Atlantic region for missions ranging from police raids, to a school storming exercise, to a joint tactical operation around the July 4th 2007 holiday involving SWAT, fire, EMS, HazMat, counterterrorism, intelligence, and marine assets. Other applications include remote briefings, special events management, geographically dispersed events, VIP escorts, facility security, high speed chase, hostage/barricade operations, preparedness training and exercises, and post-incident replay and analysis.

***The “5Cs of Interoperability” is part of Ordia Solutions efforts to highlight the need to accelerate the pace of technological innovation towards operational interoperability for first responders, and to focus on a new generation of solutions that take on this challenge head on. The interoperability problem is magnified when response to a major incident or preparation for a major planned event require the formation and mobilization of a multi-jurisdictional and multidisciplinary taskforce.

“5Cs of Interoperability” Defined:

1.  Communication: The ability of a taskforce member to convey thoughts and understanding clearly and unambiguously to one or more members of the taskforce. The taskforce may consist of one or more jurisdictions and/or disciplines. Effective communication requires the ability to share, in a seamless and interoperable manner, a common operating picture of the situation with all authorized members of the taskforce.

2.  Collaboration: The ability of a taskforce member to simultaneously develop plans, track ongoing operations, and solve problems with other members of the taskforce.  Collaboration is most effective when the diverse but relevant experiences of taskforce members are taken into account. Effective communication is a pre-requisite to effective collaboration among taskforce members.

3.  Coordination: The ability of a taskforce leader to ensure that all authorized taskforce members actions are synchronized and in line with the high-level operational objectives of the taskforce. Effective coordination of taskforce members requires effective communication and collaboration.

4.  Command &

5. Control: The ability of taskforce leaders to: a) accurately convey their ideas, intentions, and orders to other members of the taskforce, b) ensure that all taskforce teams and resources are optimally deployed to accomplish the mission at hand, c) track/monitor operational progress and respond to expected/unexpected situations or requests, and d) attain and sustain full situational awareness as the operation evolves. Effective command and control of a multi-jurisdictional and multidisciplinary taskforce require effective communication, collaboration, and coordination.

Ordia Solutions is taking a leadership role in the development of disruptive technologies such as the Mobile Tactical Collaboration System™ (MTCS), to deliver a “force multiplier” advantage to first responders in their courageous efforts to secure and protect the homeland. Because a picture is worth a thousand words, MTCS delivers a real-time dynamic operating picture to each authorized taskforce member, whether at the scene, on approach, or in the operation center. This Web 2.0-based application seeks to significantly close the interoperability gap within and between law enforcement, fire/EMS, and search and rescue agencies. It establishes an environment where Communication interoperability, Collaboration interoperability, and Coordination interoperability are built-in, thus enabling an unprecedented level of Command and Control effectiveness for task force leaders.

About Ordia Solutions:

Headquartered in Vienna VA, Ordia Solutions is a leading provider of advanced collaboration tools and interoperability solutions serving the first responder community. The company's mission is to accelerate the design and delivery of innovative technologies to public safety officers and first responders in order to maximize mission effectiveness.  For more information, visit www.ordiasolutions.com or call (888) 819-3038

Media Contact:

Alfred P Toussaint Jr
Nova Technology Partners
(703) 624-8302
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