Digitize, Firetide Form Alliance To Market Cost-Saving Mesh Technology

Lake Hopatcong, N. J., Fire, security and life safety professionals, as well as building operating managers, can now use wireless connectivity to gain better alarm monitoring and response supervision. Available from Digitize and employing wireless mesh technology from Firetide, this new approach reduces the cost of installing or retrofitting alarm systems  across buildings and campuses — often dramatically —  and increases overall efficiency.

According to Digitize, the wireless system is ideal for campus environments, including colleges and universities, military bases, municipalities, hazardous material sites, medical facilities and industrial complexes. Installing or retrofitting a wireless system eliminates the need for time-consuming cabling, the company says, which often costs as much as $300 per linear foot.

“An Excellent Option”

“Wireless connectivity is an excellent option for both new construction and retrofit projects,” says Abraham Brecher, President of Digitize. “Wireless mesh technology ensures rapid deployment. And ease of installation, combined with cost-effectiveness, allows building managers to set up proprietary, stand-alone networks without involving information technology groups.”

Firetide networks offer multiple layers of security, including recent standards like WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2), WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), and AES encryption. The networks also incorporate the company proprietary encapsulation mechanisms to protect data streams from interception or decoding. The networks operate in the 2.4 GHz, 4.9 GHz (U. S. public safety licenses band), and 5 GHz frequency ranges.

“Unique in the Industry”

“This combined solution is unique in the fire protection and monitoring industry,” says Bo Larsson, Chief Executive Officer of Firetide. “The Digitize system delivers intelligent monitoring, while the Firetide wireless mesh network functions as a virtual Ethernet switch, securely distributing intelligence to deliver self-healing and self-configuring capabilities. We’re pleased to work with another industry leader to boost performance, lower costs and better protect life and property.”

The Digitize/Firetide system includes an alarm monitor/receiver that manages alarm information and transmits data within the mesh network. Other components include a remote operator interface that annunciates and catalogs all text and data at alternate locations; and wireless-enabled data-gathering modules that transmit inputs from remote locations.

Self-Contained, Easily Repositioned

The system is self-contained and easily repositioned.  In addition to fire and life safety alarm monitoring, the wireless Digitize/Firetide system can be expanded to support mass notification, video surveillance, building operating management, HVAC and access control.  Digitize will pursue a certification for this system to become ANSI 864 9th Edition compliant during the first quarter of 2009.  Digitize is ISO 9001 certified, ensuring the company’s commitment to total customer satisfaction.

Firetide, Inc.

Firetide is the leading provider of wireless mesh and access networks that enable concurrent video, voice and data transmission in municipal, public safety and enterprise applications. The reliable, high performance systems meet the growing need for rapid deployment and high mobility. Privately held, the company is headquartered in Los Gatos, Calif., and markets worldwide. Firetide maintains a Web site at www.firetide.com.

Digitize International, Inc.

Digitize International, Inc., headquartered in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proprietary alarm monitoring systems. The company has more than 6,000 installations worldwide. Users include government and military installations, industrial complexes, research facilities, university and college campuses, public school systems, hospitals and municipalities. The company’s Web site is www.digitize-inc.com.

Ease of installation, outstanding alarm monitoring, broad coverage and simultaneous two-way radio, alarm data, voice and video communication characterize the wireless networks available from Digitize. Featuring Firetide mesh technology, the systems excel in campus and municipal environments.