Interoperable communications -- Can our heroes communicate when everything is on the line?

18-Nov-07

Officials, Experts Discuss Benefits and Challenges on TV Roundtable

To view the streaming video click here.

Seated, right to left: Phil Bond, Dr. David Boyd, Paige Atkins, Chris Dorobek and Michael Thurk

When disaster strikes, we are reminded of just how important it can be for police officers, rescuers and other first responders to be able to communicate over technologies as basic as a handheld radio. Differing frequencies and other barriers can make it difficult or impossible for first responders to talk to each other during the early stages of an incident.

Federal state and local government agencies are still working to address those issues. Meanwhile, the 21st century offers new opportunities: Mobile phones, computers and other devices can now work together to help us respond to the next natural disaster or terrorist attack.

This Sunday, interoperable communication is the issue at hand for the latest ITAA’s Tech Talk Roundtable on BusinessNow Capital Edition. ITAA President and CEO Phil Bond and his guests will answer pressing questions, such as:

What progress have we already made? How long will we have to wait before voice and data flow seamlessly from police officer to firefighter or witness to 911?

Joining Phil to take on this topic will be:

• Dr. David Boyd – Director, Command, Control and Interoperability, at the Department of Homeland Security
• Michael Thurk – Chief Operating Officer of Avaya
• Paige Atkins – Director of the Defense Spectrum Organization at the Defense Information Systems Agency
• And Chris Dorobek – Editor in Chief, Federal Computer Week

ITAA’s Tech Talk airs Sunday, November 18 throughout the Washington - Baltimore area on Maryland Public Television at 11:00 a.m. ET as part of BusinessNow Capital Edition, a news magazine that takes viewers inside the beltway to really see how IT is changing the way government does business.

ITAA Tech Talk debuts as part of BusinessNow: Capital Edition at 11 a.m. Sundays on Maryland Public Television. ITAA Tech Talk explores the partnership in innovation between the federal government and the IT industry in the greater Washington-Baltimore area through a series of fast-paced roundtables and in depth interviews. BusinessNow: Capital Edition is a half-hour news magazine focused on the public sector technology marketplace.