Standards

One of our RF1 clients asked us, "Why should we be worried about 'standards'?" This was in relation to work that we're currently doing for this entity. So, what's the answer?

In general standards generate efficiencies and competitiveness in the sectors that adopt them.
Prime examples of successfully adopted standards include the Internet Protocol (IP), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and Hyperlink (HTML). Could you imagine the state we'd be in if EVERYONE who developed an "app" just did their own thing, their own way? You don't have to look back too far to get my drift. For those of us of a certain age, just click back to the battle between VHS and BETA formats for VCR's. For those of you who don't know what a VCR is, look at the issues today in resolving 3D TV standards.

As they evolve, standards can generate linked effects which exist where the more parties that adopt a particular way of doing something, the greater immediate benefit is achieved to new parties who subsequently adopt the same way of doing it, as well as increasing the value to those who have already adopted it. These linked effects can generate greater economies of scale as costs reduce for example, as mobile phones and the GSM, CDMA and GPRS standards have grown in popularity, the cost of purchasing a handset has reduced significantly. Standards can also increase competition. If a standard approach to development, construction or deployment exists between different suppliers, the choices to the consumer become more broad, therefore leading to a more competitive environment.

Possibly the single most important benefit of standards relates to operational efficiencies. New participants can benefit from the lessons learned by earlier adopters of the process or technology-at-hand.

All this having been said, as evidenced by the references to the cellphone "standards" (GPRS / CDMA / GSM), the best thing about standards is, there are so many to choose from! Don't go blindly into an approach without doing some homework.

It's Hurricane Season, Folks - Are You Ready?

So - Are You Ready?

What should you be doing...RIGHT NOW...to prepare? Here are a few guidelines:



What Steps Should be Taken?

For the Enterprise

Organizations should have a “ready response” initiative in place that will enable them to communicate and respond immediately following a disaster. Ready response could entail pre-staging essential communications equipment, durable mobile communications vehicles, call centers and disaster recovery sites outside the impacted geographic area, mobile command centers and physical security to protect physical assets. The next critical step is to choose the key people, and their alternates, to implement the plan. Take appropriate steps to ensure that they understand their roles and responsibilities in advance.

Organizations should also have a well–written and well-exercised DRP and BCP. Standards such as CobIT, ISO 17799, NFPA 1600 and others are excellent, proven guidelines for such plans. This author suggests that those plans should be aligned with frameworks such as the National Response Framework, the National Incident Management System and the National Critical Infrastructure Protection Plan, as well. I suggest that because, in an incident of national significance, your facilities, employees, distribution systems and infrastructure may become an integral part of a broad-based response effort.

For the Individual

Develop an emergency plan, make sure that everyone in your family knows about it an practices it. No matter what the disaster, the most basic element of planning is to agree on at least two places for families to meet in the event that one’s home becomes unsafe. Develop a solid communications plan – in many cases, it will actually be easier to call long distance than locally. Have a coordination point outside of your local area that family members can contact.

Think of how many displaced families could have been reconnected if this type of preparedness had taken place prior to Katrina.

Part of your planning effort should include the assembly of a “go kit”, containing important papers, prescription pharmaceuticals, non-perishable food, water, batteries, a battery-operated or hand crank-powered weather radio, etc.

Don’t count on help for at least three days after a major disaster event. It may not be there.

Remember that any emergency is local first. FEMA IS NOT A First Responder!!

You should be prepared to be on your own for at least 72 hours. I repeat: FEMA is NOT a First Responder! Go to the FEMA website http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/ ; That may be the only help anyone gets from FEMA until well after any emergency. It’s full of good advice, including a list of items to be included in a “go kit”.

Remember that a Hurricane is one of the very few disaster you can see coming. That said, the advice her will help you be better prepared for ANY disaster.

Stay safe.

FEMA Camps

I have to tell you, it makes me laugh out when I Google "FEMA Camps" and see all the crazy BS out there. As some of you may know, we have been operating such camps for 3 years. Contrary to "Google World", they are NOT interment camps, death camps or concentration camps. Just comfortable, convenient paces to lay your head and eat when responding to disasters.

At least that's what FEMA tells us...