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First introduced in April, the MCS is a full-featured voice and data system packed in a rugged case -- ready to be deployed at a moments notice to any disaster site, remote location or temporary command post. The system can also be adapted for installation in emergency vehicles, with more than two dozen Avaya-based mobile command centers already on the road serving communities and organizations across the nation. For example, the Maryland State Police are using the Avaya MCS in two of the organization's vehicles, one of which serves as the largest Mobile Command Center in the nation. The customized solution was provided to the Maryland State Police by Emergency Communications Group, specialists in voice and data systems integration for emergency vehicles.

Now, a host of Avaya development partners are extending the capabilities of the Avaya MCS with broader connectivity options, new value-added applications and endpoints. Each of the 12 companies is a member of the Avaya DeveloperConnection program -- an initiative to promote the development, compliance-testing and co-marketing of innovative third-party products that are compatible with standards-based Avaya solutions. The new capabilities they are enabling for Avaya's MCS include:

New Connectivity Options

* GSM Cellular. GSM gateways from Multi-Tech Systems establish connectivity to the public cellular network when no terrestrial infrastructure is available. In addition, Multi-Tech GSM Gateways enable 911 locator services for those using the Avaya mobile network. When 911 calls are routed through the MultiTech GSM gateway, emergency services dispatchers receive location coordinates for the caller through a global positioning system.

* Wireless Mesh. In order to quickly establish communications capability over a wide geographic area, Avaya offers wireless mesh networking from Firetide. Multiple Firetide mesh network nodes can be placed wherever network connectivity is needed, both indoors and outdoors. The mesh nodes automatically link to each other to create a wide-area wireless infrastructure for use with any network device, including Avaya IP phones, computers, Wi-Fi access points and IP surveillance cameras. Firetide mesh networks linked to satellite receivers are used by the State of Florida for disaster recovery.

* Wireless LAN. With a WLAN System from Meru Networks, organizations using the Avaya MCS can extend full communications capabilities to any Wi-Fi certified mobile device. Innovative Air Traffic Control technology enables seamless coverage with a single channel and supports both toll-quality voice and high-density data.

* SIP Trunking via Satellite. With AGN Networks OnDemandSIP(TM) trunking and satellite connectivity from Clear Channel Satellite, Avaya now can offer new SIP capabilities for the MCS that enable number portability. This means first responders or those traveling to a remote command post can be reached by simply calling their regular number, just as if they were in the office.

New Applications and Endpoints

* Emergency Notification. DeveloperConnection member Dialogic Communications Corp., a subsidiary of PlantCML, offers an emergency notification application for the MCS that automatically places outbound calls. The software can be used to broadcast messages, poll those who answer and promptly report the results. For example, a public safety organization could automatically dial a list of first responders to determine who is available and when they can report to duty. Or an evacuation notice could be broadcast to residents in a specific geographic area, with prompts allowing them to indicate if they need special help.

* Group and Desktop IP Video. Through technology developed by Polycom, the Avaya MCS can support both group and desktop IP video telephony -- making video calls as easy as a phone call. The desktop version is fully integrated into the PC-based Avaya Softphone application, delivering a single, consolidated interface for both voice and video calls.

* Interactive Response. Automated interactive response applications tailored for educational institutions, healthcare providers and other public sector organizations are provided by Accuvoice. Designed as an extension of Avaya's Voice Portal and Interactive Response platforms, these applications are preconfigured for emergency response, appointment reminders, prescription refills, absence reporting and a host of other specific public sector needs.

* Wireless Handsets. Avaya Wi-Fi IP telephones from Spectralink Corp. (Nasdaq: SLNK) enable workers to access the communication features of the Avaya system without having to be physically tethered to the chassis. Instead they can make and receive calls and even conduct conferences while on the move.

* 911 Workstations. Avaya DeveloperConnection members TCI and PlantCML both offer tightly integrated 911 workstations for the Avaya MCS. As a result, public safety organizations can establish a remote command post and continue to answer 911 calls and dispatch responders, even when access to their home office is disrupted by severe weather, flooding or other emergency situations.

New Integration Capabilities

* Linking Disparate Applications. Avaya DeveloperConnection member ObjectTel offers CLASSONE(TM) Dispatch, a highly scalable, mission- critical radio-to-telephone solution that unifies business, operation, dispatch and emergency communications. CLASSONE(TM) Dispatch makes it possible for train and truck dispatchers, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, air traffic controllers, transportation and aviation security personnel and first responders to communicate seamlessly. The solution is interoperable with Avaya communication applications and is designed for high availability, load balancing and scalability.

"By working closely with partner companies, Avaya is able to help those organizations who are on the front lines during times of crisis better serve their constituents by extending the power of communication well beyond their office walls," said Eric Rossman, vice president, developer relationships and technical alliances, Avaya. "They are able to be efficient and effective while on the move and can get far more out of their communications investment."

The new capabilities now available for Avaya's Mobile Communication System are being showcased this week in Las Vegas, Nev., during the company's sixth- annual National Public Services Summit -- an event focused on the needs of state and local governments, educational institutions and healthcare organizations. Nearly three dozen Avaya partner companies are speaking and exhibiting at the event, which is attended by Avaya executives, the company's public sector sales force, industry consultants, Avaya Global AlliancePartners and Avaya DeveloperConnection members.