Top 10 Developments in Alerts & Notifications in 2009

December 28, 2009

our many years in the alerts and notifications field, we don’t recall a year when there’s been so much movement, transition, and even confusion. The whole topic is changing. So, here’s our list of Top Ten Developments in Alerts and Notifications in 2009:

1. System-of-Systems Momentum: To us, the most significant development of 2009 was momentum developing over a system-of-systems approach for alerts and notifications. During the year, it became more clear that end-users and industry are waking up to the fact that no single approach will do the job. There are many reasons for the realization. One of the most important is the evolution of individual communication preferences. There are clear signs of the momentum. In fact, no fewer than five of the items on our Top Ten list support the system-of-systems concept. Other signs include growth of the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and announcement of technology partnerships by various vendors. (See “Showcasing Alerting Standards“, “Meshing Alerts & Notifications with Other Solutions” and “Interesting Emergency Notification Partnerships Developing”.) When we release our 2010 predictions in a few days, you’ll see more on the system-of-systems topic.

2. CMAS Clock Starts Ticking: The timetable officially began this year for building a national cellular alerting system. FEMA and the FCC unveiled technical specifications for part of the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS). (See “CMAS Specifications Released”, “Another Step for National Cell Alerting”, and “National Cell Alerting Moves Forward”.) If this doesn’t seem important to you, then imagine this: a federal program through which most cell phones will receive emergency messages depending on their current location. Even people from outside the area who happen to be passing through could receive the messages. The system could be activated by local public safety officials for imminent threats or Amber Alerts. (The President could also use the system.) With the technical specifications approved in December, cell carriers now have 28 months to re-tool their infrastructure and make mobile devices support CMAS. This is a volunteer program for cell carriers, but most of them have already said they’ll participate. Otherwise, new laws would give subscribers an “out” from their cellular service contracts.

More at:  http://www.emergencymgmt.com/emergency-blogs/alerts/Top-10-Developments-in.html