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A preview of what some of the exhibitors at the BAPCO Conference will be showcasing.
Arqiva – the key is availability
Arqiva will be showcasing its next generation mobile data solution system. The main thrust is that Arqiva has a system that can cope with any device, be it a PDA, MDT or tablet PC. And the key word is availability, says Arqiva’s Head of Mobile Data, Peter Harris.
"The issue for police forces is that they want constant availability from mobile data devices. Although Airwave has been designed to cover the largest area in the UK, at the moment there is no single carrier that can do everything, so we have made sure that our system will support any bearer. And what’s more that the software will support these bearers simultaneously.”
If Airwave is not available, the system will switch to GPRS, and if a vehicle is in the garage, for example, the MDT will use WiFi for receiving large files such as mapping updates. “It can switch between bearers for different types of data to take advantage of capacity and cost restrictions. The system can also parallel two bearers together, so users can get a bigger pipe.”
Another important feature is the security aspect of the system. Data is encrypted over the air and never stored on the mobile devices. A user’s profile dictates which systems he can connect to, and all data transactions are logged for audit purposes. If a device is stolen, it can be “killed” or “stunned”.
However, the system also takes into account that an officer on the beat does not want to key in three different passwords to access three databases. So one password will log the officer onto all systems.
The new system has been developed closely with police forces, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. “People have got to the point where they see the business benefits of mobile data where systems are flexible enough to cope with different roles,” said Harris. “And we are seeing now a change in behaviour with people who use these types of devices. Community officers, for example, are doing more checks on PDAs than they previously did with radio, because before they did not want to use the precious radio and control room resources.”
The system which has been extensively trialled with forces and is available for full deployment will be on show at Arqiva’s stand 412.
Brother – the power to print
Bearing in mind the contents of Sir Ronnie Flanagan’s report, it is likely that the Brother stand (number 444) at BAPCO exhibition will be very busy indeed. Unless public safety professionals can print in situ, believes Brother Business Development Manager (Mobile Solutions) Michelle Molloy, the full benefits of mobile data will never be realised.
Regular BAPCO Journal readers will know that British Transport Police officers are already using Brother’s handheld mobile printer MW-140BT in conjunction with O2 XDA II PDAs for the printing of A7 size stop and search receipts, and the results speak for themselves. Spent time completing paperwork has been reduced by up to an hour per day.
Brother will however not just be celebrating recent contract wins. It will also be launching new products and giving visitors sneak previews of the future. The company will be showing off its A6 mobile printer, a device that in size is – says Michelle – ideal for the fire and ambulance services where fire safety officers for example need to leave print outs on sites after checking premises.”
There will be other tools to play with on the Brother stand. “In June this year we’ll be launching our new RFID intelligent label printer, the RL-700S,” said Michelle. Brother’s RFID is the smallest reader/writer module in the market and it aims to aid in people, document and asset management.
The unit will come with a software development kit to allow engineers to integrate the passive label printer with Windows applications. Application include: inventory system improvement; trackability enhancement of personnel; and traceability of documents/binders; RFID labels.
Brother has already had interest from the Criminal Justice Courts for the RFID printer, says Michelle, who are looking at ways of improving their document management. “We would be happy to hear from professionals in the emergency services who would like to take parts in trials – we firmly believe in placing evaluation out to the market for the feedback.”
EADS – tailoring and advancing technology
An EADS Defence and Security Systems spokesperson told BAPCO Journal that major events continue to highlight the need for use of the latest technologies in a coherent, integrated way to co-ordinate effective emergency responses and ensure business continuity.
As most readers will know, EADS is working in partnership with CLG to deliver the FiReControl project, which will integrate existing technologies in new ways to provide enhanced levels of community protection.
Presenting on the progress of FiReControl at BAPCO 2008, EADS Defence and Security will also be demonstrating its capability and thinking in the evolving area of Information Assurance.
The company is working with the UK Government in a number of areas to secure and manage networks, provide the highest levels of encryption and to ensure that the right people receive the right information, in the right way, at the right time. This can apply to a fire officer at the scene of an incident or a member of the armed forces on the frontline.
EADS will be showcasing at stand B3 some of the latest examples of its approach to tailoring and advancing existing technologies to meet complex challenges in information management, security and delivery.
GETAC – new products galore
GETAC will be introducing a number of new products at BAPCO Conference, including its first entry into the “durable” market, the 8212 notebook.
Key features of the 8212 include a liquid resistant C-face protecting the touch pad, keyboard and switches from spillages; a hardwearing Magnesium alloy design x20 stronger than standard plastic; and an anti-shock HDD and an anti-shock mounted LCD screen to protect against shock. Weighing in at only 1.2kg and with a 12.1” WXGA screen, it also has an option for up to nine hours’ battery life.
WLAN is supplied as standard allowing users to connect to a Local Area Notebook, now found in a multitude of locations. HSDPA (3G) and Bluetooth are available as optional upgrades. The 8212 also has Biometric fingerprint readers to eliminate the need to remember passwords. Also at the GETAC stand will be the first rugged notebook with 1,200 nits’ of Sunlight-Readable technology, the B300. The 1,200 nits technology exceeds the industry standard of 1,000 nits. With a “quick key” function, the optional Sunlight-Readable LCD display ensures continuous use under bright ambient lighting conditions and extremely bright outdoor environments.
Also accessible via “quick key” is a Black-Out mode whereby users can turn off all lights (including the panel backlight and all LED indicators). Night Vision mode, which uses a sophisticated software algorithm to switch easily between normal and NV Mode, is available as an optional upgrade – this is a patented micro-current control technology that eliminates the need for a screen optical filter when wearing night vision goggles.
Visitors will also be able to play with the new E100, an ultra lightweight tablet that weighs in at an astonishing 1.4 kg. It may be light, but it is still tough. The E100 features a shock-mounted HDD and it is equipped with a G-Sensor to protect data from sudden drops. For use in harsh weather conditions and to prevent damage from accidents, the E100 complies to MIL-STD-810F and is IP-54 compliant.
Microbus – watch out for the LINX
BAPCO will see the launch of the eagerly awaited new computer from Microbus, the LINX .
The LINX is a truly demountable tablet PC with an integral TETRA modem that has been specifically designed for the vehicle. Full PC functionality is provided both inside and out of the vehicle, and it seamlessly links the user, vehicle and control room.
The multi-bearer flexibility of the LINX allows the user to choose the best communication technology for their environment. Additionally, connectivity through 3G, GPRS, GSM and HSDPA offers true broadband speeds with communication back to the office databases via these or via the secure TETRA modem.
The LINX’s GPS functionality allows standard options such as sat nav and vehicle location, as well as automatic despatch of the nearest vehicle. Its GPS Mileage Monitor enables fleet manager information on service intervals.
Microbus is understandably excited about the launch, as Richard Blake, Sales and Marketing Director said, “This is the first truly demountable tablet PC with an integral TETRA modem, and it has been developed in response to the police market.” Richard adds that the LINX tablet will link with existing systems such as camera technology and NPRS when it is docked into the vehicle, expanding its functionality automatically.
“To optimise security, the LINX features a range of controlled entry features for user authentication and it is tamper proof. Although we are at the pre-launch stage we have had a great deal of interest. We’ll have product samples on our stand so people can try them out.”
Motorola – see how mesh works
Motorola will show its Mobile Broadband Solutions technology at stand 304 – technology tested during the Labour Party Conference last year in Bournemouth. Motorola supplied a complete wireless broadband solution to Dorset Police, including infrastructure, mobile/fixed cameras, body worn cameras and transmitters, using a combination of mesh and point to point wireless technologies that each fed to a temporary bronze command centre.
Gary Maughan, Account Director, Government & Public Safety Business, Motorola, is keen to emphasise that mesh technology can – and does – work to meet mobile broadband needs of public safety users. “The main thrust of our message is that because we supply Airwave TETRA infrastructure we know it is currently not being used to its full potential. So far it is mostly being used as a voice service and I think there is a lot more scope in terms of delivering data.”
Gary says mobile data could be better used in the fight against crime. “There is tremendous benefit in combining mobile broadband solutions with TETRA. We don’t want every guy on the street to be watching video, particularly when an officer’s power is his eyes. We want the guy in the back office to be looking through the information, and be able to push appropriate information out quickly across the TETRA network.”
Missing child photographs or images captured from CCTV could be pushed out to dozens of officers across the TETRA network in seconds rather than hours.
It isn’t just its Mobile Broadband Solutions that Motorola will be showcasing at the show. Also on display will be its wide range of TETRA solutions including new devices for specialist users such as the MTP850 Ex ATEX (intrinsically safe) radio. “The MTP850 Ex ATEX device is a classic example for Motorola’s philosophy of ‘design for use’,” says Gary. “As a result of extensive discussions and collaboration with end users the ATEX and IEC Ex compliant terminal offers an uncompromising mix of applications and safety features which exactly meet the needs of workers in hazardous environments. The fire service, for example, don’t want lots of buttons that hamper the use of the device while wearing gloves, and the audio quality has to be great.”
Orange – increased peace of mind
The latest mobile internet, data technology and devices from Orange will be on show at stand 250, including new devices for critical communication such as BlackBerry and Microsoft handsets as well as the mobile broadband service, Business Everywhere.
The company will also be talking about recent emergency services projects with Humberside Police and North Wales Police.
North Wales Police used to have over 45 independent databases until it invested in a Records Management System (RMS) creating a single resource. This was implemented with a mobile capability resulting in the force being issued with BlackBerry technology. Frontline officers can now access RMS, the PNC, and email whilst working remotely. North Wales Police’s use of technology was recognised in the Orange National Business Awards 2007, as finalists in the Best Use of Technology category.
Working with Humberside Police, Orange enabled the neighbourhood policing teams to spend less time at their desk and more time back on the beat. Through provision of 50 Orange SPV M3100s and 10 Orange SPV M600s to officers in the neighbourhood policing team, Humberside Police now offer local residents a consistent point of contact for non-emergency queries and increased peace of mind. The scheme gives the community direct access to its police force and a sense of continuity, something that has been missing from many police forces in recent years.
