LEXINGTON, S.C., Aug. 13, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avtec, the nation's leading provider of VoIP dispatch console systems, is now at the forefront of a revolution that will solve one of first responders' most vexing challenges – how to coordinate communications across jurisdictions during joint operations and major crises.
Employing licensed technology first developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Science and Technology Directorate (S &T), Avtec is announcing commercial availability of the RIC-M – which stands for Radio Internet Protocol Communications Module – that provides a standards-based interface for interoperability between systems from different vendors.
This is achieved by connecting the RIC-M to a base station and IP network. The RIC-M creates an Internet Protocol (IP) bridge – supplanting a proprietary connection with one that is Project 25 (P25)-compatible -- that allows for two-way communications between the base stations and connected consoles and portable radios, regardless of manufacturer or equipment age.
The development represents a critical lifeline for the federal, state and local public service agencies using base station equipment that does not support open-standard interconnection with console subsystems. This lack of interoperability compelled the DHS S &T to set about creating its own solution using the Project 25 (P25) suite of open standards.
Though P25 standards have been widely adopted by public safety agencies and manufacturers alike, the S &T found there was no "plug-and-play" solution that had the effect of retrofitting equipment that did not offer open-standard interconnectivity. Further, tight government budgets created an incentive for the development of a cost-effective means by which agencies could extend the life of their older legacy base stations. Finally, a solution was demanded that would allow government agencies to replace expensive leased copper circuits with IP-based transport technologies, as a means of interconnecting components of their voice communications systems.
"The RIC-M is a game changer for many agencies which simply are not in the position to invest the many thousands of dollars needed to completely replace their voice communication system," said Avtec Director of Strategic Alliances Michael Ridge. "Though small in profile, the RIC-M looms large as an affordable way to both extend the life and add interoperability to a large variety of legacy systems."
Avtec was among the first companies to license the RIC-M technology that has been extensively field-tested on a variety of equipment, including Quantar™, GTR-8000™, PDR 3500™, ASTRO-TAC 3000™ and TXM 2000™.
Once connected, the RIC-M provides a P25 conventional fixed station interface for interoperability with standards compliant consoles such as Avtec's Scout.
"When I was evaluating partners to bring this product to market, I wanted to ensure that we were aligned with a leader that had a proven history of success in dispatch system deployments," said Richard Brockway, president of Christine Wireless, Inc., and inventor of the RIC-M technology. "Avtec Inc. is truly an ideal partner in this regard – with the end-to-end infrastructure and capabilities to manufacture, distribute and market the RIC-M technology."
"Avtec is one of first companies to be commercially licensed by DHS S &T," said Christine Lee, Program Manager of DHS S &T, First Responder Group.
Federal agencies expected to deploy RIC-M solutions include U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Department of Interior ; U.S. Marshals Service; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Protective Service. as well as state and local agencies across the nation.
Avtec – which expects to deliver the RIC-M during the fourth quarter of 2015, will be taking preorders during the upcoming APCO 2015. For a demonstration at APCO, visit DHS S &T booth No. 1915.
About Avtec, Inc.
Avtec, Inc. provides pure Internet Protocol (IP) dispatch console solutions for the public safety, airline, railway, utility, business, and government markets. Since 1979, customers have chosen Avtec's award-winning technology for their mission-critical dispatch centers. There are thousands of Scout Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) consoles installed worldwide. Visit http://www.avtecinc.com to learn more.
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