ATI Enhances MassAlert® to Improve User Response to Crisis Situations

MassAlert® is an advanced software program that utilizes a graphical user interface for overall control and monitoring of the ATI emergency notification system.
'ASTORS' Award Winning MassAlert® from ATI Systems, MassAlert® enables multiple map views linking, providing an important advantage to the operator by viewing spatially related content side by side.

ATI Systems, a global leader in mass notification systems, and a Platinum Award Winner in the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program for Three Consecutive Years, is releasing the latest version of its market leading MassAlert® platform.

MassAlert® is a scalable mass notification platform that integrates with 3rd party services such as electronic notification systems as well as the federal integrated public alerts and warning systems (IPAWS.)

It provides an easy to use and customizable notification solution with enhanced interoperability.

The MassAlert® server has a desktop client as well as web & mobile that run over both private LAN and the internet allowing emergency operators to access the system from anywhere.

This article will highlight important features and upgrades of the MassAlert® platform:

MassAlert® is an advanced software program that utilizes a graphical user interface for overall control and monitoring of the ATI emergency notification system.
MassAlert® is an ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning Advanced Software Program that Utilizes a Graphical User Interface for Overall Control and Monitoring of the ATI Emergency Notification System.

1. Multiple Map Views

    • Improved viewing of the entire system status to assist in rapid on-the-spot decision making.

    • This includes multiple map views which are linked in a synchronized manner.

  •  Integration Scenarios 

    • Improved integration with optional apps on user smart devices that provide Panic Button or Push To Talk (PTT) capability.

  • Layered Approach to Cybersecurity 

    • Enhanced, layered security features which allow integration of the various distributed parts of the system while still providing maximum protection from unauthorized access.

Multiple Map Views

MassAlert® enables multiple map views linking, providing an important advantage to the operator by viewing spatially related content side by side.

Maps can be synchronized together so that they can be used simultaneously to illustrate any required scenario.

A primary site map drives and coordinates all the other views linked to it.

For example, the primary site map might show the location of all outdoors sirens and buildings with indoor systems.

When a designated building is clicked, the view will navigate to that building’s floor plan displaying the location of the indoor alert units.

To improve the visual viewing, the maps layout can be arranged so that each can be seen on separate physical displays (dual displays being popular) or they can all be seen on the same display.

(MassAlert® enables multiple map views linking, providing an important advantage to the operator by viewing spatially related content side by side. Maps can be also be synchronized together so that they can be used simultaneously to illustrate any required scenario. Courtesy of ATI Systems and YouTube. Posted on Jan 10, 2020.)

2. Integration Scenarios

The following scenarios are only a small subset of the wide array of possible integrations that can be accomplished through the MassAlert® platform.

Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS)

  • MassAlert® is CAP compliant which enables it to integrate with numerous systems to automatically activate ATI’s sirens and other on-site devices based on IPAWS alerts.

  • It has a flexible rules engine that allows operators to configure which IPAWS alerts the system shall respond to and what type of action to take.

  • When paired with MassAlert® text-to-speech (TTS) capability, IPAWS alerts can be converted directly to speech and broadcasted over ATI’s sirens.

IPAWS integration process involves the following 4 steps (illustrated in figure 1):

  • Step-1: Alert Origination

    • Local, state, territorial, tribal or federal alerting authorities create a CAP message and send it to the IPAWS Open Platform for Emergency Networks (OPEN.)

    • Federal includes NOAA’s National Weather Service.

  • Step-2: Alert Aggregation

    • The centralized alert aggregator receives CAP alert messages from various message origination tools and authenticates the sender.

    • Alerts will be available on the internet through ATOMS feeds.

  • Step-3: Alert Dissemination

    • MassAlert® will monitor the IPAWS ATOM feed, using its rule engine, to disseminate alerts to the proper channels in the proper format.

    • For example, if the national weather service sends out a tornado threat, MassAlert® will display polygons on the map representing the affected areas showing ATI’s siren location and sound coverage.

  • Step-4: Alert Delivery

    • MassAlert® delivers the messages through multiple channels including ATI’s Outdoor sirens, ATI’s Indoor speakers, Networked computers, Digital Signages, Existing paging systems, etc.

Figure 1: IPAWS-MassAlert® Integration
Figure 1: IPAWS-MassAlert® Integration

Panic Button Mobile Application Integration

Authorized users can use the panic button mobile application on a smartphone or smartwatch to initiate a preset alert and have it distributed over multiple channels.

For example, schools may enable students and staff in danger to instantly alert campus security personnel. Alert messages are delivered to the security department and provide the student’s/staff’s name and GPS location, enabling security personnel to respond faster and more effectively.

The panic button mobile application turns the students’ and staff’s smartphones into “panic buttons” – without the maintenance, costs and limitations of fixed systems.

Figure 2: ATI’s panic button mobile application with MassAlert®, ATI’s Network Alerting System, Digital Signage and SMS online service
Figure 2: ATI’s panic button mobile application with MassAlert®, ATI’s Network Alerting System, Digital Signage and SMS online service.

PTT Mobile Application Integration

MassAlert® integrates with PTT, one of ATI’s mobile applications, allowing authorized operators to remotely do live public announcements from their smartphones.

Figure 3: MassAlert® and PTT mobile application
Figure 3: MassAlert® and PTT mobile application

3. Layered Approach to Cybersecurity

MassAlert® employs layered security features such as:

  • Single Sign On (SSO) and access control server enables only authenticated and authorized users to access different system features and functions.

  • Audit logs are used in concert with access controls to pinpoint any action by a malicious actor on a system.

  • ATI’s proprietary protocol messages exchanged over radio or IP-network utilize 256 AES encryption.

  • All communication between ATI’s Mass Notification System components over the IP network uses https to prevent Man-in-the-middle (MITM attacks).

  • All application files and sensitive data are encrypted.

  • All data inputs to the system (especially data received from external parties) is checked and validated protecting the system from injection attacks, memory leaks or any trial to compromise the system.

The MassAlert® upgrade demonstrates ATI System’s commitment to constantly improve their state-of-the-art technology to provide the most advanced, reliable and secure mass notification system.

Dr. Ray Bassiouni, president and CEO of ATI Systems, accepting the 2017 Platinum ‘ASTORS’ Excellence in Homeland Security for ATI's Commitment to Leadership & Innovation.
Dr. Ray Bassiouni, president and CEO of ATI Systems, accepting the 2017 Platinum ‘ASTORS’ Excellence in Homeland Security for ATI’s Commitment to Leadership & Innovation.

To learn more about MassAlert® and the wide array of notification options, please visit www.atisystems.com/mas.

About the Author                                                                                      Dr. Ray Bassiouni serves as president and CEO of ATI Systems.

ATI Systems Takes Platinum in Third Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards 

ATI Systems accepting the company's 2019 Platinum Award for Extraordinary Leadership and Innovation in Homeland Security
ATI Systems’ Joe Beck (left to right); Tarek Bassiouni; Ray Bassiouni, President and CEO; Mike Madsen, AST Publisher; Cathy Parker and Bob McLaughlin accepting the coveted 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Extraordinary Leadership and Innovation Award at the ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon at ISC East.

ATI Systems

  • 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Extraordinary Leadership and Innovation

  • Acoustic Technology Inc. (ATI Systems)

 

  • Best Mass Notification System – Hardware

  • Transportable High-Powered Speaker Station (THPSS)

  • The Transportable High-Powered Speaker Station (THPSS) from ATI Systems meets the demand for outdoor mass notification that requires the durability of a permanent solution & transportability for a temporary situation.

  • *ATI Systems is also a Returning Premier Sponsor for the Third Consecutive Year for the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program, and a 2018 and 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Platinum Award Winner.

2019 'ASTORS' Awards Program Banquet Luncheon
2019 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program Banquet Luncheon

AST focuses on Homeland Security and Public Safety Breaking News, the Newest Initiatives and Hottest Technologies in Physical & IT Security, essential to meeting today’s growing security challenges.

The 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program, is organized to recognize the most distinguished vendors of Physical, IT, Port Security, Law Enforcement, Border Security, First Responders, (Fire, EMT, Military, Support Services Vets, SBA, Medical Tech) as well as the Federal, State, County and Municipal Government Agencies – to acknowledge their outstanding efforts to ‘Keep our Nation Secure, One City at a Time.’

As an ‘ASTORS’ competitor, Data Theorem will be competing against the industry’s leading providers of Innovative Application Security Solutions.

Enter today to Compete in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland SecurityAwards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.

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The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is specifically designed to honor distinguished government and vendor solutions that deliver enhanced value, benefit and intelligence to end users in a variety of government, homeland security and public safety vertical markets.

Deanne Criswell
Deanne Criswell the Commissioner of the New York City Emergency Management Department is responsible for oversight of the City’s efforts to plan and prepare for emergencies, educate the public about preparedness, coordinate emergency response and recovery, and disseminate emergency information.

The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program highlighting the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition, and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.

American Security Today is pleased to announce that Deann Criswell, the NYC Emergency Management Commissioner will deliver the keynote address at the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon Banquet in New York City.

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License Plate Recognition Detection Products And Many Others!

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Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

The 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program surpassed expectations with a record number of nominations received from industry leaders and government agencies, and drew over 200 attendees to the ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Banquet – an exclusive gourmet luncheon and networking opportunity which filled to capacity, before having to turn away late registrants.

The 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon featured an impassioned and compelling keynote address by William (Bill) Bratton, former police commissioner of the NYPD twice, the BPD, and former chief of the LAPD, on the history of policing in America and the evolution of critical communication capabilities in our post 9/11 landscape.

Commissioner Bratton, one of the world’s most respected and trusted experts on risk and security issues and Executive Chairman of Teneo Risk a global advisory firm, was recognized as the ‘2019 ‘ASTORS’ Person of the Year’ for his Lifetime of Dedication and Extraordinary Leadership in Homeland Security and Public Safety.The event featured an impassioned and compelling keynote address by William J. Bratton, former police commissioner of the New York Police Department (NYPD) twice, the Boston Police Department (BPD), and former chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), as he walked attendees through 50 years of American policing history, the impacts on the communities, and the evolution of critical communication capabilities in our post 9/11 landscape.

Why the ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program?

2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Luncheon at ISC East

American Security Today’s comprehensive Annual Homeland Security Awards Program is organized to recognize the most distinguished vendors of physical, IT, port security, law enforcement, and first responders, in acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to ‘Keep our Nation Secure, One City at a Time.’

Over 200 distinguished guests representing Federal, State and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms, gathered from across North America, Europe and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields which included: 

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Why American Security Today?

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.

American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.

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AST puts forward the Largest and Most Qualified Circulation in Government with Over 75,000 readers on the Federal, State and Local levels.
AST puts forward the Largest and Most Qualified Circulation in Government with Over 75,000 readers on the Federal, State and Local levels.

The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.

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AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.

Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.

American Security Today

These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to government.

AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.

AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.

Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.

To learn more about the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, please go to the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Championship Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2019 ‘A Year in Review’.

The ‘ASTORS’ Champion Edition is published annually and includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.

It is your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2019 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.

From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION will have what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitgate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.

It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

Acoustic Technology, Inc. (ATI Systems) is a world leader in the design, manufacturing, and installation of reliable emergency warning and notification systems for the campus, community, industrial, and military markets.

ATI has developed innovative wireless systems that provide intelligible voice and visual warnings via a simple and compact hardware design, user-friendly software, and the latest communication methods, including radio frequency, IP Ethernet, and satellite technology.

ATI’s Mass Notification Systems easily integrate with other warning systems to provide more complete solutions. ATI is an ISO-9001 certified company.

To Learn More about the Transportable High-Powered Speaker Station (THPSS) and ATI Systems complete line of offerings, please visit www.atisystem.com.

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