In order to boost efficiency and reduce operational costs, CenturyLink has launched a cloud-based managed emergency call handling service.
The subscription-based service enables public safety organizations to migrate their on-premise call management solutions to the cloud while also allowing them to receive real-time delivery of new functionalities, including critical updates, without buying new equipment.
CenturyLink's managed emergency call handling service can work within a larger next-gen 9-1-1 deployment or as a standalone equipment upgrade. CenturyLink said in today's press release that its managed emergency call handling supports other major call handling platforms, which allows its customers to stay current with the core technologies they're already using.
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“Our managed emergency call handling solution can help public safety organizations agencies improve IT agility by migrating call management services to the cloud,” said CenturyLink's Thuy Ha, vice president, voice and real-time communications, in a statement. “As more communities move to next-generation 9-1-1, they may need to maintain legacy environments while implementing new technologies."
Next-generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) is a system based on modern internet protocol-based networks using advanced texting and video messaging, according to a CenturyLink blog by Craig Librett. Linking communications networks across state and local governments, the solution enables emergency services to access a faster, more resilient system for data sharing and communications.
The ultimate goal is for all emergency communications to take place on IP-based public safety answer points (PSAPs) via a standardized platform, according to Librett.