Can you tell us a little bit about Altadona?
Kary Eldred: Altadona was born out of the need for next-generation integration in the world of C4 (command, control, communications and computers). Most organisations are finding that the more security and defence technology they put in place, the more complex and less efficient things are to manage. This becomes even more problematic when it comes to handling SOPs (standard operating procedures) in a crisis. In this case, there’s a lot more complexity to be coordinated with an increasing number of hardware and electronics systems, most of which don’t work together easily, if at all.
For a long time, automation of response has been cited as the goal. But without true and full integration of systems and subsystems, it isn’t going to happen. That’s where Altadona’s common operating environment (COE) solution comes in, filling that need and providing the missing link.
Can you give us an example of how this may fit in?
Take this case. When an incident occurs and operators are notified by an alarm or sensor, there are at least two things that they must do. First, they must gain situational awareness, that is, ascertaining what is going on. which is key.
Second, there must follow the appropriate response. Our COE solution enables and facilitates both in one software platform. Altadona’s solution provides unparalleled visualisation, incorporating 3D modelling, GIS, terrain, geo-location and everything electronic into an easy-to-understand virtual world. In the same way, our command and control capability via the same platform, or virtual world, is intuitive and easy to use for operators, supervisors and decision-makers.
How was the solution developed and for whom?
The development of the software was, in large part, sponsored by the US Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T). They wanted us to assist them with the same particular need; namely to integrate all their disparate sensors, systems, subsystems and alarms from different manufacturers and networks. They wanted to combine all these things in remote locations and from multiple agencies into one platform or ‘common operating environment’; i.e. one easy-to-use, seamless software that controls everything.
Beyond simply implementing new C4 technologies, they were challenged with getting their new systems to work with legacy equipment and systems. Our software was largely developed to help them do that, especially on a very, very large scale.
So the idea is full integration in a single interface?
Yes. Like others we’ve discovered people want one interface to reduce the complexity of incoming data through many interfaces, and therefore make it easier and quicker for operators to respond efficiently in emergency situations. In many cases, because of so many systems and sensors, virtual ‘silos’ are created. Breaking these silos down with their obvious inefficiencies is a real need.
Does integration through your platform create additional benefits?
Our software creates the ability to facilitate both centralisation and collaboration, not only internally, but across multiple agencies and departments. Finally, we provided a highly visual interface that was intuitive not only for new operators but also for key decision-makers, supervisors and stakeholders, and that also integrated and provided automation of critical SOPs. Again, it is recreating the physical world in a virtual world that you can use to control your physical world.
