New Emergency Alerting Server Sends Critical Alerts Over Both SMS and Wi-Fi, Reaching Larger Audience Reliably

OTTAWA - Amika Mobile in partnership with Meru Networks introduces the first emergency notification system to operate over Wi-Fi networks, enabling delivery of potentially life-saving alerts not only to mobile phones but to any devices connected to wireless LANs.

Amika Mobile's new Emergency Alerting Edition Server uses Meru Networks' single-channel wireless LAN solution as a platform for sending reliable emergency messages over Wi-Fi links across campuses, cities, or geographically distributed areas. As the first system able to use either text messaging (SMS) or Wi-Fi to send such alerts, the Server can reach greater numbers of people more reliably in less time than SMS-only systems.

The Server complies with FEMA's FPC 65 legislative directive, which mandates all levels of government implement Emergency Notification Systems in preparation for declaring and acting on a catastrophe.

"Emergency events such as campus shootings and lockdowns have created a critical need for the immediate broadcast and delivery of simultaneous alerts on mobile devices to all members of the affected community within seconds," said Sue Abu-Hakima, President/ CEO of Amika Mobile. "SMS is important, but most carriers cannot deliver mobile phone connectivity everywhere. With Wi-Fi, any device connected to an access point receives an alert immediately. This reduces the need to collect and maintain mobile phone numbers."

"The Wi-Fi component of an emergency alerting system must be absolutely reliable because it could make a difference in saving lives," said Rachna Ahlawat, Meru's vice president of marketing. "Meru's single-channel, virtual cell architecture is ideally suited for such systems because it minimizes co-channel interference and eliminates the 'handoff' issues that arise with other approaches when users move between access points."

The Amika Mobility Server provides an alert broadcasting system, sending critical public safety information to communities in real-time. Images may also be attached directing people to safety. Alerts are transmitted via SMS (TXT) to any mobile phone or any WiFi device. Both Email and Voice are also supported.