Industry Leadership

9–1–1 Industry Alliance

9-1-1 Industry The 9–1–1 Industry Alliance, or 9IA, was formed to support the emergency communications industry in advancing public safety policy and infrastructure. Founded in 2005 by prominent industry leaders, 9IA serves as an advocate for major public policy issues, assisting policymakers and emergency communications professionals in making complex choices regarding 9–1–1 alternatives in the future.

Intergraph Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Reid French serves as a founding member of the alliance's board of directors, representing the computer-aided dispatch (CAD), records, and mobile industry segments.

9-1-1 industry Today, the alliance has grown to include numerous organizations that proudly serve the public safety market. One of the organization's major efforts to date includes commissioning of a paid research study by the Colorado Group (led by Dale Hatfield, previously of the FCC) to determine how to best secure long-term funding for the 9–1–1 industry. Published in March 2008, the report examines ways to overcome obstacles to funding, regulatory, and technology for the next-generation 9–1–1 network. Together with other 9IA members, and in concert with organizations such as NENA, NASNA, and APCO, Intergraph will use the information, along with other 9IA initiatives, to represent the 9–1–1 industry.

French emphasizes the need for industry leaders to work together to ensure the advancement of 9–1–1 infrastructure and services. "Consumer technology has surpassed that of current 9–1–1 systems," he says. "The 9–1–1 Industry Alliance has made great strides in raising public and policymaker awareness of the challenges and issues of the nation's existing 9–1–1 infrastructure. Intergraph is honored to be a charter member of the alliance, and we support its efforts to promote the need to protect and augment 9–1–1 funding sources to save lives, safeguard communities, and create a safer world."

For more information about 9IA, visit the Web site at http://www.911alliance.org/.