Bellevue Kicks Off Wireless Initiative With Technology Leaders Compaq, Infowave, AT&T Wireless and Sierra Wireless
4/15/2002 2:45:00 PM
City of Bellevue Sees Wireless Technology as Way to Improve Communications, Provide Exceptional Public Service
BELLEVUE, Wash., Apr 15, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- The City of Bellevue announced today that it is taking an enterprising step toward state-of-the art wireless technology designed to improve communications and the flow of critical information to its citizens and businesses. Working with technology leaders Compaq Computer Corporation (CPQ) , Infowave Software (IW) , AT&T Wireless (AWE) , and Sierra Wireless (SWIR) (SW) , the city is launching a wireless communications initiative that will allow city employees to connect to mission critical applications, the city intranet and email in order to complete previously paper-based office tasks from the field.
"This new technology can help us provide a level of service to our citizens that only a few years ago was impossible," said Bellevue City Manager Steve Sarkozy. "This is a great opportunity for us to become one of the first cities in the U.S. to introduce this technology into our work force with a goal of improving both productivity and customer service," Sarkozy said.
The initiative is believed to be one of the most comprehensive wireless deployments in any U.S. city today. The city has already begun rolling out the solution to some of its operations and has outfitted employees with the following technology: Compaq iPAQ(TM) Pocket PCs with Expansion Packs for wireless mobility and Compaq Evo notebooks with a built-in Multiport module that supports wireless technologies; wireless access provided by Sierra Wireless AirCard 300 wireless network cards and wireless services from AT&T Wireless. The solution enables end users to access email, the city intranet and select databases through Infowave's Wireless Business Engine and a suite of application connectors.
"In Bellevue, as in cities nationwide, there is growing demand for access to information whenever and wherever people want it," said Jim Weynand, Compaq vice president of Government and Education Markets. "Bellevue has truly stepped out in front in its ability to provide online information and services. Compaq is eager to work with the city and technology leaders AT&T Wireless, Infowave and Sierra Wireless to create a wireless program that will radically change how Bellevue employees can access information while away from the office," Weynand said.
"As a hometown company, AT&T Wireless is thrilled to help the City of Bellevue best equip its employees for today's opportunities and challenges," said Geoff Fishman, AT&T Wireless General Manager in Washington. "Wireless data services will help increase productivity and effectiveness by enabling workers to be mobile but remain connected with the information and people most important to them."
The ability to communicate more effectively from the field will reduce the amount of time spent driving to city offices to enter reports into databases. In some cases, it will allow city staff to provide useful information to citizens more rapidly. Remote email also has proven to be a reliable form of communication in emergency situations and has functioned even when radio, wireline and wireless voice communications have been overwhelmed.
At this time, city building and safety inspectors are being outfitted and trained to use the new wireless technology to obtain and send information about building permits and code compliance history from the field. When applicable, builders and developers will then be able to obtain same-day results of their inspections, saving them time and money.
In a later phase of the project, transportation and parks crews working in the field will be able to report on completed tasks and obtain detailed instructions for new assignments without having to return to base. Such capabilities will allow them to work more efficiently and respond more quickly to problems.
The wireless initiative represents the City of Bellevue's desire to improve public service through the use of technology and through what Infowave CEO Thomas Koll describes as "a totally connected organization." In addition to publicly showcasing the benefits and return on investment wireless technology delivers, the project demonstrates the possibilities that exist today across the wireless industry for collaboration between technology leaders to design and deliver seamless solutions to business and government.
"Infowave is proud to be a catalyst to make this project a reality and commends the City of Bellevue for its forward-thinking and commitment to serving its constituents," Koll said. "Through our strong relationships with AT&T Wireless, Compaq and Sierra Wireless, we believe we've enabled the City of Bellevue to be confident in the success of its wireless initiative by delivering a proven technology mix from wireless experts."
"Bellevue's Wireless Initiative is one example of how industry leaders work together to deliver complete and compelling wireless data solutions," said Jason Cohenour, Senior Vice President, Distribution, Sierra Wireless. "We look forward to working with our partners and the City of Bellevue to develop this solution and demonstrate the value of the wireless workplace to other city municipalities across the country." |
