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

  • Making the Grade with Locks and Door Hardware

    Managing and maintaining locks and door hardware across a school district or university campus is a big responsibility. A building’s security needs to change over time as occupancy and use demands evolve, which can make it even more challenging. Knowing the basics of common door hardware, including locks, panic devices and door closers, can make a difference in daily operations and emergency situations. Read Now

  • Choosing the Right Solution

    Today, there is a strong shift from on-prem installations to cloud or hybrid-cloud deployments. As reported in the 2024 Genetec State of Physical Security report, 66% of end users said they will move to managing or storing more physical security in the cloud over the next two years. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Security Risks for U.S. Retail Chains

    Interface Systems, a provider of security, actionable insights, and purpose-built networks for multi-location businesses, has released its 2024 State of Remote Video Monitoring in Retail Chains report. The detailed study analyzed over 2 million monitoring requests across 4,156 retail locations in the United States from September 2023 to August 2024. Read Now

  • Gaining a Competitive Edge

    Ask most companies about their future technology plans and the answers will most likely include AI. Then ask how they plan to deploy it, and that is where the responses may start to vary. Every company has unique surveillance requirements that are based on market focus, scale, scope, risk tolerance, geographic area and, of course, budget. Those factors all play a role in deciding how to configure a surveillance system, and how to effectively implement technologies like AI. Read Now

Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation. 3

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities 3

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis. 3