Today, Sonim Technologies has announced a partnership with Public Safety Application and Accessories Developers for FirstNet. Sonim Technologies makes the world’s toughest smartphones for extreme environments, and that includes first responders. It’s important for first responders to have a rugged device that they can use to keep in touch with their team and everyone else. Sonim Technologies had created the Ultra-Rugged Developer network. The company announced today that over 100 Android application developers and accessories vendors have joined. And there are now several pilot programs with Police and fire departments are ongoing across the US with more planned in 2015.
“It is critical that as FirstNet becomes a reality and as such the use of broadband becomes more and more prevalent, smartphones, applications and accessories must work together toward the common goal of serving first responders. At Sonim, we are taking the first steps in creating an open consumer-off-the-shelf platform of new and vibrant solutions,” said Bob Plaschke, CEO of Sonim.
This network starts with ultra-rugged smartphones from Sonim, along with some accessories to allow for more effective and efficient communication with integrated and value-added applications. The network is in place to that applications can be developed and deployed as quickly as they are thought up, instead of taking years, as they have historically. On the software side, Sonim is taking steps that are necessary to open their platform and offer resources to the best-in-class app developers. These developers focus on public safety, and only public safety. The platform does offer Sonim’s Sentrify Android API extensions. These include features like “do not disable GPS” and “do not force quit an app”. With these features, the apps can run the way the developers intended. It also means that the user won’t have to worry about their app failing when it’s needed most.
“The idea of integrating devices, applications and accessories for public safety isn’t a new one. What makes Sonim different, is that they have created a truly open platform built on the very latest technologies to empower first responders and get them ready for a world where FirstNet is a reality,” added Michael Helfrich, CEO of Blueforce Development.
Some of the accessory and app partners include Amrel, who develops mobile ID solutions for public safety, Homeland Security, Defense and Industry. There’s also Blueforuce Tactical which enables the rapid formation of tactical teams and facilitates rich information sharing amongst team members using their mobile devices. General Devices is also involved, who provides a revolutionary system for sending and receiving voice, text, data, pictures and video clips. There are many others, too many to list. You can find them all on Sonim Technologies website.