Platform developed for U.S. Department of Homeland Security by Several Universities
San Antonio, TX (May 8, 2008) – Phoenix Disaster Services, a San Antonio based homeland security and situational awareness solution consulting firm, has unveiled an innovative portable communications platform called MITOC(TM) , which allows agencies of all sizes to have a low-cost, quickly deployable communication system readily available in the event of a crisis.
MITOC(TM), which stands for Man-Portable Interoperable Tactical Operations Center, is an affordable “first on scene” communications solution to support first responders in the early hours of an event. It can also link to more complex mobile command equipment as it arrives to provide backup support or supplemental communications capabilities when needed.
MITOC(TM) utilizes an integrated suite of products readily available on the commercial market including portable interoperable voice, data, radio, and video technologies and custom designed to work together. The cost is considerably less than purchasing traditional mobile command centers hard-mounted in SUVs, buses, or trailers.
“There’s a growing need for portable communication command solutions,” said Brian Dopp, president of Phoenix Disaster Services. “And for the many agencies that missed out on Homeland Security funding and didn’t receive grants to purchase mobile command centers, MITOC(TM) provides a cost effective solution that meets their communication needs at a price they can afford.”
MITOC(TM) is one of the most cost effective communication solutions on the market due to the fact that R&D was conducted through a partnership between the University of Louisville, Murray State University’s Center for Telecommunications Systems Management, and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System first responder training program. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the National Institute for Hometown Security provided $1.1 million three-year research grant to develop and test the integrated components under real operating conditions.
Phoenix Disaster Services, LLC is the first and only commercial reseller currently marketing, selling, and servicing the MITOC(TM) system.
MITOC components include:
• Integrated “family” of products – from an 8-user wearable system to a 36-user portable rack in a shock-mounted transit case
• Cellular Data capabilities with optional redundancy for full-time low cost bandwidth
• Satellite Data broadband capabilities as a back-up or supplement to the cellular data
• Efficient energy use capable of receiving power from AC shore power, batteries, solar panels, inverters, and small generators
• MESH Wireless Network using Rajant Breadcrumb® technology that can cover square miles, tunnels, and large buildings
• Voice Over IP telephones that can bring in dial-tone from areas unaffected by a current disaster
• Sensor integration and live feed monitoring to remote subject-matter experts
Optional features and capabilities include:
• Additional Rajant Breadcrumb® portable access points extend the coverage of wireless areas
• Land mobile base radio module with interoperability matrix from the world’s leading providers
• Remote weather station with plume modeling integration
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) ground support capability with live video feeds from its own UAV at the scene
• Video applications;
• Cellular repeater/amplifier system to boost weak signals or reach deep inside buildings up to 15,000 square feet
• A variety of land mobile robot systems
About Phoenix Disaster Services
Phoenix Disaster Services, LLC specializes in providing situational awareness and interoperable communication solutions to first responders. Products and services offered include WebEOC® and VIPlanning® software and MITOC portable interoperable communications. Backed by a proven history of working with both large and small government agencies, Phoenix Disaster Services can provide a customized, affordable solution to any client – no job is too large or too small.
Based in San Antonio, Texas, Phoenix Disaster Services, LLC is committed to providing the highest quality software and communication systems development and services available through hands on assistance, personal attention to detail, and an understanding of the unique safety and security problems managers face each day.
Media Contact:
Leslie Ausburn
Komet Marketing Communications
210.479.7255/
lausburn@satx.rr.com
