California enhances 911 system

The California 911 Emergency Communications Office needs database and network services for its next-generation 911 system. The state is using Science Applications International Corp. of San Diego and its Telcordia subsidiary to redefine and advance emergency communication services. The project, the Public Safety Next Generation E9-1-1 Network, is a multiyear effort involving state and local officials in California and state and national-level standards bodies.

The network will have a new architecture incorporating the latest technologies, such as GIS, telematics and automatic location information from wireless service providers. The network plan also will accommodate an evolution to packet data networks and voice over IP. The SAIC team is developing specifications for a new database architecture, a migration plan and a business case to support migration to the new architecture. An RFP is expected in May.