October | 2005

www.swissphone.com

The Swissphone Magazine for Public Safety

Alerting-quo vadis? Will new technologies revolutionise alert systems for fire services? Page 12

SatLink-BOS Secure data and voice communications Page 4

IDEA™ Encrypted alerts Page 8

02 | 03

CONTENTS

EDITORIALLadies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues,

We are pleased to send you a copy of the first edition of s.press, our company newsletter. – “Not more advertising!” some of you may sigh. We would like to assure you – not without a certain degree of pride – that s.press is not simply a channel for showcasing our new products. In fact, s.press is designed to serve as a guide and valuable source of information about trends, new technologies and other important background issues. The newsletter presents a cross section of numerous public safety topics and is carefully researched and prepared by specialists from various sectors.

Swissphone, originally a pager manufacturer, has transformed itself into a systems, solutions and service provider in recent years.

Further subsidiaries have been added to the group as a consequence. This not only means we have expanded our business activities in the products sector; we have also gained additional expertise and can benefit from synergies as well. This growth in diversity is represented not least by the launch of s.press. From now on, s.press will be published twice a year as a source of information “made by Swissphone”.

We hope you find the newsletter a stimulating and informative read.

Helmut Köchler and Andreas Berger

INSIDE

Editorial 03

New management at Swissphone Systems 15

SOLUTIONS

SatLink-BOS: Secure data andvoice communications at any time 04

Swissphone ITC 1000 paging unit: Future Prospect 06

IDEA™: Encrypted alerts ensure discretion 08

GLOBAL

Alerting – quo vadis?Will new technologies revolutionise alarm systems for fire services? 12

EVENTS

INTERSCHUTZ 2005 exhibition a successSwissphone presented expanded product range 16

Review of the SUISSE PUBLIC 2005 exhibition in Berne 18

News ticker 20 PMRExpo 2005 in Leipzig SICHERHEIT 2005 in Zurich TWC 2005 in Frankfurt

INSIDE

Dipl.-Ing. Helmut Köchler, President of the Board

Dipl.-Ing. Andreas Berger, CEO

Swissphone Telecom AG · Fälmisstrasse 21 · CH-8833 Samstagern · Telephone: +41 44 786 77 70 · Fax: +41 44 786 77 71 info@swissphone.com · www.swissphone.com

02 | 03

CONTENTS

EDITORIALLadies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues,

We are pleased to send you a copy of the first edition of s.press, our company newsletter. – “Not more advertising!” some of you may sigh. We would like to assure you – not without a certain degree of pride – that s.press is not simply a channel for showcasing our new products. In fact, s.press is designed to serve as a guide and valuable source of information about trends, new technologies and other important background issues. The newsletter presents a cross section of numerous public safety topics and is carefully researched and prepared by specialists from various sectors.

Swissphone, originally a pager manufacturer, has transformed itself into a systems, solutions and service provider in recent years.

Further subsidiaries have been added to the group as a consequence. This not only means we have expanded our business activities in the products sector; we have also gained additional expertise and can benefit from synergies as well. This growth in diversity is represented not least by the launch of s.press. From now on, s.press will be published twice a year as a source of information “made by Swissphone”.

We hope you find the newsletter a stimulating and informative read.

Helmut Köchler and Andreas Berger

INSIDE

Editorial 03

New management at Swissphone Systems 15

SOLUTIONS

SatLink-BOS: Secure data andvoice communications at any time 04

Swissphone ITC 1000 paging unit: Future Prospect 06

IDEA™: Encrypted alerts ensure discretion 08

GLOBAL

Alerting – quo vadis?Will new technologies revolutionise alarm systems for fire services? 12

EVENTS

INTERSCHUTZ 2005 exhibition a successSwissphone presented expanded product range 16

Review of the SUISSE PUBLIC 2005 exhibition in Berne 18

News ticker 20 PMRExpo 2005 in Leipzig SICHERHEIT 2005 in Zurich TWC 2005 in Frankfurt

INSIDE

Dipl.-Ing. Helmut Köchler, President of the Board

Dipl.-Ing. Andreas Berger, CEO

Swissphone Telecom AG · Fälmisstrasse 21 · CH-8833 Samstagern · Telephone: +41 44 786 77 70 · Fax: +41 44 786 77 71 info@swissphone.com · www.swissphone.com

04 | 05SOLUTIONSTransported by an emergency services vehicle, SatLink-BOS can be set up in less than 15 minutes nearly anywhere in Europe and put into operation at any time of day or night. This means mobile incident command units (ICUs) have a data link to the command and control centre of up to 1 Mbps (depending on the tariff structure) for both standard and major incidents.

For the first time, SatLink-BOS provides emergency services with remote, mobile command facilities that are fully functional and in constant contact with the command and control centre. When stationary, this innovative solution can also provide the redundancy for communication channels between the various command and control centres.

Swissphone supplies secure satellite connections dedicated exclusively to public safety and security organisations.

SatLink-BOS performance features

Secure data transfer thanks to autonomy from terrestrial networks Data transfer between ICU and command and

control centre Connection to host computer Ability to perform database searches VoIP telephony Internet access Easy installation Ready to operate on-scene in 15 minutes

SatLink-BOSSecure data and voice communications at any time

Satellite-based communication for the emergency services

SatLink-BOS provides data and voice communication that is independent of terrestrial networks and available at all times via a geostationary satellite. The system has been specially developed to suit the needs of public safety and security organisations.

Connection equipment

The mobile satellite terminals are linked to the vehicle’s connection panel using special waterproof-ed cable (25 m in length) with MIL-standard steel-coated braided hose and coded multi-pin connect-ors. A cable drum with sockets for the connectors provides protection when in transit. The cable kit also includes the preassembled connector cables for the vehicle.

RTU system unit

The receiver/transmitter unit (RTU) contains all the necessary components to send and receive data, use VoIP, manage data and provide a VSAT with power. All the connections for VSAT, LAN and telephony are located on the front of the unit.

VSAT-M

In addition to an RTU, the mobile satellite terminal, or VSAT-M, includes an elliptical antenna with an RTU, an integrated satellite locator and calibration system. The extremely robust and weatherproof tripod comes with equipment for setting azimuth and elevation angles as well as a pendulum for perfect alignment. The unit is designed so one person can completely set up and start the unit in just a few minutes.

VSAT-S

In addition to the RTU, the stationary satellite terminal, or VSAT-S, includes an elliptical antenna with a transmitter and receiver unit. The device can be mounted either by attaching a boom to an exist-ing mast or using a round tube for on-roof assembly.

System components

Author: Patrick Nagele · Product Manager

04 | 05SOLUTIONSTransported by an emergency services vehicle, SatLink-BOS can be set up in less than 15 minutes nearly anywhere in Europe and put into operation at any time of day or night. This means mobile incident command units (ICUs) have a data link to the command and control centre of up to 1 Mbps (depending on the tariff structure) for both standard and major incidents.

For the first time, SatLink-BOS provides emergency services with remote, mobile command facilities that are fully functional and in constant contact with the command and control centre. When stationary, this innovative solution can also provide the redundancy for communication channels between the various command and control centres.

Swissphone supplies secure satellite connections dedicated exclusively to public safety and security organisations.

SatLink-BOS performance features

Secure data transfer thanks to autonomy from terrestrial networks Data transfer between ICU and command and

control centre Connection to host computer Ability to perform database searches VoIP telephony Internet access Easy installation Ready to operate on-scene in 15 minutes

SatLink-BOSSecure data and voice communications at any time

Satellite-based communication for the emergency services

SatLink-BOS provides data and voice communication that is independent of terrestrial networks and available at all times via a geostationary satellite. The system has been specially developed to suit the needs of public safety and security organisations.

Connection equipment

The mobile satellite terminals are linked to the vehicle’s connection panel using special waterproof-ed cable (25 m in length) with MIL-standard steel-coated braided hose and coded multi-pin connect-ors. A cable drum with sockets for the connectors provides protection when in transit. The cable kit also includes the preassembled connector cables for the vehicle.

RTU system unit

The receiver/transmitter unit (RTU) contains all the necessary components to send and receive data, use VoIP, manage data and provide a VSAT with power. All the connections for VSAT, LAN and telephony are located on the front of the unit.

VSAT-M

In addition to an RTU, the mobile satellite terminal, or VSAT-M, includes an elliptical antenna with an RTU, an integrated satellite locator and calibration system. The extremely robust and weatherproof tripod comes with equipment for setting azimuth and elevation angles as well as a pendulum for perfect alignment. The unit is designed so one person can completely set up and start the unit in just a few minutes.

VSAT-S

In addition to the RTU, the stationary satellite terminal, or VSAT-S, includes an elliptical antenna with a transmitter and receiver unit. The device can be mounted either by attaching a boom to an exist-ing mast or using a round tube for on-roof assembly.

System components

Author: Patrick Nagele · Product Manager

Swissphone ITC 1000 - the intelligent siren control and paging unit:

How will we be transmitting alerts in 2010? Should we stick to ageing, but tried-and-tested analogue alarm technology? Should we continue to purchase analogue pagers? Or should we switch over immedi-ately to more flexible and forward-looking digital technology? Can we migrate gradually from one system to another? What is the potential for making savings?

These are the questions facing buyers of alert systems and pagers in 2005. The shift towards digital (POCSAG) alarm systems started long ago. Migrating to digital alarm technology is simply a matter of time. Apart from the major technological advantages they offer, digital alarm systems are attractive because the overall costs in particular are far lower.

So what should you do if you need to replace existing analogue systems or receivers? Should you buy analogue devices again? Or should you switch to digital POCSAG signalling and replace all (functioning) fi ve-tone pagers in one fell swoop?

Help is on its way from Switzerland.

By developing the intelligent siren and paging control unit, or ITC 1000 (ITC = Intelligent Transceiver Controller), Swissphone has created a solution that combines analogue and digital signalling in one device. So you can keep your current and future options open.

All-in-one device

The four different operating modes demonstrate the innovation and performance Swissphone has packed into the ITC 1000:

Use in analogue network structures – As a trip unit for five-tone analogue pagers – As a trip unit for five-tone analogue pagers and additionally as a trip unit for digital POCSAG receivers (operated in parallel) – As a trip unit for digital POCSAG receivers only (analogue-digital converter) Use in regional or country-wide

synchronous POCSAG alert networks (following upgrade with additional module, available as an optional extra)

A major feature of the ITC 1000 is the ability to use it simultaneously as an analogue and digital alarm transmitter. This not only means you can continue to use and send signals to existing five-tone analogue pagers. When you buy new or replace-ment receivers, you have the fl exibility to switch to digital at the same time. If an alarm is received via the analogue network (from a district or regional

warning centre for example), the ITC 1000 sends an alarm to both the five-tone analogue pagers as well as the digital POCSAG receivers according to the alarm address (such as “Silent alarm to all”). The digital receivers display pre-prepared mess-ages such as “General alarm”, which are already stored in the device.

An additional module will shortly be available for the ITC 1000, enabling users to send freely definable texts to POCSAG receivers using a conventional USB keyboard. Another option for the future should include the ability to forward digital text messages,

which were sent from the alert centre to the ITC 1000, to the POCSAG receivers.

Proven in practice

The Wiener Neudorf fire service, located in the Moedling district of Lower Austria, is one of the most called out volunteer fire brigades in Austria, and they are planning to set future trends by employing the ITC 1000.

The innovative solution from Swissphone is being tested by the fire service and has been running tirelessly since February. The brigade uses the system to call members of the fire squad into action via both five-tone analogue pagers and new digital POCSAG receivers almost three times a day on average. The ITC 1000 has also impressed Salz-burg’s federal state fire brigade association in practical tests.

At the fire service’s building in Wiener Neudorf, the ITC 1000’s detachable control console is built into the alarm desk and connected to the main device using a USB 2.0 cable (available in lengths of up to 50 m). Greater distances can be covered using ISDN lines or multi-wire lines. The functions of the keys on the control console can be configured to suit user requirements. The 19“ housing, designed to replace old siren control units, can be built into any suitable and standardised rack.

Simple and secure

Easy to operate, maintain and service – the core characteristics of the ITC 1000. Connected to a PC using a LAN, the device can be confi gured, tested and maintained via a Web browser – with different levels of access authorisation. An internal log book logs every activity on the ITC 1000. The ITC 1000’s integrated emergency power supply is designed to bridge power failures lasting up to six hours. The rack design makes the device extremely easy to service.

A programmable I/O module can be used to control sirens and other external devices via one of the eight outputs. This means it can, for example, activate door openers, trigger PA announcements at the fi re station or activate lighting. Among other things, the volunteer fire service at Wiener Neudorf uses this controller to activate an illuminated sign on the side of the building facing the street informing people that the fire service is on duty.

Advantages at a glance

Thanks to optional racks for ISDN or GSM cards (SMS text messaging would also be possible), the ITC 1000 opens up new avenues for exploiting other technologies. Here is a list of the advantages of the ITC 1000 at a glance:

Fully compatible with existing five-tone analogue pagers Possible to migrate gradually from analogue

to digital alert technology Ability to feed POCSAG messages from a

command and control centre All-in-one box Open for all future developments

Cost is a major factor, especially for volunteer fire services. The ITC 1000 can meet this demand too, as a simple comparison demonstrates: 23 standard analogue receivers (such as Swissphone’s Memo plus) cost the same as 23 Swissphone POCSAG receivers and the ITC 1000 unit together.

The future is already here at Swissphone!

FUTURE Prospects

06 | 07SOLUTIONS

Author: Markus Tögel · Marketing & Sales

The ITC 1000 (front view)

Swissphone ITC 1000 - the intelligent siren control and paging unit:

How will we be transmitting alerts in 2010? Should we stick to ageing, but tried-and-tested analogue alarm technology? Should we continue to purchase analogue pagers? Or should we switch over immedi-ately to more flexible and forward-looking digital technology? Can we migrate gradually from one system to another? What is the potential for making savings?

These are the questions facing buyers of alert systems and pagers in 2005. The shift towards digital (POCSAG) alarm systems started long ago. Migrating to digital alarm technology is simply a matter of time. Apart from the major technological advantages they offer, digital alarm systems are attractive because the overall costs in particular are far lower.

So what should you do if you need to replace existing analogue systems or receivers? Should you buy analogue devices again? Or should you switch to digital POCSAG signalling and replace all (functioning) fi ve-tone pagers in one fell swoop?

Help is on its way from Switzerland.

By developing the intelligent siren and paging control unit, or ITC 1000 (ITC = Intelligent Transceiver Controller), Swissphone has created a solution that combines analogue and digital signalling in one device. So you can keep your current and future options open.

All-in-one device

The four different operating modes demonstrate the innovation and performance Swissphone has packed into the ITC 1000:

Use in analogue network structures – As a trip unit for five-tone analogue pagers – As a trip unit for five-tone analogue pagers and additionally as a trip unit for digital POCSAG receivers (operated in parallel) – As a trip unit for digital POCSAG receivers only (analogue-digital converter) Use in regional or country-wide

synchronous POCSAG alert networks (following upgrade with additional module, available as an optional extra)

A major feature of the ITC 1000 is the ability to use it simultaneously as an analogue and digital alarm transmitter. This not only means you can continue to use and send signals to existing five-tone analogue pagers. When you buy new or replace-ment receivers, you have the fl exibility to switch to digital at the same time. If an alarm is received via the analogue network (from a district or regional

warning centre for example), the ITC 1000 sends an alarm to both the five-tone analogue pagers as well as the digital POCSAG receivers according to the alarm address (such as “Silent alarm to all”). The digital receivers display pre-prepared mess-ages such as “General alarm”, which are already stored in the device.

An additional module will shortly be available for the ITC 1000, enabling users to send freely definable texts to POCSAG receivers using a conventional USB keyboard. Another option for the future should include the ability to forward digital text messages,

which were sent from the alert centre to the ITC 1000, to the POCSAG receivers.

Proven in practice

The Wiener Neudorf fire service, located in the Moedling district of Lower Austria, is one of the most called out volunteer fire brigades in Austria, and they are planning to set future trends by employing the ITC 1000.

The innovative solution from Swissphone is being tested by the fire service and has been running tirelessly since February. The brigade uses the system to call members of the fire squad into action via both five-tone analogue pagers and new digital POCSAG receivers almost three times a day on average. The ITC 1000 has also impressed Salz-burg’s federal state fire brigade association in practical tests.

At the fire service’s building in Wiener Neudorf, the ITC 1000’s detachable control console is built into the alarm desk and connected to the main device using a USB 2.0 cable (available in lengths of up to 50 m). Greater distances can be covered using ISDN lines or multi-wire lines. The functions of the keys on the control console can be configured to suit user requirements. The 19“ housing, designed to replace old siren control units, can be built into any suitable and standardised rack.

Simple and secure

Easy to operate, maintain and service – the core characteristics of the ITC 1000. Connected to a PC using a LAN, the device can be confi gured, tested and maintained via a Web browser – with different levels of access authorisation. An internal log book logs every activity on the ITC 1000. The ITC 1000’s integrated emergency power supply is designed to bridge power failures lasting up to six hours. The rack design makes the device extremely easy to service.

A programmable I/O module can be used to control sirens and other external devices via one of the eight outputs. This means it can, for example, activate door openers, trigger PA announcements at the fi re station or activate lighting. Among other things, the volunteer fire service at Wiener Neudorf uses this controller to activate an illuminated sign on the side of the building facing the street informing people that the fire service is on duty.

Advantages at a glance

Thanks to optional racks for ISDN or GSM cards (SMS text messaging would also be possible), the ITC 1000 opens up new avenues for exploiting other technologies. Here is a list of the advantages of the ITC 1000 at a glance:

Fully compatible with existing five-tone analogue pagers Possible to migrate gradually from analogue

to digital alert technology Ability to feed POCSAG messages from a

command and control centre All-in-one box Open for all future developments

Cost is a major factor, especially for volunteer fire services. The ITC 1000 can meet this demand too, as a simple comparison demonstrates: 23 standard analogue receivers (such as Swissphone’s Memo plus) cost the same as 23 Swissphone POCSAG receivers and the ITC 1000 unit together.

The future is already here at Swissphone!

FUTURE Prospects

06 | 07SOLUTIONS

Author: Markus Tögel · Marketing & Sales

The ITC 1000 (front view)

08 | 09

Base station Message receiversCommand centre Alert centre

Scenario 2bScenario 2a Scenario 3

Scenario 1

Flow of alerts and information

Attacks

Eavesdropping

IDEATM

– Encrypted alerts ensure discretion

As police, fi re and rescue and ambulance services use paging systems to transmit alerts today, there is a need to transfer increasingly confiden-tial information. This is why Swissphone has developed a system of encoding messages that employs IDEA™ encryption. This can be imple-mented into new and existing systems as an optional extra.

IDEA™ was developed by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich. Thanks to 128-bit encoding, it offers the highest level of security available.

Situations where unencrypted messages are at risk

Sending unencrypted messages harbours many dangers, some of which we would like to explain in more detail here.

Scenario 1: Snooping - messages intercepted and readWith the necessary technical expertise, it is possible to intercept and read messages. Interested parties can take advantage of this fact by picking up and analysing the alerts. It is extremely important that the activities and communications of the emergency services and police in particular remain confidential.

Scenario 2: Attacks by feeding false messages into existing systemsAttackers could pass on false messages if they manage to gain access to the connection between the command and control centre and the base station. As the message would appear to be from a reliable source (based on the trust between the sender and the recipient), this could cause emergency personnel to go into action.

Scenario 3: Attacks by replaying messages using an external systemOther potential risks include messages being replayed or false messages being dispatched.

For example, a third party could record a message and resend it later via his or her own pirate transmit-ter. As was the case in scenario 2, the emergency services would respond to this message.

Scenario 4: Spying on command structures Once an organisation’s transmission frequencies and addresses for messages are known, it is possible to make conclusions about the command structure of an organisation from the messages received. This knowledge could be used to attribute messages to various offi cials within an organisation, making it easier for those intercepting the message to interpret them. Analysing messages would be even easier as a result!

Targets in alert and information systems

Communication systems can be attacked at various points from outside. The adjacent diagram demonstrates the fl ow of alerts and information and possible points of attack (scenarios) as well as the types of attack (red arrows). End-to-end encoding offers comprehensive protection.

Protective measures and solutions

It is important to take potential risks and an organisation’s requirements into account when planning alert and information systems. An alert system must primarily ensure that all necessary emergency service staff can be alerted quickly, securely and correctly. The demands increase when alert systems are used additionally as information systems, particularly in terms of protecting confi dential messages between sender and recipient. The field report on the next page demonstrates the demands Berne’s canton police place on a communication system and why they chose the IDEA™ system from Swissphone.

Sophisticated key management optimises end-to-end encoding

A lock alone will not provide sufficient security. It is also necessary to ensure that only authorised personnel have access to the key.

SOLUTIONS

08 | 09

Base station Message receiversCommand centre Alert centre

Scenario 2bScenario 2a Scenario 3

Scenario 1

Flow of alerts and information

Attacks

Eavesdropping

IDEATM

– Encrypted alerts ensure discretion

As police, fi re and rescue and ambulance services use paging systems to transmit alerts today, there is a need to transfer increasingly confiden-tial information. This is why Swissphone has developed a system of encoding messages that employs IDEA™ encryption. This can be imple-mented into new and existing systems as an optional extra.

IDEA™ was developed by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich. Thanks to 128-bit encoding, it offers the highest level of security available.

Situations where unencrypted messages are at risk

Sending unencrypted messages harbours many dangers, some of which we would like to explain in more detail here.

Scenario 1: Snooping - messages intercepted and readWith the necessary technical expertise, it is possible to intercept and read messages. Interested parties can take advantage of this fact by picking up and analysing the alerts. It is extremely important that the activities and communications of the emergency services and police in particular remain confidential.

Scenario 2: Attacks by feeding false messages into existing systemsAttackers could pass on false messages if they manage to gain access to the connection between the command and control centre and the base station. As the message would appear to be from a reliable source (based on the trust between the sender and the recipient), this could cause emergency personnel to go into action.

Scenario 3: Attacks by replaying messages using an external systemOther potential risks include messages being replayed or false messages being dispatched.

For example, a third party could record a message and resend it later via his or her own pirate transmit-ter. As was the case in scenario 2, the emergency services would respond to this message.

Scenario 4: Spying on command structures Once an organisation’s transmission frequencies and addresses for messages are known, it is possible to make conclusions about the command structure of an organisation from the messages received. This knowledge could be used to attribute messages to various offi cials within an organisation, making it easier for those intercepting the message to interpret them. Analysing messages would be even easier as a result!

Targets in alert and information systems

Communication systems can be attacked at various points from outside. The adjacent diagram demonstrates the fl ow of alerts and information and possible points of attack (scenarios) as well as the types of attack (red arrows). End-to-end encoding offers comprehensive protection.

Protective measures and solutions

It is important to take potential risks and an organisation’s requirements into account when planning alert and information systems. An alert system must primarily ensure that all necessary emergency service staff can be alerted quickly, securely and correctly. The demands increase when alert systems are used additionally as information systems, particularly in terms of protecting confi dential messages between sender and recipient. The field report on the next page demonstrates the demands Berne’s canton police place on a communication system and why they chose the IDEA™ system from Swissphone.

Sophisticated key management optimises end-to-end encoding

A lock alone will not provide sufficient security. It is also necessary to ensure that only authorised personnel have access to the key.

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTIONS

To work out the 128-bit code, one million computers would have to test one million combinations per second over the course of one trillion years in order to check all possible combinations. With the right key however, the safest of locks can be cracked in a fl ash. It is therefore essential that a limited number of people have access to the keys and that these are protected accordingly.

The keys used should also be changed periodically to maintain security. For this purpose, Swissphone has developed a sophisticated key management system that even allows keys to be changed via an air interface. There is consequently no need to collect all the receivers and this avoids unnecessary logistical costs. To increase security further, the maximum of 32 keys saved in a DE920 IDEA™ pager are protected so they can never be exported. Even if a pager is lost, the keys are protected from misuse.

Integration into the existing environment

The DE920 must be confi gured to suit its application. A programming device and programming software or the PSW Programming Interface is used to do this. In the case of DE920 pagers with IDEA™ encryption, it is also necessary to define which addresses can receive and decode encrypted messages and with which keys. Once all the necessary settings have been made, the pager can be confi gured using the programming device. After that, the pager is ready for use.

Compared to the PSW900 programming software, the PSW Programming Interface offers the advantage that it is not a single workstation, but rather a soft-ware module with a flexible interface. This means it integrates easily into other software solutions and connects to existing – and centralised – databases. As a result, receiver confi gurations can be managed centrally, while the actual programming work is performed locally, as was previously the case. This simplifies the task of maintaining and managing data considerably.

10 | 11

Author: Ingo Schmuckli · Head of the Products Business Unit

Field report Jürg Weber, Berne’s canton police

Swissphone: What were Berne canton police’s specifications for a new information and alarm system?

Mr Weber: Our specification document included the following requirements: The end device must combine three applications. First, the system must alert groups quickly; second, it must be able to provide information for groups or the entire corps; and third, it must function as a paging system to locate individuals directly. Messages must be transferred without risk of interception, which means the layout of the system has to use end-to-end encryption.As a further requirement, the end device must be simple to operate and include safeguards so that incorrect operation by the user does not prevent alarms from being transmitted correctly. It quickly became clear that we needed a paging solution.

Swissphone: Why was encryption necessary?

Mr Weber: Some practical examples have demonstrated that other services are interested in our messages. There was one case where a newspaper reporter frequently arrived more quickly at the scene of an accident than the police and emergency services did. Using a receiver costing around € 100, a standard PC and some free software downloaded from the internet, it is possible to read pager messages online. This, shall we say, ‘open’ information policy is obviously not how the police want to operate and the data protection authorities would certainly not approve. The only choice was to encrypt messages.

Swissphone: How important was a mature migration scenario for you?

Mr Weber: The new pagers have to be distributed to users over the course of a period lasting around three months. We have to teach users how to operate them at the same time. We also have to continue using the old system without encryption during the transitional phase. It is important that the technical department complete the changeover to encryption without involving end users. We cannot afford to interrupt operations.

Swissphone: Why did you choose the DE920 pager with IDEA™ encryption?

Mr Weber: It fulfils all our requirements. Alongside the main issue of encryption, it also meets all the technical specifi cations we made. Another extremely important factor was the proximity of the supplier’s service and support centre. Swissphone understands our work and the reliability we need from the entire system. As a result, potential changes to devices and the user interface can be implemented quickly. The close cooperation with Swissphone meant the devices could be tailored to suit our needs even better. We believe that these small changes to the software will improve the user benefi t and simplicity of operation.

Swissphone: How do you manage the receivers’ programming data and their keys in particular?

Mr Weber: Keys are managed centrally. The keys are distributed via the police’s internal network and can be picked up locally by end users from across the whole of the canton. The AVANTI command and control system from EDS is used to handle key management and distributed pager programming.

Both of these features give us the freedom and ability we need to adjust new user requirements in the central database. This means users can collect the modifi ed program fi les themselves where they work. To protect pagers against misuse, they first have to be programmed and logged in our central work-shop. If a receiver is stolen or goes missing, we can use special software to deactivate it quickly via an air interface. If the pager turns up again, it can be reactivated.

The pagers’ internal time can also be adjusted using the dispatch management system. This is important if the time authentication feature is activated, as this means messages are only displayed for a certain amount of time. The changeover from summer to winter time is also automatic.

Swissphone: Thank you for your comments Mr Weber.

Author: Jürgen Bosshard · Product Manager

SOLUTIONS

To work out the 128-bit code, one million computers would have to test one million combinations per second over the course of one trillion years in order to check all possible combinations. With the right key however, the safest of locks can be cracked in a fl ash. It is therefore essential that a limited number of people have access to the keys and that these are protected accordingly.

The keys used should also be changed periodically to maintain security. For this purpose, Swissphone has developed a sophisticated key management system that even allows keys to be changed via an air interface. There is consequently no need to collect all the receivers and this avoids unnecessary logistical costs. To increase security further, the maximum of 32 keys saved in a DE920 IDEA™ pager are protected so they can never be exported. Even if a pager is lost, the keys are protected from misuse.

Integration into the existing environment

The DE920 must be confi gured to suit its application. A programming device and programming software or the PSW Programming Interface is used to do this. In the case of DE920 pagers with IDEA™ encryption, it is also necessary to define which addresses can receive and decode encrypted messages and with which keys. Once all the necessary settings have been made, the pager can be confi gured using the programming device. After that, the pager is ready for use.

Compared to the PSW900 programming software, the PSW Programming Interface offers the advantage that it is not a single workstation, but rather a soft-ware module with a flexible interface. This means it integrates easily into other software solutions and connects to existing – and centralised – databases. As a result, receiver confi gurations can be managed centrally, while the actual programming work is performed locally, as was previously the case. This simplifies the task of maintaining and managing data considerably.

10 | 11

Author: Ingo Schmuckli · Head of the Products Business Unit

Field report Jürg Weber, Berne’s canton police

Swissphone: What were Berne canton police’s specifications for a new information and alarm system?

Mr Weber: Our specification document included the following requirements: The end device must combine three applications. First, the system must alert groups quickly; second, it must be able to provide information for groups or the entire corps; and third, it must function as a paging system to locate individuals directly. Messages must be transferred without risk of interception, which means the layout of the system has to use end-to-end encryption.As a further requirement, the end device must be simple to operate and include safeguards so that incorrect operation by the user does not prevent alarms from being transmitted correctly. It quickly became clear that we needed a paging solution.

Swissphone: Why was encryption necessary?

Mr Weber: Some practical examples have demonstrated that other services are interested in our messages. There was one case where a newspaper reporter frequently arrived more quickly at the scene of an accident than the police and emergency services did. Using a receiver costing around € 100, a standard PC and some free software downloaded from the internet, it is possible to read pager messages online. This, shall we say, ‘open’ information policy is obviously not how the police want to operate and the data protection authorities would certainly not approve. The only choice was to encrypt messages.

Swissphone: How important was a mature migration scenario for you?

Mr Weber: The new pagers have to be distributed to users over the course of a period lasting around three months. We have to teach users how to operate them at the same time. We also have to continue using the old system without encryption during the transitional phase. It is important that the technical department complete the changeover to encryption without involving end users. We cannot afford to interrupt operations.

Swissphone: Why did you choose the DE920 pager with IDEA™ encryption?

Mr Weber: It fulfils all our requirements. Alongside the main issue of encryption, it also meets all the technical specifi cations we made. Another extremely important factor was the proximity of the supplier’s service and support centre. Swissphone understands our work and the reliability we need from the entire system. As a result, potential changes to devices and the user interface can be implemented quickly. The close cooperation with Swissphone meant the devices could be tailored to suit our needs even better. We believe that these small changes to the software will improve the user benefi t and simplicity of operation.

Swissphone: How do you manage the receivers’ programming data and their keys in particular?

Mr Weber: Keys are managed centrally. The keys are distributed via the police’s internal network and can be picked up locally by end users from across the whole of the canton. The AVANTI command and control system from EDS is used to handle key management and distributed pager programming.

Both of these features give us the freedom and ability we need to adjust new user requirements in the central database. This means users can collect the modifi ed program fi les themselves where they work. To protect pagers against misuse, they first have to be programmed and logged in our central work-shop. If a receiver is stolen or goes missing, we can use special software to deactivate it quickly via an air interface. If the pager turns up again, it can be reactivated.

The pagers’ internal time can also be adjusted using the dispatch management system. This is important if the time authentication feature is activated, as this means messages are only displayed for a certain amount of time. The changeover from summer to winter time is also automatic.

Swissphone: Thank you for your comments Mr Weber.

Author: Jürgen Bosshard · Product Manager

The world of wireless communication appears to be in uproar. Digital terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA) systems are already in place in some European countries, while pilot trials and tests are running in others. The trend clearly shows that analogue radio networks are being replaced by digital systems. Nevertheless, many hopes have gone unfulfilled up to now. Those expecting TETRA or GSM to revolutionise fire service alert systems were and will be disappointed. When talking about alerting, we are referring to emerg-ency alerts. When an incident occurs, the systems in place must ensure that all the individuals and teams from rescue and public safety organisations directly involved in rescue and relief operations and combat-ing disasters are alerted. There are laws, regulations and alert schedules governing the obligations to provide assistance and responsibilities of these organisations.

Requirements placed on alert systems

Every second counts in an emergency. This means every alarm system has to meet the following set of requirements: Alerts must be transmitted rapidly and simply. There can be no delays. All essential individuals and teams must be

alerted simultaneously. The systems must be absolutely reliable, 24 hours

a day, 365 days a year. It must be possible to contact support staff by

having the necessary geographic coverage and ensuring that signals can penetrate buildings (as far as possible, signals should penetrate into underground garages). All critical system elements must have redun

dancy and emergency power supplies. No inference from other radio networks or

radiotelephony services may block the system. Operating costs must be low. Service must be rapid and reliable.

User acceptance of alert solutions is particularly important in the field of voluntary public safety and rescue organisations. What do buyers and users expect from an alert receiver? Reliability in terms of receiving alert signals

(coverage, signal penetration inside buildings etc.) Comfortable design (i.e., compact size, lightweight) User friendliness Zero maintenance Long service life (>7 years)

The better these requirements are fulfilled, the more willing people are to carry the devices. An alert pager that fails constantly, is bulky and/or difficult to use will end up at the back of a draw sooner or later – which means the member of the support team cannot be contacted in the case of an emergency. One solution could be to use digital radio networks such as TETRA as alert feeders. Tests in Aachen (Germany) established the feasibility of this system, but there is still a great deal of room for improvement regarding the user interface for computer-based alerting.

Are GSM and text messaging viable alternatives?

Nearly everyone owns a GSM mobile these days. So could these devices be used to alert emergency staff as well? The advantages seam to be clear: Users are happy to carry the devices, they offer availability throughout the entire GSM network, and public safety organisations will not incur costs to purchase or maintain the end devices....In Vorarlberg (Austria), a digital information system for public safety organisations based on transmitting SMS text messages has been implemented alongside the existing digital POCSAG alert system. Frank Magnes, an engineer who works for the Vorarlberg state government’s emergency aid department, was able to gain a considerable amount of insight during a three-year trial period. During the trial, text messages were automatically sent at the same time as using POCSAG paging. The findings: Compared to a POCSAG signal, it takes an

average of 15 to 20 seconds longer for an SMS text message to arrive. Network overload meant GSM was not always

available during various major incidents (such as a tunnel accident in Amberg, an accident involving toxic gas at Feldkirch train station and a serious fire at the Loewenhotel in Feldkirch) and diverse minor local incidents. The greatest problems with text messaging

information systems occurred when traffic was congested.

Clear proof of the susceptibility of GSM networks has been provided by national and international examples of large-scale mobile network failures (such as the Mobilcom failure in Tyrol and Vorarlberg in 2001 lasting over four hours, the total failure across Switzerland lasting over ten hours, and the failure of GSM networks in Tyrol and Vorarlberg during the August 2005 flood catastrophe).

TETRA, GSM and SMS text messaging – hardly a stone has been left unturned in the radio and communication sectors in recent years. Will new technologies revolutionise alert systems for fire services?

by Gottfried Bauer, member of the Fire-Fighting Council, Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association

12 | 13

Alerting – quo vadis?

GLOBAL

Germany

Austria

France

Benelux countries

Scandinavia

UK & Ireland

Italy

Switzerland

Country/region Analogue Digital TETRA

100% 0% 100%

Technology matrix for Europe 2005

To what extent have digital alert systems replaced analogue ones?

In the bidding procedure

Under development

TETRApol

Implemented in Belgium and the Netherlands

Already implemented locally

Implemented in UK, partly in Ireland

Under development

TETRApol in border area

What is happening in the digital voice and radio data transmission sectors?

The world of wireless communication appears to be in uproar. Digital terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA) systems are already in place in some European countries, while pilot trials and tests are running in others. The trend clearly shows that analogue radio networks are being replaced by digital systems. Nevertheless, many hopes have gone unfulfilled up to now. Those expecting TETRA or GSM to revolutionise fire service alert systems were and will be disappointed. When talking about alerting, we are referring to emerg-ency alerts. When an incident occurs, the systems in place must ensure that all the individuals and teams from rescue and public safety organisations directly involved in rescue and relief operations and combat-ing disasters are alerted. There are laws, regulations and alert schedules governing the obligations to provide assistance and responsibilities of these organisations.

Requirements placed on alert systems

Every second counts in an emergency. This means every alarm system has to meet the following set of requirements: Alerts must be transmitted rapidly and simply. There can be no delays. All essential individuals and teams must be

alerted simultaneously. The systems must be absolutely reliable, 24 hours

a day, 365 days a year. It must be possible to contact support staff by

having the necessary geographic coverage and ensuring that signals can penetrate buildings (as far as possible, signals should penetrate into underground garages). All critical system elements must have redun

dancy and emergency power supplies. No inference from other radio networks or

radiotelephony services may block the system. Operating costs must be low. Service must be rapid and reliable.

User acceptance of alert solutions is particularly important in the field of voluntary public safety and rescue organisations. What do buyers and users expect from an alert receiver? Reliability in terms of receiving alert signals

(coverage, signal penetration inside buildings etc.) Comfortable design (i.e., compact size, lightweight) User friendliness Zero maintenance Long service life (>7 years)

The better these requirements are fulfilled, the more willing people are to carry the devices. An alert pager that fails constantly, is bulky and/or difficult to use will end up at the back of a draw sooner or later – which means the member of the support team cannot be contacted in the case of an emergency. One solution could be to use digital radio networks such as TETRA as alert feeders. Tests in Aachen (Germany) established the feasibility of this system, but there is still a great deal of room for improvement regarding the user interface for computer-based alerting.

Are GSM and text messaging viable alternatives?

Nearly everyone owns a GSM mobile these days. So could these devices be used to alert emergency staff as well? The advantages seam to be clear: Users are happy to carry the devices, they offer availability throughout the entire GSM network, and public safety organisations will not incur costs to purchase or maintain the end devices....In Vorarlberg (Austria), a digital information system for public safety organisations based on transmitting SMS text messages has been implemented alongside the existing digital POCSAG alert system. Frank Magnes, an engineer who works for the Vorarlberg state government’s emergency aid department, was able to gain a considerable amount of insight during a three-year trial period. During the trial, text messages were automatically sent at the same time as using POCSAG paging. The findings: Compared to a POCSAG signal, it takes an

average of 15 to 20 seconds longer for an SMS text message to arrive. Network overload meant GSM was not always

available during various major incidents (such as a tunnel accident in Amberg, an accident involving toxic gas at Feldkirch train station and a serious fire at the Loewenhotel in Feldkirch) and diverse minor local incidents. The greatest problems with text messaging

information systems occurred when traffic was congested.

Clear proof of the susceptibility of GSM networks has been provided by national and international examples of large-scale mobile network failures (such as the Mobilcom failure in Tyrol and Vorarlberg in 2001 lasting over four hours, the total failure across Switzerland lasting over ten hours, and the failure of GSM networks in Tyrol and Vorarlberg during the August 2005 flood catastrophe).

TETRA, GSM and SMS text messaging – hardly a stone has been left unturned in the radio and communication sectors in recent years. Will new technologies revolutionise alert systems for fire services?

by Gottfried Bauer, member of the Fire-Fighting Council, Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association

12 | 13

Alerting – quo vadis?

GLOBAL

Germany

Austria

France

Benelux countries

Scandinavia

UK & Ireland

Italy

Switzerland

Country/region Analogue Digital TETRA

100% 0% 100%

Technology matrix for Europe 2005

To what extent have digital alert systems replaced analogue ones?

In the bidding procedure

Under development

TETRApol

Implemented in Belgium and the Netherlands

Already implemented locally

Implemented in UK, partly in Ireland

Under development

TETRApol in border area

What is happening in the digital voice and radio data transmission sectors?

On top of this, networks are overloaded on particular days (such as Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve) as well as when disasters occur. Mobile networks have been hopelessly overloaded every time a catastrophe occurred (such as during the incidents in Lassing and Kaprun or during flooding in Austria). Text messages cannot be sent in such cases. And the need for emergency power supplies should not be overlooked. The extensive power failures in the USA, Italy and the UK in 2003 demonstrated this safety deficiency clearly. This is another weakness of the GSM system. Text messaging is also more expensive in terms of transmitting alerts. The fire and rescue service control centre in Vorarlberg transmitted around 150,000 alarms in 2003, thus paging approximately one million POCSAG pagers. Transmitting the same number of alerts via text message (at € 0.12 per message) would result in costs of around € 120,000!

Conclusion

Paging remains the number one choice for transmitting alerts! An individual alert network with the appropriate

fail-safe mechanisms and an emergency power supply is indispensable and expedient, even in the age of TETRA and GSM. Transmitting alerts via pagers will remain the best and cheapest solution in the long term. Alerting and radiotelephony have different sets of

requirements and cannot be lumped together. Both are necessary, but they must be employed independently of one another.

Alert systems must also be independent of (TETRA) trunked radio systems. It would be useful to have interfaces from alert

networks to TETRA and GSM networks (such as the SMS information system employed in Vorarlberg). Mobile phones are designed to be used as

telephones and not as alert transmission devices. Although SMS text messaging is useful as an information system, it does not fulfil the necessary prerequisites placed on alert equipment in terms of transmitting signals quickly and securely, when every second counts. Paging remains the number one choice for trans-

mitting alerts. They guarantee high accessibility inside buildings and users do not incur any costs. The receivers are compact and lightweight and can be employed in electronically precarious environments. They also enable a greater number

of people to be alerted within a short time. We would also like to advise caution against

‘amateur solutions’. When selecting a systems partner, it is important to think about continuity and consider whether the provider will still be trading seven years down the line.

What is the future of alert transmission?

Even if the good old paging system remains a viable option in the future, it will be subject to a ‘digital revolution’. The slow (five-tone) analogue systems with long frequency occupation periods will be replaced by digital paging, which will only require a fraction of the time to transmit an alert signal. An additional advantage lies in the fact that the end devices are usually more economical than the analogue receivers. Whether the alert should be transmitted as a text shown on a display or generated as a spoken message using a voice synthesiser is simply a matter of individual preference and ultimately price. Both alternatives are technically feasible and have been in existence for a long time.

As far as the method of transfer is concerned, satellite-based alert signal networks can replace or supplement terrestrial transmission. These kinds of developments are of great significance in terms of system reliability (redundancy). Inter-organisational voice and data radio systems such as TETRA (or its successor) may perhaps be used as an alert feeder in the future, which could create synergies. However, we must not become entirely dependent on this technology. A backup in the form of a secondary alert system will always be essential for maintaining secure and independent alert networks.

14 | 15

Within the company group, Swissphone Systems is the competence centre for control centre system solutions. It is located in Leinfelden-Echterdingen (Germany).

Gottfried Bauer, Member of the Fire-Fighting Council

Dipl.-Ing. Peter Berberich, Managing Director

Mr Berberich has gathered many years of experience in the fields of development, project management and sales working for medium-sized companies. Before joining Swissphone Systems, Mr Berberich had worked as managing director of an international IT/telecommunications company since 2000. “In addition to quality products, professional advice, even-handed cooperation and reliable support are the cornerstones for our success as a medium-sized enterprise. My objective is to improve these things constantly”. Andreas Berger continues to work for the company as the second managing director.

Swissphone Systems GmbH has a new managing director, Dipl.-Ing. Peter Berberich, who took on the role on 1 May 2005.

New management at

Swissphone Systems

Author: Peter Berberich · Managing DirectorAuthor: Gottfried Bauer · Member of the Fire-Fighting Council, Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association

GLOBAL

On top of this, networks are overloaded on particular days (such as Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve) as well as when disasters occur. Mobile networks have been hopelessly overloaded every time a catastrophe occurred (such as during the incidents in Lassing and Kaprun or during flooding in Austria). Text messages cannot be sent in such cases. And the need for emergency power supplies should not be overlooked. The extensive power failures in the USA, Italy and the UK in 2003 demonstrated this safety deficiency clearly. This is another weakness of the GSM system. Text messaging is also more expensive in terms of transmitting alerts. The fire and rescue service control centre in Vorarlberg transmitted around 150,000 alarms in 2003, thus paging approximately one million POCSAG pagers. Transmitting the same number of alerts via text message (at € 0.12 per message) would result in costs of around € 120,000!

Conclusion

Paging remains the number one choice for transmitting alerts! An individual alert network with the appropriate

fail-safe mechanisms and an emergency power supply is indispensable and expedient, even in the age of TETRA and GSM. Transmitting alerts via pagers will remain the best and cheapest solution in the long term. Alerting and radiotelephony have different sets of

requirements and cannot be lumped together. Both are necessary, but they must be employed independently of one another.

Alert systems must also be independent of (TETRA) trunked radio systems. It would be useful to have interfaces from alert

networks to TETRA and GSM networks (such as the SMS information system employed in Vorarlberg). Mobile phones are designed to be used as

telephones and not as alert transmission devices. Although SMS text messaging is useful as an information system, it does not fulfil the necessary prerequisites placed on alert equipment in terms of transmitting signals quickly and securely, when every second counts. Paging remains the number one choice for trans-

mitting alerts. They guarantee high accessibility inside buildings and users do not incur any costs. The receivers are compact and lightweight and can be employed in electronically precarious environments. They also enable a greater number

of people to be alerted within a short time. We would also like to advise caution against

‘amateur solutions’. When selecting a systems partner, it is important to think about continuity and consider whether the provider will still be trading seven years down the line.

What is the future of alert transmission?

Even if the good old paging system remains a viable option in the future, it will be subject to a ‘digital revolution’. The slow (five-tone) analogue systems with long frequency occupation periods will be replaced by digital paging, which will only require a fraction of the time to transmit an alert signal. An additional advantage lies in the fact that the end devices are usually more economical than the analogue receivers. Whether the alert should be transmitted as a text shown on a display or generated as a spoken message using a voice synthesiser is simply a matter of individual preference and ultimately price. Both alternatives are technically feasible and have been in existence for a long time.

As far as the method of transfer is concerned, satellite-based alert signal networks can replace or supplement terrestrial transmission. These kinds of developments are of great significance in terms of system reliability (redundancy). Inter-organisational voice and data radio systems such as TETRA (or its successor) may perhaps be used as an alert feeder in the future, which could create synergies. However, we must not become entirely dependent on this technology. A backup in the form of a secondary alert system will always be essential for maintaining secure and independent alert networks.

14 | 15

Within the company group, Swissphone Systems is the competence centre for control centre system solutions. It is located in Leinfelden-Echterdingen (Germany).

Gottfried Bauer, Member of the Fire-Fighting Council

Dipl.-Ing. Peter Berberich, Managing Director

Mr Berberich has gathered many years of experience in the fields of development, project management and sales working for medium-sized companies. Before joining Swissphone Systems, Mr Berberich had worked as managing director of an international IT/telecommunications company since 2000. “In addition to quality products, professional advice, even-handed cooperation and reliable support are the cornerstones for our success as a medium-sized enterprise. My objective is to improve these things constantly”. Andreas Berger continues to work for the company as the second managing director.

Swissphone Systems GmbH has a new managing director, Dipl.-Ing. Peter Berberich, who took on the role on 1 May 2005.

New management at

Swissphone Systems

Author: Peter Berberich · Managing DirectorAuthor: Gottfried Bauer · Member of the Fire-Fighting Council, Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association

GLOBAL

Swissphone participated in this year’s Interschutz exhibition by presentinga wide range of products for alerting and operation management. The expert team of specialists from across the Swissphone Group divisions welcomed their guests on the two-storey stand in hall 27.

Positive results: Once again, the extremely high number of visitors proved that there is a great deal of interest in quality products for alerting and mission management.

State-of-the-art software for command and control centres – the youngest division within the Swissphone Group – was a central topic at the Swissphone stand. Dispatch management systems for fire and emergency medical services, integrated command and control centres, and methods for linking the two were exhibited at the stand.

Several command and control workstations were used to demonstrate how to operate the secur.CAD/fire and secur.CAD/EMS software solutions, each of which is adapted to suit the respective user group. Visitors to the Interpolice event, which took place for the first time this year, were also able to see secur.CAD/police, a module suited to their needs. The software can be designed either for an integrated command and control centre or,

by combining individual modules, put together as a joint command and control centre for all of the three services.

Naturally, the products were also demonstrated in English for the international public.

Another highlight was demonstrated to visitors outside the hall. An ELW2 ICU (incident command unit) from the Leverkusen fi re brigade, equipped with the FireCom communication system, was exhibited there. A wireless data module was used to communicate with the command and control centre from the vehicle. Swissphone also organised a live demonstration of the SatLink solution, which can be used to exchange data between the stationary command and control centre and the vehicle.

Alerting

Alerting plays an essential role in the tense moments between placement of an emergency call and deployment of the emergency services.

Swissphone presented numerous digital and analogue alert products. The digital pagers DE900, DE920/DE940 and DV500 and the fi ve-tone analogue pager RE429NT+ were exhibited on two separate presenta-tion boards. A core theme of the exhibition included express alerting – an accelerated method for digital alert networks. In express mode, the address and text of a message are connected and displayed, which reduces the alert time considerably.

Pager alerts are controlled using the intelligent radio converter ITC 1000. The ITC 1000 simultaneously functions as a siren control unit and was also part of the presentation.

Invitation to happy hour

After the stresses and strains of attending the exhibitions, Swissphone invited customers and business partners to happy hour events on two evenings, where participants were able to wrap up the day with a beer and a snack.

EVENTS

Exhibition a success

INTERSCHUTZ 2005Swissphone presented expanded product range

Author: Angelika Maier · Marketing

16 | 17

Swissphone participated in this year’s Interschutz exhibition by presentinga wide range of products for alerting and operation management. The expert team of specialists from across the Swissphone Group divisions welcomed their guests on the two-storey stand in hall 27.

Positive results: Once again, the extremely high number of visitors proved that there is a great deal of interest in quality products for alerting and mission management.

State-of-the-art software for command and control centres – the youngest division within the Swissphone Group – was a central topic at the Swissphone stand. Dispatch management systems for fire and emergency medical services, integrated command and control centres, and methods for linking the two were exhibited at the stand.

Several command and control workstations were used to demonstrate how to operate the secur.CAD/fire and secur.CAD/EMS software solutions, each of which is adapted to suit the respective user group. Visitors to the Interpolice event, which took place for the first time this year, were also able to see secur.CAD/police, a module suited to their needs. The software can be designed either for an integrated command and control centre or,

by combining individual modules, put together as a joint command and control centre for all of the three services.

Naturally, the products were also demonstrated in English for the international public.

Another highlight was demonstrated to visitors outside the hall. An ELW2 ICU (incident command unit) from the Leverkusen fi re brigade, equipped with the FireCom communication system, was exhibited there. A wireless data module was used to communicate with the command and control centre from the vehicle. Swissphone also organised a live demonstration of the SatLink solution, which can be used to exchange data between the stationary command and control centre and the vehicle.

Alerting

Alerting plays an essential role in the tense moments between placement of an emergency call and deployment of the emergency services.

Swissphone presented numerous digital and analogue alert products. The digital pagers DE900, DE920/DE940 and DV500 and the fi ve-tone analogue pager RE429NT+ were exhibited on two separate presenta-tion boards. A core theme of the exhibition included express alerting – an accelerated method for digital alert networks. In express mode, the address and text of a message are connected and displayed, which reduces the alert time considerably.

Pager alerts are controlled using the intelligent radio converter ITC 1000. The ITC 1000 simultaneously functions as a siren control unit and was also part of the presentation.

Invitation to happy hour

After the stresses and strains of attending the exhibitions, Swissphone invited customers and business partners to happy hour events on two evenings, where participants were able to wrap up the day with a beer and a snack.

EVENTS

Exhibition a success

INTERSCHUTZ 2005Swissphone presented expanded product range

Author: Angelika Maier · Marketing

16 | 17

18 | 19EVENTS

Swissphone

at the SUISSE PUBLIC exhibition

and the fire-fighting congressOn to new land...Two important national Swiss safety and security events both took place in June 2005: the Suisse Public exhibition for public companies and administrative departments and the fi re-fi ghting congress of the Swiss Fire Brigade Association. Swissphone Wireless was represented at both events with a new and promising concept.

The Swissphone Wireless stand served as a meeting place that encouraged visitors to linger and exchange ideas informally.

The approach taken at the stand was to actively listen to customers, rather than confront them immediately with solutions and presentations.Because visitors had been invited in advance, the Swissphone team was able to spend time with each customer and respond to his or her needs. Depending on their requirements, customers were provided with specifi c, relevant information about Swissphone products ranging from message re-ceivers to alarm servers.

The concept generated a great deal of interest and visitors were pleased to take the opportunity to learn about quality products for alarm signalling and operation management in this relaxed atmosphere. Fire service personnel, buyers, officials, technical commission members, public authority employees and experts met in equal measure at the Swissphone stand to join a lively exchange of information and knowledge.

Swissphone’s participation at the fi re-fi ghting congress included another highlight: President of the Swiss Confederation and Head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, Samuel Schmid, visited the Swissphone stand in what was clearly a very amiable mood.

Swissphone is committed to ensuring these events are enjoyable and uses these occasions as a stimulus to help the company fulfi l its target groups’ expecta-tions to the highest degree. Swissphone Wireless is very pleased to be able to look back positively at the exhibition month of June 2005 and to continue representing the Swissphone Group in a friendly and professional manner in the future.

Author: Johanna Suter · Market Management

Product information

President of the Swiss Confederation Samuel Schmid (right) at the 2005 Swiss fi re-fi ghter congress together with Swissphone Key Account Manager Benny Schwarz

18 | 19EVENTS

Swissphone

at the SUISSE PUBLIC exhibition

and the fire-fighting congressOn to new land...Two important national Swiss safety and security events both took place in June 2005: the Suisse Public exhibition for public companies and administrative departments and the fi re-fi ghting congress of the Swiss Fire Brigade Association. Swissphone Wireless was represented at both events with a new and promising concept.

The Swissphone Wireless stand served as a meeting place that encouraged visitors to linger and exchange ideas informally.

The approach taken at the stand was to actively listen to customers, rather than confront them immediately with solutions and presentations.Because visitors had been invited in advance, the Swissphone team was able to spend time with each customer and respond to his or her needs. Depending on their requirements, customers were provided with specifi c, relevant information about Swissphone products ranging from message re-ceivers to alarm servers.

The concept generated a great deal of interest and visitors were pleased to take the opportunity to learn about quality products for alarm signalling and operation management in this relaxed atmosphere. Fire service personnel, buyers, officials, technical commission members, public authority employees and experts met in equal measure at the Swissphone stand to join a lively exchange of information and knowledge.

Swissphone’s participation at the fi re-fi ghting congress included another highlight: President of the Swiss Confederation and Head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, Samuel Schmid, visited the Swissphone stand in what was clearly a very amiable mood.

Swissphone is committed to ensuring these events are enjoyable and uses these occasions as a stimulus to help the company fulfi l its target groups’ expecta-tions to the highest degree. Swissphone Wireless is very pleased to be able to look back positively at the exhibition month of June 2005 and to continue representing the Swissphone Group in a friendly and professional manner in the future.

Author: Johanna Suter · Market Management

Product information

President of the Swiss Confederation Samuel Schmid (right) at the 2005 Swiss fi re-fi ghter congress together with Swissphone Key Account Manager Benny Schwarz

IMPRINTEdited and published by:

Editorial teamAngelo W. SaccocciaAngelika MaierAndreas Rottensteiner

Swissphone Telecom AG Fälmisstrasse 218833 SamstagernSwitzerland

Tel.: +41 44 786 77 70 Fax: +41 44 786 77 71

info@swissphone.comwww.swissphone.com

Design:d'art Visuelle Kommunikation GmbHAdlerstrasse 41 70199 StuttgartGermany

info@dartwork.dewww.dartwork.de

EVENTS

News tickerPMRExpo, Leipzig (Germany)(08 to 10 November 2005): This exhibition with its accompanying congresses takes place at the CCL Congress Center Leipzig and is a meeting point for the industry in Central Europe. Among others, the exhibition attracts managers and members of the public safety sector as well as visitors from industry and town and community authorities. Swissphone will be exhibiting command and control centre software and alert solutions for public safety organisations.

Sicherheit, Zurich (Switzerland)(14 to 16 November 2005):

With a range of technical lectures, this Swiss exhi-bition on safety and security provides a national forum for experts in the safety and security branch to exchange information. Swissphone will be awaiting

visitors at stand no. 6.130, where it will present integrated alert solutions and future developments.

TETRA World Congress, Frankfurt (Germany)(28 November to 01 December 2005):

The congress for public safety matters in the voice and radio data sector. As an alert system specialist, Swissphone will be presenting command and control systems and alert transmission solutions at stand C2.

Please send me more information about the following topics:

SatLink-BOS ITC 1000 IDEATM

Company

Surname | forename

Position | title

Street

Town | postcode

Country

E-mail

Swissphone Telecom AGFälmisstrasse 218833 SamstagernSwitzerland

Affix stamp here