Madison County’s 9-1-1 dispatch service will soon be able to operate remotely, if a tornado, fire or other disaster wipes out the main office in Danielsville.
That’s one perk of a new computer dispatch program unanimously approved by commissioners Monday for the county 9-1-1 office.
The new system will cost $185,000 and be paid for with funds from the 2008 special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST). Voters approved upgrades for the 9-1-1 office in that referendum.
The board awarded the project to Gunby Communications. The system should be up and running sometime this spring.
County 9-1-1 director David Camp presented the proposal to the BOC Feb. 25. He informed the commissioners that the Microsoft is ending its technical support for Windows XP in April for the 9-1-1 office. He said the county needs to upgrade to a system that is compatible with Windows 7.
The new equipment will include a “radio console,” which has always been a tangible console that managed radio frequencies. Camp noted that parts for such consoles are scarce.
But the new console will be virtual and can be accessed both from the 9-1-1 computers at the main office and by laptops for dispatchers if the office is out of commission.
“This system is completely IP based,” said Camp. “It’s all digital. It never touches the Internet; it just uses the same protocols as the Internet. It is a closed system.”
County 9-1-1 upgrades approved
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#1
Double B
on
03/09/13 at 11:28 PM
[Reply]
$185k seems really High for what is ultimately a advanced version of call forwarding. I would like to see the receipt of what we are really getting for that kind of money.
#2
double B
on
03/09/13 at 11:34 PM
[Reply]
The upgrade to windows 7 would be nice but the question is why are we not leasing the computers anyway so that they get updated regularly? Second IP based system you are talking about could be done with Cisco call manager for around $25k or less and you wouldn't have to updated from XP unless you just wanted too. This price is very inflated and I would like to see the ends and out to figure out why.
#3
Virginia Moss
on
03/11/13 at 01:32 PM
[Reply]
I'd also like to know more about this. We spent about $43,000 on aerial photographs that I still don't understand. Then we lost $20,000 to settle our sheriff's error. Now this seemingly exhorbitant sum for computer upgrades. It's beginning to shake my confidence in our leaders.
#4
Anonymous
on
03/11/13 at 02:25 PM
[Reply]
The WIndows upgrade is because Windows XP OS is an absolute nightmare when upgrading an entire system. Why aren't they going to upgrade to the newer version of Windows (Windows 8) $185,000 price tag may be due to equipment upgrades too, not just a program upgrade. Why not go ahead and upgrade to Apple/MAC programs. That is an outstanding OS once you learn it.
#4.1
Virginia Moss
on
03/13/13 at 12:53 AM
[Reply]
Good question and new equipment might make more sense for the price.
#4.2
Tony Garcia
on
03/13/13 at 11:03 AM
[Reply]
Because you'll be looking at software compatibility issues and then you'd have to buy new software that is Mac compatible which would mean different software licensing agreements and probably a complete system overhaul, i.e. way more money than the county could either afford or is willing to spend (or both). Granted, Mac is easier to use once you get used to it (no right clicking on a single button mouse), but keep in mind that a lot of enterprise level is not written for it.
#4.2.1
Double B
on
03/17/13 at 07:59 PM
[Reply]
Ok thats all well and good, but how many computers can the 911 office really have or should I say really need? Are we getting a new server if so what type? These are all things the public should know about because it sounds like the people in charge just listen to a man talk computer terms and they just say where do I sign. Windows 8 is really bad for office use it has a lot of compatibility issues with server functions and should not even be looked at until SP 3. It just amazes me that when people say things like remotely and VPN how fast people just assume it should cost a lot of money. Also does the county have a Tech that works for the county to handle tech purchases or is it done by someone that calls wind stream every time the internet goes out without checking the light?
#4.2.2
double b
on
03/17/13 at 08:04 PM
[Reply]
Tony I hate to tell you this, but A Mac can run Windows OS or you download a compatibility client both come free when you order threw MacMall.com Now I would never recommend them just because people are not used to them and it would be more trouble finding cheap labor that could perform basic tasks on one, but keep in mind Macs no longer require all the fancy software changed of pre 2005 since then went to Intel processors they are just computers with Mac OS that can run any OS.