The next generation of E911 hosted solutions is just around the corner thanks to developers associated with public safety and the individuals that continue to write apps targeting end users. These continued efforts for advancements of emergency services both in the United States and another 112 countries that utilize it will help to facilitate faster response times and more saved lives.

The landscape is seeing big changes for the better as more and more apps are making the right people aware that the service could always be better, according to this Avaya (News - Alert) blog. But there’s always a catch. Remember when IVR and voicemail became the next big thing in the 1980s? Even with that advancement and superior service, the glitches emerged as well.

The result at that time was that not everyone could use IVR and voicemail. In fact, many Americans still had rotary phones that kept them from keying in the necessary prompts.

Today, E911 hosted solutions are facing the same challenges as the technology is there only to an extent. While the apps continue to be developed, with the best intentions at heart, the infrastructure on the other end, the 911 services, isn’t there yet.

In order for data to be exchanged from an end user to public safety and for data to be adequately supported, a new layer of infrastructure has to be established. Even if the app allows smartphone users to take pictures and collect other information to help emergency responders, it can’t be used if the dispatch center can’t receive it.

Public safety often relies on an analog-based system that utilizes a backend infrastructure that allows for only voice call communication. At the end of the day, these smartphone applications can’t work if there isn’t an existing network or application like an E911 hosted solution to help guide communications and support them.

The best advice for the would-be game changers in E911 hosted solutions is simple: research. Getting involved in the public safety industry like joining the NENA, APCO or even the NG9-1-1 Institute could mean understanding the true direction that these services are going.

It is also important for app creators to fully understand the other side of the technology they are dealing with. Knowing how equipped, or ill-equipped, the current public safety sector really is could lead to even better technology. The good news is that there are great minds out there working to find an answer to create safer communities in the form of E911 hosted solutions.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2012, taking place Oct. 2-5, in Austin, TX. 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 click here.

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