Today’s myriad options for instantaneous communications allow organizations of all kinds to establish and maintain real-time voice contact between users – but only if users employ similar devices and are on the same network. Although this capability is critical in emergency situations and for organizational efficiency, the inability of users with disparate devices or on separate networks to communicate with each other can cause potentially serious consequences. There is a need for true communications interoperability to address these concerns. Incompatible devices and networks mean that first responders, such as fire and police personnel, often cannot communicate with each other when an emergency occurs. Recent events have demonstrated the unfortunate results of such communication problems. In emergencies, various organizations’ network and operational silos can preclude the immediate interagency communication that is essential to effective incident management.

Additionally, as events develop, different types of information become relevant and appropriate. Often, voice communication through push-to-talk (PTT) service interoperability is the initial requirement for incident managers and first responders. But as a situation unfolds, additional data such as geographic information system (GIS) information, building plans, maps, or surveillance camera images can become increasingly important. Voice alone cannot provide this type of information – it is more effectively shared through methods such as instant messaging and videoconferencing. The ability to incorporate and convey information contextually, so that it can be delivered when, where, how, and to whom it is needed, requires robust communications interoperability. And communications interoperability facilitates real-time interagency collaboration, which is a critical component in the successful and efficient management of many incidents and events.

The Cisco® IP Interoperability and Collaboration System (IPICS) provides a systems approach to communications interoperability, operations, and emergency management that delivers the right information to the right person in the right format at the right time. Based upon proven IP standards and technology, Cisco IPICS transparently integrates disparate PTT networks, providing advanced features without requiring a change in existing operating procedures. It offers a flexible, dynamic, and secure platform that facilitates immediate sharing of information, improves daily enterprise operations, and provides a robust framework for real-time event management, while protecting investments in traditional PTT and Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems. Cisco IPICS is designed not only to meet the immediate tactical needs of public safety and enterprise organizations, but also to establish a foundation for additional layers of powerful capabilities. The initial release of Cisco IPICS focuses on voice interoperability across multiple networks, and provides services for user management, policy creation, and integration of diverse PTT devices. But its underlying architecture will allow Cisco IPICS to extend well beyond voice interoperability to provide complete information-based interoperability and collaboration, with the contextual integration of voice, video, and data resources. As the system continues to expand, subsequent phases of Cisco IPICS will provide rich-media services such as data and video collaboration, policy-based incident management, event-based operations and control, visualization, operations integrity, and reporting.