APD Communications gains ESN accreditation

Software developed by APD Communications is the first to be officially certified to support the UK’s new Emergency Services Network (ESN).

The software, Cortex, has been accredited by the Network Approval Testing Service (NATS).

Cortex is a software-only Integrated Communication Control System (ICCS), currently deployed to answer emergency calls and communicate with frontline responders in more than 70 control rooms around the world.

The software brings radio, telephony, CCTV and access control together on one screen.

“We’re delighted to gain this accreditation for our ICCS software, which is the result of many months of work by our development teams and collaboration with the Home Office, emergency services organisations and our technology partners,” said APD Managing Director Mike Isherwood.

“We’re totally committed to ensuring existing and future customers are prepared for ESN, to ensure they experience a seamless transition and are able to maximise the benefits from this revolution in life-saving communications.

Mobile network operator EE is responsible for building the LTE (long term evolution) network and providing network coverage, while Motorola Solutions is delivering the user services and critical public safety applications on top of the network.

Motorola Solutions has established NATS as the testing service for suppliers seeking certification that their technology is ESN compliant and can be part of the new communications framework.

“NATS is a vital part of the preparations and enabling procedures for ESN. It is a rigorous and demanding process and sets the bar very high for ESN compliance,” said Motorola Solutions ESN Programme Director Mick Rhodes.

APD Technical Manager and ESN Lead Sean Hancock said: “Achieving this accreditation validates the highly structured process we applied to this challenge. We built a dedicated team and infrastructure for the project, as well as an in-house test environment.

“The core functionality of Cortex is ready for ESN and provides further assurance to existing and future customers that it will deliver a business-as-usual transition to the new network.

Image courtesy APD Communications.

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