Schiphol Trials CiscoSchiphol Trials Cisco

AMSTERDAM -- Schiphol Telematics today showcased, for the first time in Europe, Cisco's (NASDAQ:CSCO - News) new IP Interoperability and Collaboration System (Cisco IPICS) technology -- a communication system designed to easily integrate multiple push-to-talk radio systems together with other communication resources like voice, video and data devices.

These next generation capabilities are designed to allow organizations to collaborate more easily on daily operations, safety, security, and emergency management scenarios across different networks, both wired and wireless.

Schiphol Telematics is a licensed telecom operator to Schiphol Airport Authority and is one of the first organizations in Europe to undertake an Early Field Trial of Cisco IPICS.

"As the service provider to companies based at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, it is important to provide more than connectivity alone. With solutions like Cisco IPICS technology we can provide an intelligent network for integrated communications and collaboration," said Ras Lalmy, CEO Schiphol Telematics. "Our goal with the Cisco IPICS technology Early Field Trial is to show our customers how Cisco IPICS can improve their operations and develop services based on their requirements."

Cisco Systems has demonstrated the advanced capabilities in Cisco Internet Protocol (based) Interoperability and Collaboration Systems (IPICS) technology and has announced that this will be a new emerging technology area of focus for the company.

Essentially, Cisco has developed a new systems-based approach that can improve operational efficiency, streamline organizational decision-making and emergency safety and security management. Potential organizations that could benefit from these capabilities include large enterprises as well as transportation, retail, finance, public safety, and defense groups.

"Organizations like fire, police departments, army and airports currently communicate using common procedures and rules over separate environments. They are striving to move to true behaviourial interoperability with a common approach and understanding," stated Johan Orsingher, Senior Consultant, Frost & Sullivan. Solutions exist, but require drastic changes in legacy products and operational procedures. A solution which would allow a step by step implementation using existing systems and procedures would reduce human resistance to change and risk."

"Effective communications and collaboration are critical both for enterprise operations and emergency management. Enterprises will benefit from virtualising different resources and making intelligent decisions based on parameters such as time, user roles and responsibilities," said Yvon Le Roux, Vice President, Public Sector, Cisco Systems Europe and Emerging Markets. "Take an airport or a hospital or a bank -- the need for all of these to be able to manage the flow of all types of information, collaborate across multiple networks and organizations, and improve overall operational effectiveness and efficiency is paramount."

Cisco Systems Inc.