Cassidian Communications (formerly PlantCML), The leading provider of mission critical communications and response technology for public safety business continuity and homeland defense

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August 2009 Customer Connection

Don't Forget to Visit PlantCML at APCO
Be sure to stop by the PlantCML/EADS North America booth (#1400), at the 75th Annual APCO International Conference & Expo in Las Vegas from August 16 - 20, to check out the latest in NG solutions. Once there, take the time to see the latest demos and presentations by PlantCML.


Mark Your APCO Calendar!
Thursday, August 18, 4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
 NG 9-1-1: Educating the Decision Makers
Jeff Wittek,  VP, Corporate Business Development, will focus on new and emerging technologies in 9-1-1 and how PSAPs and 9-1-1 leaders need to educate their state, local & federal government officials about how these technologies will change the way 9-1-1 is managed, funded and governed.



PlantCML Discusses the Future of 9-1-1 Centers
Listen to the most recent Urgent Communications interview with Jeff Wittek. This exclusive podcast touches on the challenges facing call takers and mission-critical call centers, and the technological solutions provided by the industry. Listen now!



Burke County Satellite Disaster Recovery Solution Case Study Now Available Online
Burke County, North Carolina, recently purchased a mobile Incident Management Unit with a Homeland Security Grant. Wireless Communications Inc., with PlantCML, outfitted the unit to serve as a complete back-up command center to better serve the citizens of Burke County. Read the entire Case Study to find out how Burke County functions remotely with their Incident Management Unit.



Sentinel CommandPost:
NG Ready, Portable, On-Location Mobile Call Center Solution
SentinelCommandPost_MainImage2® CommandPost™ is a unique, cost-effective mobile solution that enables mission-critical call centers to establish temporary call-handling capabilities as a backup to the primary call center or for on-scene call processing. The system is lightweight, portable and robust, supporting quick and easy set-up of remote answering positions in the event of a call center evacuation, emergency disaster recovery management, and special event handling, providing emergency response services from any location.

Backup, Disaster Recovery and Overflow Operations
In emergency situations that arise without advance warning, Sentinel CommandPost allows public safety officials to quickly evacuate a primary site and move to a pre-arranged backup site - or any appropriate location - then simply plug into power and network lines, and begin answering calls. The system connects via wired or wireless Internet connection over VPN to the primary Sentinel® Patriot® controller, providing valuable options for contingency planning, Emergency Operation Centers (EOC), and additional flexibility in day-to-day operations.

Sentinel CommandPost features the same powerful and intuitive Sentinel 9-1-1 call-taking application familiar to hundreds of top public safety agencies across North America. 

Key Benefits Key Features
  • Self-contained, portable answering position
  • Uses the familiar Sentinel 9-1-1 software
  • Provides access to all primary call center functions
  • Handles wireline and wireless calls
  • Everything you need to set up and answer emergency calls to minimum time from any location
  • ANI/ALI display
  • Multiple area code ANI ring back
  • Multiple call hold and retrieval
  • Up to four-party conferencing
  • Call waiting indication
  • Abandoned call trapping
  • Manual ALI query
  • ALI data transfer to fax or printer
  • Direct access and speed dial
  • Selective transfer
  • Automatic Call Distribution (ACD)




Meet Mary Wathen, Vice President of Operations
We had the opportunity to ask Mary Wathen a few questions and here's what she had to say!

What do you like most about your current position?
Dealing directly with our customers and making a difference with their overall PlantCML experience.

What is one of your greatest accomplishments in your career?
Mentoring and watching individuals that I have worked with achieve high personal and professional goals.

What do you see as the largest obstacles in today's public safety industry?
Customer and channel understanding of new technologies.

How does PlantCML overcome those obstacles?
By educating and training.

Where do you see the industry in 10 years?
Unfortunately, no crystal ball is available as our world is evolving into IP. There are still so many unknowns.

Who were your childhood idols?
My mother. She was able to overcome many obstacles and challenges facing women in business during her time. She always told me, "you could achieve anything you wanted to, so don't let anyone tell you 'no'." Advice I took to heart, by the way!

What was the last book you read?
"Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

What quote best describes you?
Tenacious but caring - always taking the people aspect into consideration!

As Vice President of Operations, Mary oversees project management, operations, technical support, field engineering, managed services and technical training for all PlantCML product lines. To find out more about Mary, visit plantcml.com.

Customer Care Team Accessable Via Email
Members of the Customer Care Team can now be reached by sending an email to customercare@plantcml.com. Questions and comments welcome!