VirtualAgility and Rivada Networks Launch Virtual Smart C3, an End-to-end Command, Control and Communications Solution for Real-time Decision Support

VirtualAgility and Rivada Networks Launch Virtual Smart C3, an End-to-end Command, Control and Communications Solution for Real-time Decision Support
VirtualAgility has teamed with Rivada Networks to offer Smart C3, a disaster-proof extension to the VirtualAgility OPS Center (VOC). Smart C3 is deployable to the field as a standalone device that does not rely on commercial communication networks for internet connectivity. It is an end-to-end solution designed to provide uninterrupted communications even when commercial networks go down.

Winchester, MA November 25, 2009 — VirtualAgility has teamed with Rivada Networks to offer Smart C3, a disaster-proof extension to the VirtualAgility OPS Center (VOC). Smart C3 is deployable to the field as a standalone device that does not rely on commercial communication networks for internet connectivity. It is an end-to-end solution designed to provide uninterrupted communications even when commercial networks go down.
VirtualAgility and Rivada Networks will announce Smart C3 at the National Guard Bureau Joint Information Technology Conference (https://www.technologyforums.com/9NG) – NGB JITC in Booth #635 in Orlando, December 7-9, 2009.
To safeguard its customers against the possibility of overloaded, jammed or downed commercial networks during a terrorist event or disaster, the Virtual Smart C3 leverages Rivada’s Minuteman Interoperable Communications Extension System. Minuteman is a mobile, easily deployed and interoperable system that uses a combination of satellite, wireless and cellular technologies to deliver voice, video and data to anyone, anytime, anywhere in the field.
Using Smart C3, responders can utilize the full range of command and control communications capabilities via Land Mobile Radios (LMRs), ToughBook laptops and dedicated cell phones over a virtual private network. Users can access data feeds, applications, maps, plans and updates to maintain high levels of situational awareness.
Virtual Smart C3 on Rivada’s mobile, deployable network enables dynamic communication of standard or customized reporting to the Command Center (Serious Incident Reports, SITREPS, CUBs, BUBs), top-down orders to the field (OPORDS/FRAGOS/WARNOS), and a dynamic common operating picture for all.
Virtual Smart C3 also enables National Guard State Joint Force Headquarters (SJFHQ) to access the disparate incident management systems employed by various local, state and federal agencies.

“There is no command and control without communications,” said VirtualAgility President and CEO Stuart Rudolph. “That’s why customers at the federal, state and local levels are so interested in Virtual Smart C3 on Rivada Networks. It’s a powerful field extension to the everyday VirtualAgility OPS Center. Virtual Smart C3 operates on the edge as a deployable, standalone, mobile Command Center. It can operate independently and, when appropriate, synchronize with the main VirtualAgility OPS Center through the Rivada deployed National Guard network.”
According to Rob Needham, VP of Rivada Networks, “Smart C3’s capabilities are indispensable to a complete emergency management plan. Cell towers go down. Radios don’t transmit visual information. It’s critical to have a mobile, deployable, interoperable communications system that enables responders to continue their C3 activities under any conditions. “
VirtualAgility’s solutions are in wide use by government organizations throughout the world, including FEMA, Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Army, and the Canada Revenue Agency. VirtualAgility is also a key, user-facing technology in IBM’s Smarter Cities program and all of its public safety offerings.
Only VirtualAgility gives first responders critical information in the context of policies, protocols and doctrines. For example, in the case of an industrial fire involving Hazardous Materials (HazMat), responders receive not only information about resources, vulnerabilities, etc., they also get the relevant agencies protocols for dealing with that kind of fire, a terrific boost to performance in a crisis.
About VirtualAgility
VirtualAgility delivers easy-to-use, quick-to-configure Web 2.0 solutions for creating interoperability and business continuity in government and industry. With its robust line of SOA solutions, VA is helping customers meet the need for improved situational awareness and coordination within and among agencies, at home base and in the field. VirtualAgility patent-pending solutions can be laid over existing “information stovepipes” to create a common, integrated user view that doesn’t disrupt day-to-day operations. Using patent-pending VA technology, even the most disparate organizations can plan, prepare, train, respond, reset and recover on a single platform. These Net-Centric Operations Framework solutions integrate IBM advanced technology and represent the next level of collaboration and information sharing: true virtual agility.
About Rivada Networks
Rivada Networks designs, integrates and operations interoperable Broadband public safety communications and IT networks, providing voice and high speed data to the edge of the network. We provide advanced communications solutions to First Responders at Local, State and Federal levels. Through innovative public safety communications solutions, Rivada is able to address the limitations of existing public safety networks through the use of cellular networks and commercial off-the-shelf technology. The Rivada offering is focused on delivering wireless, cellular voice, video and data in the immediate aftermath of a major incident, when all other communications infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. The reliable, fully interoperable, and cost-effective alternative to building expensive dedicated infrastructure that Rivada offers gives users the ability to leverage advanced communications capability such as GPS Location based services, IP Push-to-Talk, High speed streaming video, Remote Wireless High Speed Internet, and Location based surveillance.

Tagged as: International News, news