Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Motorola Launches SmartX Solution to Enable Gradual Migration to ASTRO(R) 25 Voice and Data Networks

Texas Wide Area Radio Network deploys solution for interoperability and flexibility during its phased Project 25 transition

LAS VEGAS, Aug 17, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- APCO 2009 (Booth 824) -- Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today announced the launch of its SmartX migration solution that allows for the gradual transition from an existing SmartZone(R) system to an ASTRO(R) 25 voice and data network. 

An ASTRO 25 system with SmartX supports both Project 25 (P25) sites and SmartZone sites, allowing a combination of analog and P25 digital radios to operate on the network for enhanced interoperability and flexibility. ASTRO 25 with SmartX enables agencies to gradually expand, upgrade or replace RF sites, consoles and subscribers to ASTRO 25. 

The Texas Wide Area Radio Network (TxWARN), based out of Harris County, Texas, deployed the SmartX migration solution in order to make the transition to a region wide P25 system. The Harris County Region includes 12 surrounding counties, which support more than 260 separate agencies and 44,320 users operating on a combined SmartZone and ASTRO 25 system, utilizing 43 sites. 

"Interoperability and flexibility were the two factors in our transition to P25 that could not be compromised, and Motorola's SmartX solution is helping ensure a seamless move," said Steve Jennings, Harris County chief information officer. "We needed a migration solution that would allow individual agencies to make the change at their own pace, leveraging funds when available, but remaining completely interoperable in the event of an emergency or disaster such as a hurricane." 

ASTRO 25 with SmartX allows agencies to fully leverage their existing RF sites, dispatch console and subscriber investments, while offering the highest levels of interoperability between legacy and P25 users. Automatically supporting mixed talkgroups with no patching required, SmartX maximizes user interoperability during migration. 

"We specifically designed the SmartX migration solution to help ease the challenges agencies are having while migrating to a P25 system," said Bob Schassler, Motorola senior vice president, Enterprise Mobility Solutions. "Providing reliable radio communications for first responders while minimizing user impact is absolutely imperative. We want to ensure that agencies can grow and make long-term investments to enhance interoperability." 

By enabling a phased approach to achieving P25 interoperability, SmartX migration helps agencies surpass public safety requirements for day-to-day operations and emergency response throughout the transition. 

For multimedia assets from APCO, visit APCO 2009 Press Kit. Also follow us on Facebook and Twitter. 

About Motorola 

Motorola is known around the world for innovation in communications and is focused on advancing the way the world connects. From broadband communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility and public safety solutions to high-definition video and mobile devices, Motorola is leading the next wave of innovations that enable people, enterprises and governments to be more connected and more mobile. Motorola (NYSE: MOT) had sales of US $30.1 billion in 2008.


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