Amtrak

'Activu enables greater visibility by allowing control room operators to crop and enlarge specific areas of information during alarm conditions.'
The Client The Challenge

Case Study

Amtrak operates a nationwide rail network, serving more than 500 destinations in 46 states on 21,000 miles of routes. Amtrak's Northeast Corridor is the busiest passenger line in North America, with more than 1,700 trains operating over some portion of the Boston-New York-Washington route each day, carrying more than 9 million passengers annually.

In the mid 1990s, Amtrak had installed a large display wall in their New York Penn Station Central Control (PSCC) facility to display their Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) system for the Amtrak and Long Island Railroad (LIRR) route systems. The display wall was driven by rear screen projectors which, after 10 years of use, were no longer reliable or visually clear, and required spare parts that were both expensive and difficult to source. Amtrak was intent upon resolving a notable problem with their current system which used 30 projectors to make up an integrated wall. In order to replicate their entire route grid on the wall, the CTC system image had to be divided into sections which were then routed to individual computers driving each projector. Each projectors image had to be matched pixel-to-pixel to the next one. This created significant difficulties when any changes were required, because a change in one section affected everything else. For example, adding a new route that crossed over several sections required a complicated and time consuming reconfiguration of the entire wall. As part of the upgrade, Amtrak wished to install a new display system for Power Traction management in another area of the operations theater.

The Solution

Activu was selected for its ability to provide dynamic and flexible display that both eliminated current problems as well as provided a greater range of functionality. Since Activu is a networkbased solution, it transports and displays the route grid image as a complete entity, enabling dynamic changes to be instantly displayed. Activu enables greater visibility by allowing control room operators to crop and enlarge specific areas of information during alarm conditions, and these can then be easily shared with other colleagues across the room or in another location. The bulky projector system was replaced by a display wall (of the same size) using Mitsubishi MegaView rear projection display cubes with DLP technology. Due to the low profile of the projection cubes, a considerable amount of space was made available behind the wall for other uses. We installed a large 30 display cube wall composed of 67 Mitsubishi DLP cubes in the train control area, which was divided two sections: a 2 x 10 wall for the Amtrak route grid, and a smaller 2 x 5 adjoining wall for the LIRR. A separate display wall, consisting of 18 Mitsubishi DLP 50 cubes, was installed for power traction. The Activu team coordinated the phased dismantling and removal of the old display wall. The new system was pre-built and staged in companys facility where it was thoroughly tested prior to installation. This significantly shortened the implementation process, sustained efficient and effective operations while it also reduced potential safety risks.

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Union Pacific
Case Study
The Client
Union Pacific is the largest railroad in North America, covering 23 states across twothirds of the United States, linking every major West Coast and Gulf Coast port. Union Pacific provides service to the east through its four major gateways in Chicago, St. Louis, Memphis and New Orleans, as well as operating key north/south corridors: it is the only railroad to serve all six major gateways to Mexico, and interchanges traffic with the Canadian rail system. The landmark Harriman Dispatch Center, housing the main train dispatch and operations activities, was extensively refurbished, with a complete renovation of the main operations floor called the Bunker. A high tech Morning Briefing conference room was added as well as a Visitors Gallery where multi-media video presentations are made to tour groups. Both of these overlook the main operations floor.

The Challenge

An exhaustive organizational effectiveness review conducted in 2006 led to the implementation of several initiatives, one of which was to organize personnel into pods or teams, with each having responsibility for a specific section of Union Pacifics 23,000 mile rail network. Each team would consist of a Train Dispatcher, Corridor Manager, Locomotive Manager and Crew Resource Manager. This was a major driving force influencing every aspect of the renovation design, and information display requirements specifically: each pod needed their own display area separate from others, with the flexibility to dynamically access, display and re-compile integrated information views as situations unfold. The daily Morning Briefing sessions represented another requirement because several of the executives and key personnel taking part are located in remote offices. Union Pacific wanted to enhance their remote participation beyond audio conferencing.

The Solution

Activu designed and built a visualization and collaboration solution which links the Operations floor, Morning Briefing Conference Room and the Visitors Gallery into an integrated system, and also puts a highly powerful yet easy-to-use tool into the hands of users. On the Bunker floor, the Activu solution provided a dedicated display space to each pod team. Using the Activu software, each team can dynamically access and display real time monitoring of operations conditions, key business and operational metrics, SCADA systems, train management alert displays, national/ local news and weather, and compiled information views on their team wall. For added ease-of-use, information can be compiled in any combination and user-defined layouts. Since Activu allows operators to create, save and recall any number of these layouts, they have instant access to broad sets of critical information with a single command. The visualization solution designed, built and powered by Activu enhances each teams ability to recognize and respond quickly to changing conditions.
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'Activu eliminated the need for miles of cable throughout the Harriman Center, resulting in significant cost savings and reduced complexity.'

The Solution (contd)

Activu Services installed ten display walls, five on each side of the room: each wall composed of a 2x6 matrix of 67 SXGA+ Mitsubishi DLP cubes, measuring roughly 7 feet by 27 feet with a combined resolution of over 175 million pixels. The combination of screen size and a high pixel density enables the display of large quantities of information while retaining visual clarity. By replacing older projection technology, the new display walls allowed Union Pacific to reclaim over 6100 square feet of space without expanding the Bunker footprint. The facility boasts a high tech Briefing Conference Room (located on a mezzanine level overlooking the Bunker floor) where daily Morning Briefing sessions are held, while also serving as a Situation Room during a crisis. Activu software enables the meeting leader to dynamically access any information (individual windows or compiled views) from the floor and displayed in the conference room. Devices such as the overhead projector, ten small LCD panels integrated into the round conference table, the cable TV tuner and wall mounted 46 plasma panel are also controlled through the Activu system. With Activus Remote View capability, personnel in multiple off-site locations benefit from a richer level of participation with the ability to remotely view and interact with information being displayed in the Conference room. Activu installed two arrays of six NEC 40 LCD panels in the Visitors Gallery which are used to show a complex, multiscreen video presentation to tour groups about the history of Union Pacific. Activu enables presenters to pull up information shown on any of the Bunker floor pod walls onto the panels for closer viewing by the audience. As an IP solution utilizing UPs network infrastructure, Activu eliminated the need for miles of cable throughout the Harriman Center, resulting in significant cost savings and reduced complexity. Activus installation process was flexible to conform to the construction schedule. In the early stages, the system was pre-built and tested at Activus facility prior to a phased installation at the Harriman Center as the renovation progressed.

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Baltimore TMC
'Baltimore TMC has been transformed into a state-of-the-art communications hub.'
The Client

Case Study

The city of Baltimore was facing increasingly severe traffic congestion which was proving difficult to manage in the absence of newer technology and capabilities. The situation prompted the Mayors Office, together with the State of Maryland Department of Transportation and the Baltimore Transportation Department, to secure funding to re-build the existing Transportation Management Center (TMC), and upgrade related infrastructure.

The Challenge
The original TMC was hampered by outdated equipment and capabilities: the analog video surveillance system was displayed on a rack of four CRT monitors at a single desk; a separate monitor was dedicated to TV news and weather information. The entire system was run by an old main frame computer running non-intelligent signal controllers. Information available in the main control room was confined to this space and could not be viewed or shared with any other location. Siemens ITS was enlisted to replace and upgrade the capabilities of the central traffic signal system, as new intelligent signal controller equipment and LED signal lights were also being installed. Part of their mandate was that the information visualization system should deliver a robust and significantly more flexible system, providing dynamic information access, display and sharing beyond the walls of the control room. Scalability was another major consideration to support future expansion and evolution in the monitoring infrastructure as well as the use of the TMC.

The Solution
The Activu distributed visualization solution links several different areas in the facility, encompassing the TMC main control room floor, the Main Conference Room, an adjoining Dispatchers Room, an Executive office and meeting room with information display, and a Media Briefing room, also with information display. The resulting visualization integration translated into enhanced process integration that dramatically improved operating efficiencies and effectiveness in several areas. As a network-based system, information access, display and sharing are no longer confined to the main operations room. A major operational benefit is that monitoring is now location independent such that TMC functions can be handled in other locations serving redundancy and back-up function. The new traffic management center is also connected to the CHART system (statewide freeway traffic management system) with Activu providing one-way information display of the state-wide traffic surveillance cameras, traffic congestion, and incident information. Two-way information sharing with City of Baltimore data being made available to CHART is planned for the near future. This link facilitates improved regional traffic operations coordination throughout the area.
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'Activu has provided TMC operators with a dynamic and flexible tool that helps them detect and assist in the handling of incidents in a more efficient manner.'

The Solution (contd)

Activus open architecture and inherent scalability provides added flexibility for expanding the inventory of information sources, such as the number of surveillance cameras. The system currently has access to about 300 state and city cameras. This number will grow to over 400 cameras with additional City cameras planned for future deployment. Activu Services designed and built a system that provides maximum information display capability. The large scale display wall in the control room is a 3x6 matrix of 50 Mitsubishi DLP cubes where operators dynamically manage wall content using a highly intuitive user interface. The Main Conference room is equipped with an array of four 42 1080p NEC flat panel LCDs plus an additional 46 interactive panel on either side of a high definition overhead projector (and motorized drop down screen). Activu enabled separate streams of information to be displayed on each panel, enhancing situational awareness for key decision-makers assembled in the room. Whiteboarding capability on the two wall panels facilitates strategy sessions and discussion. The Dispatchers Room, Executive Office meeting and Media Briefing rooms are also outfitted with the same NEC panels, with Activu driving individual information streams to each screen. As a result of these capabilities, Baltimores TMC has been transformed into a state-ofthe-arts communications hub, centered in the Main Conference Room (combined with the Executive Office used, for example, by the Mayor during times of emergency). This enables the migration of emergency operations activities from a neighboring EOC to this facility, as well as extending information sharing and collaboration with state-level Homeland Security, State Police and the Port Authority in the future. Activu has provided TMC operators with a dynamic and flexible tool that helps them detect and assist in the handling of incidents in a more efficient manner. By identifying congestion-causing incidents quickly, clearance times are reduced, minimizing the incidence of secondary accidents while improving the safety and satisfaction for drivers.

www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1

Bergen County EOC

Case Study
The Client
The newly constructed Public Safety Emergency Operations Center of Bergen County, NJ, which opened October 1, 2010, is a 36,000 square foot 911 Command Center equipped with a Communications Center responsible for public safety response including County Police, Fire Coordinators, and County Emergency Management. The center is currently contracted for shared services with thirteen municipalities, with additional municipalities intending to consolidate their services in 2011. The new operations center could mean potential savings for towns that choose to run emergency dispatch through the facility. Consolidating services could save each municipality up to 200K a year, according to a recently published article.

The Challenge

Bergen County had been preparing to open their new public safety operations center in a space dedicated within the Bergen County Police and Fire Academy. Instead, a team dedicated to designing and deploying a 24x7x365 emergency center raised a budget to build a new public safety operations building on that campus. The new 12.4M facility is equipped to handle county emergencies and dispatch services. The three year project, completed on October 1, 2010, brings together public safety dispatch and the Office of Emergency Management. In a single facility, the county has created a coordinated and cohesive response team for daily operations and emergencies.

In an emergency situation, we use Activu to seamlessly share data across multiple agencies. This has given us the greatest flexibility for collaboration and increased situational awareness to handle events quickly.
Captain Mark Lepinski, Bergen County Public Safety

The Solution

The County of Bergen selected the Activu large-scale visualization and collaboration solution because of its robust feature set and ability to easily expand to additional sites in the future. Activu is a softwarebased IP solution which is integrated into the operations LAN/WAN environment. This allows operators to access and view any information source from their network and display it on their large-scale video wall and LCD monitors within and around the Communications Center. The center is equipped with the Activu software suite which is deployed within the Communications Center, Emergency Operations Center, dispatch facility, and executive conference rooms. Operators, executives, and government officials can share information and collaborate between any of these locations. The Communications Center is designed to allow County Police, EMS, and Fire Departments to monitor and respond to emergencies for the county and handles 911 emergency calls for towns within Bergen County. The Emergency Operations Center is used for emergency incidents, allowing various agencies to gather for coordinated efforts to quickly respond to disasters. In this Command Center, Bergen County can host multiple agencies affected by an existing emergency including representatives from the Fire and Police Departments, utility and electric companies, and others. The Dispatch Training Room is set up to train four simultaneous operators and doubles as a coordination point between the Communications Center and Emergency Operations Center. The executive conference rooms are designed as a briefing room for the mayor and other high-level County officials. The executive conference room overlooks the main Communications Center and is equipped with LCDs, also integrated into the Activu visualization solution. This enables executives to achieve situational awareness with the ability to collaborate and share critical information, through the Activu network for faster decision making. www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1

www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1 www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1

Bank of New York

Case Study 'The data center now runs all internal and external processing programs and procedures more efficiently.'
The Client
The Bank of New York Company, Inc. (NYSE: BK) is a global leader in securities servicing for issuers, investors and financial intermediaries in more than 100 markets worldwide. Its principal subsidiary, The Bank of New York, founded in 1784, is the oldest bank in the United States and has a distinguished history of serving clients around the world through its five primary businesses: Securities Servicing and Global Payment Services, Private Client Services and Asset Management, Corporate Banking, Global Market Services, and Retail Banking.

The Challenge

In response to 9/11, The Bank of New York moved quickly to open new facilities and create new back-up capabilities. While considering its options for a new Network Operation Center (NOC), the Bank identified some very important factors in the decision making process: the ability to display and control data from various sources; the ability to collaborate between locations; and a virtually seamless display for readability.

The Solution

Activu, as a network-based software solution for large-scale visualization and collaboration, gives The Bank of New York the ability to display multiple data (and video) sources for many operators to view simultaneously. It also enables them to perfectly mirror wall content on a separate Executive Briefing Center display system located upstairs from the main NOC for high level decision-making. The Banks 24x7 IT Operations Support staff utilizes a variety of software tools to monitor its multi-platform processing environment. These tools are tailored to ensure the integrity and availability of the Banks Mainframe, Mid-Range, Network and Help Desk infrastructure and applications. The ability to respond quickly to alerts and resolve problems is critical to the Banks business operations. Activu greatly improved alert monitoring, ensuring problems are responded to quickly. Alarm triggers are caught early because they appear on the wall where they are seen by all of those present in the NOC rather than only on an individual desktop. The data center now runs all internal and external processing programs and procedures more efficiently, due to the accessibility and manageability of necessary information and the ability to communicate that information to the appropriate personnel. The main Data Center consists of a large central display comprising a near seamless matrix of state-of-the-art Mitsubishi MegaView Wall 67 rear projection cubes in a 5 x 3 configuration, with an overall screen size of over 10 high by 22 wide. On both sides of this wall are single 67 cubes surrounded by hidden potential slots for future cubes as the need for them arises. In the Executive Briefing Room, a 2 x 2 configuration of 50 Mitsubishi MegaView Wall cubes was installed for high level evaluations.

www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1

FEMA
FEMAs Office of Domestic Preparedness (now the Office of Grants and Training) initiated the rebuild of an existing space to create a new Conference and Training facility.

Case Study

The Client

Initially envisioned as a place to educate state and local government agencies on how to acquire and use training grants, the facilitys use is being expanded to cover a full range of course types and other uses. The new space was designed to provide two separate areas that could be combined into one when necessary. The larger portion of the room serves as a Conference Room, with a retractable wall which sections off a smaller traditional classroom area. With the wall put away, the entire space is converted into one large training or conference room with capacity for up to 100 people.

The Challenge

'The Activu system enables simultaneous training session and conference presentations.'

The facility required an information visualization system that could accommodate an extensive quantity and diverse range of video and data sources, as well as provide display technology that would be flexible and ensure complete visibility in different types of presentation situations.

The Solution

Activu designed and built a visualization system which was integrated into the DHS Enterprise Architecture to deliver highly dynamic, network-based information access and display, as well as equipping both areas with different types of display, audio and conferencing technology. At the front of the Conference Room near the podium, a 1x4 matrix display wall of 67 XGA display cubes was installed as the primary presentation display, plus several 57 LCD (1920 x 1080 resolution) panels mounted on pillars at the midway point in the room. The panels mounts are moveable arms which allows each panel to be rotated towards the audience in back half of the room. The smaller Training area behind the retractable was outfitted with a 1x3 display wall using the same 67 DLP cubes. The Activu system enables simultaneous training sessions and conference presentations, with both groups having instant access to information residing on 55 networked computer sources, as well as to 48 analog NTSC video sources and multiple digital video streams. Activu makes presentations easier with the ability to create, save and instantly recall unlimited number of layouts of data and video information, greatly enhancing the ease and flow of their presentation. A dynamic whiteboarding capability enhances communication and comprehension. Presenters, using a special Teflon pen, can write directly on the wall, with the option to change colors for other participants in the session. Since Activu enables device control, a multi-zone audio playback system for both the Conference and Training Rooms, and two Tandberg video teleconferencing (VTC) systems were integrated. A special Activu GUI interface was created for the VTC systems to support operator switching between different audience-directed and presenterdirected cameras. We are proud of our association with 3H Technology as the prime contractor for this project funded through the DHS Eagle (Enterprise Acquisition Gateway for LeadingEdge Solutions) contract vehicle. www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1

Con Edison Security

The Client

Case Study

Consolidated Edison Company of New York or Con Edison is one of the nations largest investor owned energy companies, providing electric, gas and steam service to more than 9 million people living in the five New York City boroughs and Westchester County, New York. In a post 9/11 environment, Con Edison Corporate Security decided, with the approval of the New York State Public Service Commission Office of Utility Security, to develop and operate a comprehensive Security Operations Center to centrally monitor the Con Edison electronic security systems at various critical facilities. The Security Operations Center (SOC) went operational in January 2008.

Our SOC operators view this as a very positive experience and are very comfortable using Activu. In very little time they were on top of the system, with questions very seldom asked.
Scott Gross, Systems Specialist, Con Edison Security

The Challenge

Con Edison Corporate Security has responsibility for all electric, gas and steam facilities spread out over the six regions, plus the corporate headquarters. The new SOC required a display system capable of supporting a complex and continually growing information environment. It was also critical that information sharing be dynamic and simple between multiple stakeholders in many locations: sub-station operations (SSO), gas supply, steam generation and distribution; and functions such as Business Management, Auditing and HR at headquarters. This is particularly important since the SOC and its back up facility supplement the security activities of operational groups, especially with the use of surveillance video. The display solution would have to keep a back up site continually online so that it could become immediately and fully operational in an emergency situation.

The Solution

Activu was selected to design and build a distributed information display system, having demonstrated capabilities to meet the challenges specified. As an open architecture, network-based solution integrated into Con Edisons WAN network, it delivers complete and flexible connectivity between information sources and people located in over 100 offices, work locations, substations and control center facilities. With Activu, SOC operators can instantly access and display information from many different types of sources on the control room wall and on their own desktop keypad /CARD Access; intrusion/perimeter alarm systems; Building Management Systems (BMS); CNN news and weather reports. Since video camera surveillance is so critical to their operations, Activus video capabilities are particularly important. Activu touring schedules (automated lists of video feeds in a timed rotation) are switched from one borough to the next every 4-5 minutes, and operators have the flexibility to stop a touring rotation to take a closer look, using Activu to pan/tilt/zoom and instantly change or add cameras to a rotation when necessary. This value was recently demonstrated during the emergency landing of the US Airways plane in the Hudson River in January 2009. SOC operators, monitoring marine channels, used Activu to turn on and control specific cameras to monitor and record the crash via Activus interface to the DVR. Footage was later given to the National Transportation Security Bureau and the media.
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The Activu team really stepped up to the plate, and we feel they exceeded our expectations throughout the entire process.
Dominic Grassi, Technical Manager, Con Edison Security

The Solution (contd)

Activus Decoder Server was viewed as a more cost effective solution for distributing and displaying a continually expanding web of surveillance cameras that had reached 1500 in 2009 and is planned to grow to 3000 in the near term. Each 1RU HP, Dell or IBM rack server running Activu Decoder Server software can decode up to 32 separate full motion IP video streams from most available IP cameras, encoders and/or via IP video server systems. Multiple Activu Decoder Servers can be used together to monitor large numbers of cameras, and video streams can be displayed simultaneously on different walls, panels or monitors from a single Activu Decoder Server. Since its implementation at Con Edison, Activu has shown its ability to enhance collaboration, operating efficiency and safety. For example, when surveillance video identifies a transformer fire, SOC operators can alert sub-station operations (SSO) colleagues who have the ability, via Activu, to view the pertinent video stream. Not only is a 911 / Fire Department call made earlier, an SSO operator can continue monitoring the situation video, with the information used later in training sessions. The SOC is working in constant coordination with various user groups throughout Operations and headquarter functions. Using Activu on their desktop computers, personnel can be given electronic keys providing restricted access to specific pieces of information for a specific time period. These decisions are made by Con Edison Security and managed through Activu software. Dominic Grassi, Technical Manager for Corporate Security, described Activu as being in tune with our needs. Activus non-proprietary hardware model was particularly appealing, providing leading brand display technology from Mitsubishi. In the primary SOC facility, the Activu Services team built a 2x6 matrix display wall of 50 Mitsubishi Mega View rear access SXGA+ (1400 x 1050 resolution) projection display cubes, supplementing this with an Activu-controlled audio system, TV tuners and a DVD/VCR unit. In a separate War Room and at the back up SOC site, 56 Mitsubishi QHD (3840 x 2160 resolution) LCD panels were used, providing access to all the same information sources as the primary SOC, and with sufficient resolution to display a complete replication of the SOC display wall. Guest computers can be easily and quickly included in the system. Activus ease of use was noted as a key strength by Scott Gross, Systems Specialist at the Security Operations Center. Our SOC operators view this as a very positive experience and are very comfortable using Activu. In very little time they were on top of the system, with questions very seldom asked. A year after the Activus implementation and well into the maintenance phase, Mr. Grassi characterized the result: The Activu team really stepped up to the plate, and we feel they exceeded our expectations throughout the entire process.

www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1

William P. Hobby Airport

Case Study The biggest technology value we see is the fact that we can collaborate and share content amongst team members and because the system is IP-based, we can easily view any source connected to the network. This gives us incredible flexibility."
John A. Gallo, Airport Operations Supervisor, William P. Hobby Airport, HAS

The Client

The Houston Airport System (HAS) is the fourth-largest airport system in the United States and the sixth largest in the world. The HAS, a Department of Aviation within the city of Houston, brings air service to Houstons population of more than 5.5 million. The Houston Airport System manages three facilities; George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport, and Ellington Airport. The three-airport system served more than 48.5 million passengers in 2009, including more than 7.8 million international travelers. Together, the airports form one of North Americas largest public airport systems and positions Houston as the international passenger and cargo gateway to the south central United States and a primary gateway to Latin America. William P. Hobby Airport is Houstons second major commercial aviation facility, owned and operated by the City of Houston. Presently, Hobby Airport is served by five scheduled airlines and is the 6th largest hub airport for Southwest Airlines. Hobby Airports terminal complex, consisting of 80 acres, has undergone a multimillion dollar capital improvement expansion program designed to upgrade its facilities to meet todays standards and future growth needs.

The Challenge

The Airport Communications Center (ACC) and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) within the airport are responsible for the overall security of the facilitys airfield and integrity of the runways and taxiways. Their responsibilities range from managing emergencies to routine airport maintenance. In the event of emergency, the ACC is chartered with calling in the proper emergency vehicles and personnel to coordinate a rescue effort. The airport was managing their operations using 13 TV screens which were used to monitor video cameras. They could view only one camera at a time, which was a manual process requiring them to type in the proper camera number in order to pull up and view the video feed. As the airport underwent its multimillion dollar renovation, the HAS intended to deploy a state-of-the-art monitoring center which would allow them to manage phone calls, emergencies, maintenance and security. The HAS required that their solution be integrated with their multitude of security cameras around the airport, monitor information from TV, local news, weather, and allow them to display any source of information on a screen. This would enable them to effectively assess any type of security situation.

The Solution

The Activu solution was selected due to its ability to integrate within their existing network. This allows the HAS to grab and view any information source from their network and display it on their large-scale video wall and LCD monitors. As an IP-based solution, the Activu system allows the HAS to monitor the entire airport, viewing as many IP camera feeds as required, at one time.
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'The Duty Supervisor gained immediate situational awareness with access to control all audio and video.'

The Solution (contd)

Activu is deployed on commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware from global leaders in display and server technology. The solution uses state-of-the-art Mitsubishi MegaView display cubes and IP servers which were easily integrated into the HAS existing network infrastructure. Activu deployed an array of 46 NEC flat panel LCDs within three different operation centers to improve the access to and efficiency of information sharing between the Airport Communications Center (ACC), the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and the Duty Supervisor. With Activu deployed in these three locations, the Duty Supervisor gained immediate situational awareness with access to control all audio and video within the ACC and EOC for improved decision making capabilities. It also provides the HAS with the ability to control all distributed audio throughout the ACC and EOC, increasing visibility of local applications and airport flight management information. The three rooms were designed with emergency management in mind. Equipped with break-away walls, the ACC and EOC can become one large emergency center with the ability for operators and emergency personnel to share information and collaborate effectively. With the Activu solution, the HAS can more easily manage their operations with a user friendly software GUI that allows them to pull up and monitor any type of information, connected to the network, that is required to perform their jobs efficiently.

www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1

Port of Long Beach Case Study

'At the click of a button, someone can power on the system, call up any number of TV news channels, turn on and display a DVD for training sessions or launch a laptop presentation.'
The Client
The Port of Long Beach is the second busiest container port in the USA, presenting unique challenges for the various agencies collectively responsible for maintaining security. The new $21 million facility (built in 2008) serves as the communications hub and headquarters for the Port of Long Beach Security Division and Harbor Patrol, as well as housing units from the Long Beach Police Department, Port of Los Angeles, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Marine Exchange during an emergency.

The Challenge

The new JCC Center, a highly sophisticated building using cutting edge technology, would need to be equipped with a similar caliber information display system capable of facilitating collaboration within a multi-agency environment. It was critical that the system was a networkbased solution capable of establishing connectivity between diverse locations spread over three floors, as well as to easily extend the system to connect with organizations in other geographic locations in the future.

The Solution

The Port selected the Activu solution because it offered a net-centric and custom designed approach to multi-site display and distributed collaboration. Activu software, the core of the system, was integrated into the buildings standard IP network, and eliminating the need for extensive and expensive additional cabling and hardware to build a duplicate pathway throughout the building. This net-centric software approach provides the greatest measure of flexibility in terms of how the system is used now, and later, how it will support infrastructure change. The Activu solution enables anyone in any place or geography to access and display visual information on video display walls, panels, desktop monitors and laptops via the network. All information sources connected to the network, from data systems and radar imaging to surveillance cameras and news feeds, are instantly available for users to access and display either on local or remote displays. The system currently covers over twelve locations in the new Center: the Lobby, several Briefing Rooms, Executive Conference Rooms, Break Room and Exercise Rooms, the Department of Operations Center, the main Monitoring Room, the Director of Securitys office and some managers. Activus simple and cost effective scalability will allow the system to be extended to include more locations within the building or to remote facilities with marginal cost. When Activus Service Group designed and built the system, they installed a large display wall in the Main Monitoring Room and integrated multiple large 40 and 46 LCD panels used in other spaces. Additional custom design work involved developing special user interfaces to automate functionality in various meeting rooms used by those unfamiliar with the technology. At the click of a button, someone can power on the system, call up any number of TV news channels, turn on and display a DVD for training sessions or launch a laptop presentation.

www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1

National Defense University

Case Study
The Client
The National Defense University is the premier center for Joint Professional Military Education (JPME), and is under the direction of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Universitys main campus is on Fort McNair in Washington, D.C. The National Defense University is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The NDUs Center for Information Assurance Education (CIAE) focuses on new technology for improving situational awareness and decision making in the field and offers education and guidance to very senior level military officers and federal officials.

'Activu worked with the NDU to design a real world information environment.'

The Challenge

The Crisis Center serves as a mock operations center where senior-level military officers and federal officials are trained in the use of technology to help them improve situational awareness and decision making in field. This reflects an underlying role of the NDU to provide education and guidance on new technology as part of a broader development program. For this reason, the NDU wanted a field proven network-based collaboration tool which provides the necessary distributed information sharing capability that is the cornerstone of collaborative decision making.

The Solution

Since training sessions are based on re-creating real world crisis scenarios, Activu was enlisted to design and build a visualization and collaboration solution that supports this objective. Activu installed a large display wall composed of six (2x3) 50 DLP cubes as the typical focal point within an emergency operations center. To demonstrate the options for information access, display and sharing across several groups in multiple locations, Activu worked with the NDU to design a real world information environment. The Local Area Network was to simulate a larger Wide Area Network, and was populated with a broad range of information sources. Using a bomb explosion as an example crisis, session participants via Activu can dynamically access and display several different types of video, such as surveillance cameras, radar thermal imaging, internet and TV broadcast feeds. They experience the process of combining PLUME analysis results with information generated by other new tools, and pushing this to other simulated locations, all of which unfolds in a progression of sharing events as the crisis scenario plays out. The result is an increased knowledge and awareness of a technology that is capable of creating a dynamic information sharing environment where collaboration works effectively across groups and geography.

www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1

NJ Transit
'This solution provided the necessary scalability for adding cubes and information sets, at any time, to accommodate future growth, without having to replace the existing installation.'
The Client

Case Study

NJ Transit is New Jersey's public transportation corporation. Its mission is to provide safe, reliable, convenient and cost-effective transit service with a skilled team of employees, dedicated to its customers' needs and committed to excellence. Covering a service area of 5,325 square miles, NJ Transit is the nation's third largest provider of bus, rail and light rail transit, linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia. The agency operates a fleet of 2,027 buses, 711 trains and 45 light rail vehicles. On 236 bus routes and 11 rail lines statewide, NJ Transit provides nearly 223 million passenger trips each year.

The Challenge

NJ Transit planned to build a new Rail Operations Center (ROC) which would contain a large display wall for train control in the main room that had to be visible from both the main floor and mezzanine. There would be a separate room for power traction. The new display system needed to integrate seamlessly with the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) power dispatching system that would be designed by Arinc, a leader in transportation communications and systems engineering. NJ Transit required a state-of-the art ROC to be used as a command, control and communication center in order to aid its employees in their quest for superior performance and customer satisfaction.

The Solution

We formed a strategic alliance with Arinc to provide a sophisticated solution designed specifically for NJ Transit that would work with their existing network and software. A display wall consisting of 50 Mitsubishi MegaView Wall rear screen projection cubes, with an excellent contrast ratio and high resolution (364 pixels per sq. inch), enabled operators to see the entire rail system clearly. The wall, made up of 193 cubes and spanning an impressive 1/8th of a mile, is organized into various territory configurations.

Activu integrated successfully with Arincs SCADA system to provide a powerful and dynamic means of displaying the vast quantity of critical information streaming into the ROC on a continual basis. Activu allows for increased versatility by showing the entire rail system, as it also gives a high level of visibility to detail. As a result, operators could easily locate a problem, isolate the affected area, and re-route service to an unaffected portion of the track without major disruption of service since all necessary information is simultaneously displayed on one wall. This solution provided the necessary scalability for adding cubes and information sets, at any time, to accommodate future growth, without having to replace the existing installation. Transporting the citizens of New Jersey efficiently is vital to the state's economic and social wellbeing, as well as its quality of life. The Activu solution continues to aid NJ Transit Field Track and support personnel in their effort to stay in direct contact with the Rail Operations Center, rail stations and each other, enhancing safety and efficiency.

www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1

NYPD Case Study

The Real-Time Crime Center is a new and powerful technological resource that will help the NYPD protect New Yorkers better than ever. As I announced at the State of the City address, the Center will use sophisticated information technology to identify and stop emerging crime quickly."
Mayor Michael Bloomberg, NYC
The NYPDs mission is to enhance the quality of life in the City by working in partnership with the community and in accordance with constitutional rights to enforce laws, preserve peace, reduce fear, and provide a safe environment. The objective for establishing the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) was to help police stop spikes in crime before they became trends, catching dangerous criminals before they could hurt others.

The Client

The Challenge

The intent was to revolutionize the way detectives carry out their investigations. Operating on a 24x7 basis, the center would conduct Location, Victim, Pattern and Suspect Analyses and 911/311 Call Reviews to provide comprehensive, accurate and timely information to officers in the field. The NYPD required a solution that was capable of supporting multi-layered information analysis by enabling a simple and simple means of access and display of a myriad of data, ranging from graphical data to maps and video. The solution would also have to enable information sharing between personnel within the center, and with personnel in a variety of locations in the field.

The Solution

According to Deputy Commissioner Onalfo of the NYPD, the Activu solution was selected due to its sophistication in several respects. Each operator can dynamically aggregate data and video information from the network, and visually integrate it on their desktop monitor, while other information is aggregated and displayed on the large wall. Altogether, this makes it much easier for personnel to analyze information, make rapid correlations between data, and better understand the big picture. Operators are able to monitor all dispatched vehicles on screen, track their progress and respond swiftly to critical situations. As a network-based solution, Activu also enables easy and dynamic information sharing and collaboration between personnel in multiple locations. Activu runs on non-proprietary brands of server and display hardware from global leaders who provide best of breed technology and superior service support. The solution uses state-of-the-art Mitsubishi MegaView display cubes, and HP servers which were easily integrated into the RTCC network infrastructure. The focal point in the center is the Mitsubishi display wall using 67 cubes arranged in a 3x6 matrix measuring 10 by 27. Mitsubishis projection cubes have a field-proven reputation for exceptional image quality and reliability. Activus method of pre-building and fully testing the complete system in its own facility prior to installation at the customers site was highly valued because it ensured a smooth and rapid implementation process. Activu has become a strategic part of the crime center. More time is now spent on interpreting information and fighting crime, rather than on gathering and sorting through information. Investigators, arriving at crime scenes, are now more knowledgeable and better prepared to confront the situation at hand. By tracking crime and responses to crime, the department is better able to manage resources, while protecting field officers.

www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1

NJ Statewide TMC
"We are not going to be able to build our way out of congestion problems with new or bigger roads. If were going to improve congestion, we have to figure out how to operate our highways more efficiently."
Kris Kolluri, NJ Transportation Commission and Chairman of the Turnpike Authority Board

Case Study

The Client

The New Jersey Turnpike is one of the most traveled arteries in the nation, encompassing 29 interchanges and 187 E-Z Pass toll lanes over 148 miles, and connected via two tunnels and three bridges to New York City. The 173 mile Garden State Parkway (managed by the Turnpike Authority) serves as the major north-south thoroughfare with 359 exits and entrances, and 31 toll collection stations. A completely new Strategic Transportation Management Center (TMC) was built to bring New Jerseys main traffic management agencies the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, New Jersey Department of Transportation and State Police together under one roof to support better monitoring, coordination, dispatch and response.

The Challenge

This called for a new approach, leading to the approval of a unified traffic center as part of an intelligent transportation system. While bringing these agencies together was expected to help correct process fragmentation, the next challenge was to ensure that information access and sharing would further reduce barriers to coordination. The Turnpike Authority had invested heavily in building an extensive fiber optic network along the highways to support the E-Z Pass system, and this asset was something they wanted to exploit. At the same time, the DOT had installed a large web of cameras which, if fed into the TMC, would dramatically improve operations. In addition to a large scale display wall in the main area, the Turnpike Authority wanted to ensure a broader level of interconnection between a mezzanine level conference room that serves as a Meeting and Situation room, as well as various managers offices within the main TMC and in an adjoining building.

The Solution

Activu was selected to design and build a visualization and collaboration solution due, in large part, to its netcentric proposition. Activu was embedded into their enterprise architecture which was connected to the fiber optic network. This created a backbone that connected geographically dispersed information sources (such as roadside cameras and electronic sign boards) and personnel, resulting in a highly dynamic and borderless environment. The TMC main floor was divided into sections for each group: the merged Turnpike/ Parkway team, the DOT and the State Police (total of 42 operators). Activu installed a wall made up of a 4x12 matrix of 67 rear access Mitsubishi DLP display cubes, measuring 22 feet by 57 feet. Information displayed on the wall is also divided into sections according to various needs, including content from camera feeds; maps with real-time graphics indicating traffic density, accident locations or construction zones; incident logs and the KEA system (incident tickets); local news and weather information including web delivered satellite imagery; network connected applications for monitoring and controlling electronic signage and tunnel fans. Since there is no limitation on the quantity, size or location of the information windows displayed, the wall composition can be dynamically changed at any time. Any user, regardless of physical location who is connected to the Activu system, has access to any information source directly from their desktop.
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www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1

The Solution (contd)

During the early design process, Activu custom designed special features to enhance convenience for individual users, and secondly, to resolve some issues inherent in a complex system of cameras. Unlike other display systems, the Activu Toolbar puts the power of the software directly into a persons own desktop workspace, with single button access to all functionality. A special convenience feature was added with the creation of a Folder button: rather than having to go outside of Activu to use local applications, users can launch these directly from a Folder list. Activu also enables users to save four applications in a single layout so that with a single click on the layout, all four applications are simultaneously launched on their desktop.

'The Activu solution has removed many of the obstacles that previously hindered efficient real-time response.'

With more than 350 cameras sending video into the TMC, it is neither possible nor desirable to view all simultaneously. Cameras were grouped together in what is called camera touring wherein the display rotates at five second intervals through a roster of video feeds. Activu designed a special GUI (graphical user interface) for use on the desktop and accessed via the Toolbar which makes it very easy to find and view any of the touring and static cameras; to control the camera (ie. pan, tilt, zoom); to dynamically create and change touring scenarios (including camera list composition and order); and to choose cameras from a list which can be dragged and dropped into a preconfigured viewing grid (ie. single, 4, 9 and16 window layouts). This gives operators a quick and simple-to-use means of accessing information as situations develop. Activu gives the TMC Supervisor the ability to not only control content on the display wall, but to also turn the wall on or off, open and close window shades, change to back up servers during an emergency, control the audio system, DVD player and TV tuner. In the overlooking conference room, Activu installed a 2x3 wall of 50 Mitsubishi DLP display cubes. Using a wireless tablet PC, any type of information can be pulled up onto the conference room wall (either single or multiple windows). Discussion is then enhanced with dynamic whiteboarding, with participants able to draw directly on the wall with an electronic pen or using a tablet PC. These whiteboard sessions can be recorded and printed. Those elsewhere in the facility or adjoining building can, using Activu, also view the main operations floor or conference room wall from their desktop and collaborate including remote whiteboarding. The Activu solution has removed many of the obstacles that previously hindered efficient real-time response. No longer reliant upon the phone to get or give information between agencies, dispatchers now get a clearer view of the situation more quickly, can send emergency workers faster to the scene, update real time information on electronic signs, and inform the media in a more timely manner.

www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1

PSE&G
Case Study
The Client
PSE&G is New Jersey's oldest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state's population. A subsidiary of PSE&G (NYSE:PEG), a diversified energy and energy services company, PSE&G is one of the largest combined electric and gas companies in the United States.

The Challenge

The nerve center of the company's energy transmission business is a control room staffed by five shifts of four dispatchers each, who are charged with monitoring the power flow between distribution points. The business of balancing energy loads, anticipating trouble spots and fixing downed lines is a complex, time sensitive and high profile effort. PSE&G needed a visualization system capable of supporting their mission-critical decision making process effectively. PSE&G already had an older system that displayed monitoring information from 120 substations and switching points within PSE&G's territory. "The problem was that we could consolidate information from the remote terminals on the display wall, but making changes of any kind to what and how any of this information was displayed created a reconfiguration nightmare," explained Facilities Manager Paul Rapcienski.

The Solution

A high priority for the new visualization system was greater flexibility to change and expand the kinds of information displayed, as well as to replace the outmoded display device technology. New sources would include nine video streams coming from security cameras, weather service and news reports, as well as DVD and VCR.

With Activu we're able to display and interact with our energy control system...We couldn't do this before."
Paul Rapcienski, Facilities Manager

As a network-based solution, the Activu software suite was embedded in their existing network, enabling operators to dynamically change information in response to changing conditions. "With Activu, were able to display and interact with our energy control system, energizing and de-energizing circuits as customer demand shifts, or to focus on lightning monitoring instead of flow control during storms. We couldnt do this before," Rapcienski continues. Activu Services designed and built a new display environment in two locations. In the Utilities Transmission area, the new wall is composed of a 3 x 3 matrix of LCD display cubes, delivering several benefits: greater resolution providing more pixel real estate, allowing more information to be displayed; front access cubes support easier service; and the narrow display cube cabinet depth freed up space. The Activu system was extended to the new trading room at PSE&G Energy Resources & Trade, where two additional walls were added to facilitate information sharing and collaboration.

www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1

STEC
Case Study

The cost/benefit equation was excellent. The service and functionality proposition was the best available and the total decision process was a positive."
Darrell Klimitchek, Manager of Technical Services Department

The Client

South Texas Electric Cooperative (STEC), headquartered in Nursery Texas, is a generation and transmission cooperative organized for the purpose of providing dependable, wholesale electricity to rural areas of Texas. STEC and its eight distribution cooperatives serve a 26 county area on and adjacent to the Coastal Bend of Texas, supplying electricity to approximately 80,000 rural homes and businesses.

The Challenge

STEC installed a display wall in 1995 that was stressed to its limits during the next seven years of 24/7 operation. With the need to upgrade, STEC defined key requirements related to a lower total cost of ownership, easy maintenance, and strong reliable service. But more importantly, they identified an additional requirement that would ensure future viability: the system must allow operators to quickly and easily change the information that was displayed, based on having access to a wide range of information. The Operations Control Center needed this capability to act efficiently in formulating an informed response to any critical situation.

The Solution

The Activu network-based visualization and collaboration solution enables operators to display standard data information (e.g. electrical grid, sensor monitoring) and allows them to dynamically change this with the click of a button. The solution also displays video feeds coming from security cameras, weather monitors and news feeds. Activu provided the tool for improving situational awareness for operators giving them the capability to dynamically combine and re-combine pertinent information as needed during an event. Activu Services installed a display wall using a 3 x 4 matrix of Mitsubishis MegaView Wall 67 DLP projection cubes which require minimal maintenance. The entire system was pre-built and exhaustively tested in the Denville facility before it was installed at the customers site, ensuring minimal disruption to the control room during implementation. Shortly after the installation was completed, Hurricane Claudette took a course directly over the Nursery Texas operations center. They weathered the storm with minimum disruption by managing and controlling resources effectively, due in part to the new visualization system, providing the tools to respond quickly and efficiently.

www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1

Case Study
The Client

TSA

The Transportation Security Administration was formed as part of the Department of Homeland Security immediately following the tragedies of Sept. 11 with responsibility for transportation security. With state, local and regional partners, the TSA oversees security for highways, railroads, buses, mass transit systems, ports and 459 airports across the USA. They employ approximately 50,000 people from Alaska to Puerto Rico.

The Challenge

The TSA Transportation Security Operations Center (TSOC), recently renamed the Freedom Center, tracks all types of air traffic, from commercial to cargo and general aviation. The TSOC wanted to remove the obstacles hindering situational awareness within and beyond the TSOC Watch Floor by giving personnel: more efficient access to more information residing outside of their local network. the ability to share information with senior leadership situated elsewhere in the facility, as well as with Operations Centers at major airports around the country.

The Solution

Activu was enlisted to design and build a net-centric, secure information display system that leveraged their existing infrastructure (ie. information, network and display devices), and solved their information sharing problems. As a software-based solution embedded into their network, Activu enabled access to a wide range of intelligence and law enforcement information sources located throughout the wider network environment, thus creating a larger ecosystem of real time information. Activu similarly also expanded their ability to share information with anyone in their network. For example, TSOC personnel are now able to push individual or compiled sets of information to senior leadership to provide them with a comprehensive real time view of situations without requiring their physical presence on the TSOC floor. Collaboration with the many Operations Centers in airports around the country is also significantly improved. Using the example of a suspects photo and critical details, where the TSOC had previously relied upon for mass distribution, they can now post important information immediately on large walls or desktop panels in each of the Operations Centers, making it highly visible within critical timelines. Another example is FAA-provided Air Picture radar which can now be easily distributed to other airports which do not receive this information.

www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1

TWP
Activu meets our needs for a large scale information display system, and since it is a software-based solution running on standard HP servers, we have the added benefit of being able to easily and economically upgrade when the time comes."
Dan Lewis, Vice President of Information Technologies
Thomas Weisel Partners LLC (TWP) is an investment bank specializing in the growth sectors of the economy including the technology, healthcare and consumer sectors. Their investment banking, brokerage, and equity research groups focus on servicing U.S. and international emerging growth companies and institutional investors. Thomas Weisel Asset Management includes four private equity investment funds, growth portfolios and a distribution management service for private equity and venture capital funds.

Case Study

The Client

The Challenge

TWP needed a new large-scale visualization and collaboration solution in their San Francisco, Boston and New York offices. The system needed to provide Thomas Weisel Partners with the most advanced information delivery and display solution available, including the ability to dynamically link sites for data and video conferencing.

The Solution

Activu is a network-based software solution that easily integrated into TWPs existing computer network, allowing instant display and control of any local or remote computer source. The visual information from any source can be re-sized and positioned on any of the display walls, with no limit to the number of network applications that can be simultaneously displayed. Activu can also display multiple video sources, from cable news channels to video presentations, providing traders with financial news broadcasts in addition to centralized trading information. Since Activu uses standard brand-name servers, it integrated smoothly into TWP's existing network. Activu systems in San Francisco, New York and Boston are dynamically linked for video/data conferencing and information sharing, supported by multipoint system control and remote system monitoring. The Activu system at TWP's San Francisco headquarters is comprised of three display walls. The largest is 68 long, making it one of the largest display walls on a financial trading floor to date. There are two 4 by 11 display walls in their Boston office, and the New York office also has two display walls (4 by 24 and 4 by 8). All of these display systems use stateof-the-art modular LCD rear-projection panels which are just 16 inches deep.

www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1

Arlington EOC
"Because of our new system, we can do more things than we had ever done before. Our police and fire reps are amazed by the technology which gives them access to multiple sources of information."
Irish Hancock, City of Arlington Office of Emergency Management

Case Study

The Client

Arlington Texas, located within the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area, is home to more than 350,000 residents. Its the 50th largest city in the United States, according to a 2007 U.S. Census Bureau and has an increasing rate of tourists, ranking it as one of the top three most visitedcities in the U.S.

The Challenge

One should expect these statistics considering that Arlington boasts a newly constructed stadium for the Dallas Cowboys (host of the 2011 Super Bowl) and Texas Rangers Ballpark. With this kind of growth, the city of Arlington knew they needed to upgrade their emergency operations center (EOC) which doubled as their cafeteria. The EOC was obsolete; the part-time EOC/part-time cafeteria was littered with old projectors with two ceiling mounted drop-down screens, two TVs, a DVD and VCR not an ideal set up to maintain and increase situational awareness. What Arlington needed was a true command and control center that provided total situational awareness of the citys area for C2 decisions to improve public safety management and personnel response. A team lead by Irish Hancock had one clear goal in mind, to improve situational awareness in their control room by increasing communications and the sharing of information. The system would be the crux by which Arlington could increase response time to stay one step ahead of natural disasters, traffic incidents, and security issues, in an effort to better protect the city and its residents. And with Activus collaborative capabilities they would be able to easily connect multiple work groups and remote sites over the network.

The Solution

In 2007, the existing space was renovated, doubling its size to create a state-of-the-art, five thousand square foot Office of Emergency Management. The EOC (1500 square feet) is comprised of a 13x5 video display wall and four LCD panels, powered by Activu software. At any given time, the system is monitoring six TV stations, DVD content, and up to thirty IP video cameras on the display wall. Additionally, they display a total of sixteen IP video cameras on the four LCD panels to monitor traffic patterns. The EOC is taking advantage of this increased situational awareness for police and fire officials responsible for monitoring and responding to traffic conditions, weather effects, and situations caused by conditions in and around the citys entertainment hubs. The investment in a newly designed EOC proved invaluable in August of 2008 when Hurricane Gustav the Louisiana coast and again in September of 2008 when Hurricane Ike hit the Texas coast. Both hurricanes displaced thousands of residents, with the City of Arlington responsible for the shelter operation for the hundreds of evacuees seeking shelter within their jurisdiction. While monitoring the current situation the EOC had the ability to better prepare for the reception of evacuees displaced due to the two hurricanes. Consequently, the situational awareness the Activu system provided, allowed the Arlington Incident Commander and Emergency Management Staff to make better informed decision for repatriation of the evacuees to their home areas once the mandatory evacuations were lifted.
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www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1

"The best improvement that we have seen is the ability to bring together multiple sources of information and communication to improve our overall situational awareness."
Irish Hancock, City of Arlington Office of Emergency Management

The Solution (contd)

During the planning stages, the OEM team predicted they would occasionally be handling 24/7 emergencies. For this reason, 24/7 system support was a requirement from vendors bidding on their job. When support was necessary, they wanted instant service so that their responsiveness would not be compromised.

The Results

What the city didnt realize was that their new system could provide increased situational awareness for multiple agencies within Arlington responsible for public safety. The functionality integrated into the new EOC would allow for these agencies to improve their response times and performance. Because of our new system, we can do more things than we had ever done before and were always finding new ways to use it said Irish Hancock, Emergency Management Administrator, City of Arlington Office of Emergency Management. Our police and fire reps are amazed by the technology which gives them access to multiple sources of information. With direct access to Activu support staff, the city saw a clear value in contracting Activu to design and build their EOC. The city can quickly resolve issues with the same engineers that developed the software. The citys popularity keeps the EOC very active. With events like Dallas Cowboy games, averaging 85,000 spectators, 2010 NBA All Stars Game, the 2011 Super Bowl, concert events and many more, Arlington is confident in its ability to protect the safety of its residents and visitors with a 13 ft wide view of known conditions with the ability to dynamically change, input and annotate screen content. Whats more, Arlingtons Traffic Management Center is running an identical Activu system which could be easily fully integrated with the EOC in the future. For now, the TMC works closely with the EOC to change street lights and redirect traffic when necessary. Together, they were able to manage the exit of 60,000stadium attendees in less than an hour and twenty minutes using the Activu system. The best improvement that we have seen is the ability to bring together multiple sources of information and communication to improve our overall situational awareness. Irish Hancock, Emergency Management Administrator, City of Arlington Office of Emergency Management.

www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1

INSCOM with GDIT

The Client

Case Study

The DCGS-A (Distributed Common Ground System - Army) program was launched to establish the core framework for a global distributed, network centric, system-ofsystems architecture, enabling collaborative intelligence operations and production, and providing actionable intelligence to the warfighter. Consistent with these goals, INSCOM had identified the need for a transformational system capable of improving CONUS/ OCONUS situational awareness and effective collaboration.

The Challenge

The GDIT team, headed up by Lamar Thames, recognized the challenges and deficiencies in the existing information display systems used in INSCOM's command and control (C2) centers around the world. Each existed as its own operational environment, with an interior network containing a specific and finite number of information sources that were directly connected to the display wall or panels in the C2 center. Consequently, personnel could not access information in other physical locations, nor share information with those located elsewhere in the same facility or at other installations. Personnel were ill-equipped to get the full benefit of visual information coming from a global and diverse range of sources. Previously, video teleconferencing and phone/ audio conferencing provided the only real means of information sharing, posing limitations for sharing of tactical data and visual collaboration. With the drive towards a net-centric model, it was critical that any alternative solution must comply with security requirements for the display and control of sources coming from multiple segregated networks.

The Solution

Activu Corporation, with its experience in designing & building large scale turnkey display systems, was identified as providing a high potential solution that exemplified the net-centric approach the US military is embracing. Activu software solution is integrated into an existing IP network infrastructure, and utilizes COTS server and display hardware. Trever Anderson, the DCGS-A program Project Manager, evaluated the Activu solution, also comparing it to other options available on the market, and concluded that Activu presented the best solution for several reasons: As a network-centric solution, Activu software enabled personnel to access information in any location, transport and display wherever it was required (or allowed), locally and remotely, providing information sharing and remote collaboration across multiple bases and INSCOM units. Activu's software model overcame common problems related to hardware-based routing and video matrix switch systems. These take up a lot of space to layout the cable and box infrastructure, and are difficult and costly to scale. Activu harnesses the existing network infrastructure, and its system servers are contained in a single rack, saving considerable space. The software approach provides greater flexibility for accessing information sources through the network rather than being constrained by technical limitations of rigid hardware configurations. At the same time, Activu can support both strict MLS network segregation requirements and user rights policies. www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1
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The Solution (contd)

"Activu has delivered the tools and capability to help improve coordination, command and control from the War Room to strategic leadership"
Lamar Thanes, GDIT

Activu's open architecture delivers a flexible, easy-to-use solution for managing all types of information that create real time situational awareness: streaming video from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Predator feeds, surveillance cameras, satellite intelligence, web-enabled applications. Data applications, using industry standard operating systems, can be displayed together on any device. Activu users gain a level of control over information sources that greatly enhances their capabilities and efficiency. For example, users can remotely access to display resident files and/or graphical information on Department of Defense Intelligence Information Systems (DODIIS)-trusted workstations. Surveillance cameras in any location can be remotely activated and controlled, and audio sources can be controlled through Activu.

The Activu team, composed of Sales, Engineering and Operations, worked closely with Robert Skipper (Senior Network Engineer) to develop an in-depth understanding of all operating and technical requirements. "The thoroughness of the planning phase proved invaluable later during implementation because we could avoid problems of incorrect or missing technical information, or misunderstandings regarding functional capability" said Skipper. In addition to integrating the Activu system with multiple classified/unclassified networks and their associated information sources, the execution required the correct implementation of segregated display on the wall and panels. Different types of audio systems were also integrated - wall/ ceiling mounted room speakers as well as individual desktop headset systems - with each being controlled through Activu.

The Results

"Activu has delivered the tools and capability to help improve coordination, command and control from the War Room to strategic leadership" says Lamar Thanes. This Activu solution has been successfully implemented, beginning in late 2004 and continuing on into 2009. Having completed installations at bases from Fort Shafter to and Fort Gordon to Darmstadt, Germany, the focus of the next phase will be towards the implementation of multiple extension node bases. Activu systems are widely used to deliver secure collaboration, content management and device control in Multi-Level System network (MLS) environments. They have been reviewed by multiple Designated Approval Authorities (DAA) and authorized for use in Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIF) by multiple Cognizant Security Agencies (CSA). Compatible with DoD STIGs & NSA SNACs Currently operates in major DoD & IC networks Compatible with DISA Gold/ Platinum disks Operates on MAC I- Mac III assurance policies Reviewed by community CTTAs Meets TEMPEST standards DoD compliant Log In / Password Complexity Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) compliant encryption > 160-bit SHA1 hashes encryption for user passwords > 192-bit TripleDES encryption for communication between Activu components > 256-bit encryption with new Activu Agent Pro Detailed log files to track activities www.activu.com | 1-888-activu-1