U.S. Military, Public Safety Agencies to Receive Interoperable Communications Systems

  • Dec 19, 2011

SRI International and Covia Labs have become strategic partners, working together to develop low-cost and secure communications, network management and situational awareness systems for the U.S. military, public safety agencies and commercial clients.  Under the two-year agreement, the two organizations will support contracts with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide enhanced capabilities on communication devices such as smartphones. 

"Clients are asking for new capabilities and architectures that enable remote, secure, mission-based communications with and without cloud connectivity," said Chris Lockett, program manager at SRI.  "An important need is to be able to deploy commercially developed technology within military and security applications."

"SRI International's long history developing innovative solutions for the U.S. military and public safety agencies makes it an ideal partner for Covia as we develop a wider array of services for these markets," said David Kahn, chief executive officer of Covia Labs. "A longer-term objective of this relationship is to develop a low-cost solution that enables the seamless formation of secure teams across different military and public safety agencies."

Covia Labs and SRI will deliver solutions that combine the strengths of each organization, such as SRI's DynaMesh networking technology and Covia Labs' secure systems integration and interoperability products. DynaMesh is a secure, mobile, independent network that leverages customers' existing communications infrastructure to maximize public safety, security, and command and control resources, even during disconnected operations and emergency situations. It is instant and wireless, allowing improved response times and extended communication capabilities.

Covia's patented software platform merges the data and functionality found on multiple, diverse devices and equipment into one, fully integrated system. Regardless of hardware, OS or platform, Covia can create a single interoperable system that integrates commercial devices (cell phones, laptops, etc.) to mission-specific equipment (security cameras, sensors, weapons systems).  A designated administrator or multiple users can manage and utilize the resources of all devices on the platform.

For DARPA's Transformative Apps Program, SRI will evaluate and deliver Covia Labs' software platform coupled with SRI's DynaMesh "coreless" and secure computing technologies to provide warfighters with the right mobile software applications.  It is currently anticipated that the SRI-Covia system will be delivered in late 2011.   

For DHS and the public safety market, Covia Labs will extend its communication interoperability solution to enable mission-critical voice communication over emerging Long Term Evolution (LTE) cellular networks that enhance communication of high-speed data.  SRI will analyze the requirements for LTE deployments and assess its use for mission critical applications for public safety operations.

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”