Recently in Mass Notification Category

The U.S. Coast Guard has cut over a nationwide server-based mass notification system as part of a major upgrade of its Alert and Warning System (AWS) for maritime operations.

The system, using an IWSAlerts platform from AtHoc Inc., encompasses more than 100 USCG facilities, from headquarters down to district, sector and local stations. The system has the capability to reach 50,000 USCG personnel and maritime industry members from Maine to Hawaii. The AWS system currently has about 26,000 registrants, said an officer with the U.S. Coast Guard Operation Systems Program Office, whose identity has been withheld on official request. The officer had direct experience with the procurement and deployment of the system.

The U.S. armed services continues to be a strong market for AtHoc. The company has sold mass notification systems to the army, navy and air force. NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston is also a customer. "This is our first and largest [sale] into the homeland security area, "said David Box, head of marketing for AtHoc.

AWS 2.0 will use email, landline, wireless, satellite, fax and text messaging to transmit alerts and messages to Coast Guard personnel, port officials and thousands of civilian vessel operators on natural disasters, hurricane preparedness, search and rescue operations, and waterway closures, said the Coast Guard official.