Covia Labs to Offer the First Comprehensive Interoperable Communications Platform For Law Enforcement, Emergency Response And Military Operations
Monday, November 16, 2009
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA –– Covia Labs, Inc. today announced that it is developing a new series of products aimed at solving the dangerous communications equipment incompatibilities within law enforcement, emergency response and military agencies. Powered by a patented software platform, Covia’s products will merge the data and functionality found on multiple, diverse devices and equipment into one, fully integrated secure system. In addition to vastly enhancing the management of strategic physical assets, the products will address some of the key communications concerns cited in the 911 Commission Report, GAO reports and Congressional hearings.
“Despite significant attention from Congress and government agencies, the ability of emergency responders to communicate with each other remains a significant problem that is literally costing the lives of the brave men and women on the front lines of our nation’s emergency response and military agencies,”said David Kahn, CEO of Covia Labs, Inc. “Covia’s solutions will ensure that resources are deployed efficiently, mission capabilities are enhanced and response times are improved.”
Covia’s simple and secure interoperable system will integrate everything from ordinary commercial devices, such as cell phones and laptops, to mission-specific equipment, such as security cameras, sensors and weapons systems, regardless of hardware, operating system or communications platforms.
“Intelligence and coordination of tactical actions among neighboring fire departments and other emergency response and law enforcement personnel is a significant challenge for us, as each agency operates on a different, proprietary communications platform,” said Tom Abbott1. “For example, when we need to communicate with other teams in responding to an emergency, it is not uncommon for us to stage and stand by until we receive the correct information about an emergency so we can coordinate response operations. A system that would enable information to be shared with each other in a timely manner would greatly enhance our ability to operate more efficiently, safely and quickly.”
Covia will also address the interoperable communications challenges faced by the U.S. military. For example, many of today’s military operations involve multilateral engagements of diverse forces and organizations, each operating with their own equipment and communications systems. As a result, it is difficult for aligned forces to coordinate operations either on or off the battlefield. In some cases, joint forces fighting a common enemy are unable to communicate with their coalition partners on the same battlefield.
Police and other first responders face similar challenges. “One need only look at a California Highway Patrol vehicle to see the array of antennas that represent the different communications systems that exist independently today,” said Ron Levine, Chief of the Foothill-De Anza College District Police Department, and a regional chair of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. “We’ve lived with this for so long that it has always been an accepted reality in law enforcement, yet is a highly inefficient way to communicate between agencies.”
Covia is led by CEO David Kahn, a 30-year technology veteran. The company’s first product will be introduced in Q1 2010.
1Thomas F. Abbott is a native San Franciscan who has lived his whole life in San Francisco. He is a former rowing coach with a local Jesuit High School. He has worked in the construction industry, remodeling properties in San Francisco. Mr. Abbott joined the San Francisco Fire Department in 1992 and is currently a Battalion Chief. His wife volunteers with the neighborhood disaster response teams. He has been married for twelve years and has two daughters.
Covia Labs, Inc.
Covia Labs, Inc. is the developer of a unique, patented software platform that, for the first time, enables the creation and deployment of interoperable applications that run across an unlimited number of diverse devices, regardless of operating system or hardware. With Covia, a single application can securely and simultaneously run across trusted devices, creating a secure “device collective” that automatically understands and utilizes the unique functionality of each device for the most efficient execution of the goal of the application. Covia Labs is located in Mountain View, CA and is privately held.
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