When trying to determine the best approach to implementing your E911 solution, it’s important to examine the size of the Emergency Response Location (ERL) as it is the granularity provided to the PSAP. There is a deeper granularity to consider, the level provided to the local internal first responder or security staff.

Without a clear distinction between these two levels of granularity, confusion can set in and make it difficult to select the right solution. A recent Avaya (News - Alert) blog by Mark Fletcher explored the importance of granularity and where it makes sense to use increased levels, and where it may actually confuse the issue for first responders.

For E911 hosted solutions, you need to remember that a street address may be too large an area to identify and isolate a specific caller. At the same time, adding a cubicle number to the address will do very little for those responding to the emergency unless they actually work inside the building.

In following best practices for E911 hosted solutions, the NENA MLTS Model Legislation suggests that the fire alarm zones are a good starting point when establishing ERLs for 911. This starting point is important because every building and business is different. Security staffed on-site can provide the necessary information and expedite emergency response.

If this internal staff is unavailable, low-cost technology can provide the necessary VGA input and output to provide maps and other information for assisting first responders.

The key here is to keep it simple. E911 hosted solutions can perform at its best when the information captured and provided meets the needs of that particular location. Too much information can create lag time, while not enough information can have the same effect for first responders.

To explore this concept further, 911 ETC (News - Alert) is offering a webinar to explore the importance of E911 hosted solutions. Mark Fletcher will join Michael Anderson, National Sales Director for 911 ETC to clarify what questions organizations should really be asking when it comes to implementing E911 hosted solutions.

This webinar will explore what really matters when it comes to E911, how organizations can address the topic while also keeping it simple and cost-effective, and just how granular they need to get to be effective.

"Thinking about the problem logically, and sorting out reality and rhetoric, E911 in the enterprise can be a simple task to fix. But if you over think the problem, the solution will be too complex, and chances are you'll be doing more harm than good," said Fletcher.

If you’re a telecom director, risk management director, small business owner, IP telephony manufacturer sales staff, IP telephony reseller or consultant or a voice service provider, this is one webinar you won’t want to miss. Take the time to register today!

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO East 2012, happening NOW in Miami, FL. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. For more information on registering for ITEXPO registration click here.

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