OPENTST

During emergencies, critical messages such as weather alerts, warnings, and resource requests are disseminated to the public and other emergency response agencies so they can be prepared.


Alerting agencies use industry messaging standards called Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and Emergency Data Exchange Language (EDXL). These standards allow information to be shared across many different systems by flowing through a central information exchange hub called the OPEN Network.


But how do agencies know their messages are reaching their intended audience? How do technology companies that develop systems compliant with CAP and EDXL know that their systems are exchanging information with the OPEN Network effectively?


The answer is Previstar's OPENTST™.

Overview

OPENTST™ is a simple, non-intrusive software application that ensures critical information sent using CAP 1.1 or EDXL DE is getting to the right people at the right time.


The system verifies that messages are exchanged effectively within the OPEN Network. Installation is complete in minutes and users can be fully trained in less than 1 hour.


Why OPENTST™?

Because the exchange of information is critical to safety.


  • Only system designed to monitor, test, and validate CAP message transmissions
  • Currently used by NIMS Support Center to support their testing of CAP and EDXL technologies for their NIMS Support Technology Evaluation Program (NIMS STEP)

Capabilities

  • Verifies that distributed information (including attachments) is accepted by the OPEN Network, so that it can be processed and disseminated to the appropriate audience
  • Confirms that systems are receiving information from the OPEN Network
  • Provides an interim tool for sharing basic information across the OPEN network for users that do not have a system currently in place

FAQ

What is Common Alerting Protocol (CAP)?


The Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) is a simple but general format for exchanging all-hazard emergency alerts and public warnings over all kinds of networks. CAP allows a consistent warning message to be disseminated simultaneously over many different warning systems, thus increasing warning effectiveness while simplifying the warning task. CAP also facilitates the detection of emerging patterns in local warnings of various kinds, such as might indicate an undetected hazard or hostile act. And CAP provides a template for effective warning messages.


For more information click here.


What is EDXL DE?


This Distribution Element specification describes a standard message distribution framework for data sharing among emergency information systems using the XML-based Emergency Data Exchange Language (EDXL).


For more information click here.


Procurement Options

  • Licensed Model - OPENTST costs $2900.00 plus 20% annual maintenance starting year two. (Price includes training)