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Unify Unveils OpenScape First Response for NG9-1-1 to Improve Collaboration for Public Safety
IRVING, Texas, May 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Unify, a leading communications software and services firm, today announced it has enhanced its focus on the next-generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) emergency communications market with the introduction of the industry leading OpenScape First Response, an emergency response solution that provides the ability to respond to emergency situations, irrespective of media, device or location of the citizen. OpenScape First Response also enables public safety organizations to accelerate adherence to the United State Department of Homeland Security's NG9-1-1 readiness mandate by 5 years. OpenScape First Response provides inbound and outbound multi-media response and dispatch solutions for multiple locations, with market leading security and outstanding communication performance. OpenScape First Response enables the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) to dispatch the correct responder to the emergency location by way of integration into mapping and location applications. It also provides the integrated framework to convert legacy 911 communications infrastructures into SIP-based platforms, enabling communication to and from PSAPs via text messaging (SMS) and video streaming, in addition to voice. The United States Department of Homeland Security has mandated that every local jurisdiction in the country be Next Generation 9-1-1 ready by the year 2020, meaning the technoloy that serves emergency first responders must have the same capabilities and operational enhancements as the public's multi-channeled communication habits. Responding to this imperative, Unify is offering OpenScape First Response to make it easier for PSAPs to invest in software that smoothly transitions systems to NG9-1-1 in order to meet the federal mandate. OpenScape First Response architecture supports voice, text messages or video calls, no matter the volume of data. This is particularly important in the case of a natural disaster such as a hurricane, where the emergency communication system must scale to accommodate sudden and unexpected increases in call volumes. Emergency inquiries can be directed to specialized emergency call center personnel in the first instance without manual intervention. The vast majority of PSAPs today use hardware-based systems, which are restrictive in nature and are not designed for the requirements of NG9-1-1, which demands solutions that seamlessly integrate across disparate subsystems. "The ability to respond to emergency situations fluidly across different media, devices and locations is critical for municipalities as they strive to reduce emergency response times and improve public safety," said Dan Papes, Executive Vice President, North America, for Unify. "OpenScape First Response provides the collaboration and communication tools public safety organizations require to effectively respond to emergency situations and enables them to smoothly transition systems to NG9-1-1 ahead of the 2020 deadline set by the Department of Homeland Security." About Unify Unify is one of the world's leading communications software and services firms, providing integrated communications solutions for approximately 75 percent of the Fortune Global 500. Our solutions, including Circuit, unify multiple networks, devices and applications into one easy-to-use platform that allows teams to engage in rich and meaningful conversations. The result is a transformation of how the enterprise communicates and collaborates that amplifies collective effort, energizes the business, and enhances business performance. Unify has a strong heritage of product reliability, innovation, open standards and security. Note: All trademarks mentioned herein are property of their respective owners.
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/unify-unveils-openscape-first-response-for-ng9-1-1-to-improve-collaboration-for-public-safety-300085413.html SOURCE Unify 
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