For Release: January 7, 2005
Contact: Michele Shimkus, (260) 469-4411

SentryPoints Introduces Executive Dashboard Software
New product complements Executive Command Center model

(Fort Wayne, Ind.)--SentryPoints, LLC, a provider of homeland security and public safety software and systems, recently introduced the Executive Dashboard, a new software product that serves as an executive command system for municipal government leaders. Designed to act in concert with SentryPoints' Executive Command Center (EC2) model, the Executive Dashboard provides critical information in near real time by linking first responders' command and control systems, 911 emergency response systems, 311 non-emergency systems, and automated Threat and Vulnerability Assessment systems, all which are available from SentryPoints.

In addition to linking these systems, the Executive Dashboard provides data exchange capability and presents priority information in a single window, giving the user an overview of the situation at hand. The user can then drill down further to get more detailed information in additional screens from either the Executive Dashboard interface or from another application running on the same system.

SentryPoints Chairman Paul Helmke, former mayor of Fort Wayne and past president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, said that the Executive Dashboard offers an improved level of streamlined functionality when compared to other existing solutions.

"When a mayor is faced with a crisis situation," Helmke said, "time is not on his side. That's why we've designed the Executive Dashboard system to provide an overview of the situation at a glance. It allows the mayor to understand the big picture before deploying resources."

One of the key features offered by the Executive Dashboard is remote access via the Internet. This gives the user access the Dashboard regardless of time of day or location, even via a dial-up connection. Helmke explains that this feature recognizes the real world in which mayors live.

"When you're on the road as a mayor," he states, "you need to stay in touch with your operations and emergency management people. Technology has done wonders for communications, but we think the Executive Dashboard improves upon even the best that technology has to offer. While it's not quite the same as being at your desk, it's the next best thing--and in an emergency, it's crucial to have that level of comfort."

In acknowledging that the communications continuum includes those outside of municipal government, the Executive Dashboard also allows the user to view headline news from local, state, and national media, again in a single window. This gives the user an overview of the stories being covered from a variety of sources without performing multiple searches or visiting multiple media web sites. Future plans include a user interface that will allow for keyword entry and user-defined settings that allow for richer, customized search capabilities. Like other dashboard features, this information can be accessed remotely over any standard Internet connection.

Helmke said that the Executive Dashboard is designed to overcome the limitations of existing options, which he says are often incompatible or even unworkable as stand-alone systems.

"It's critical for systems to communicate and share information," he stated. "Stovepipe solutions for individual agencies no longer provide the diverse data collection, processing, and visual display capabilities required for true command and control.   We believe the Executive Dashboard gives city leaders the most current and accurate information to make the best possible decisions for their communities and the safety of their citizens."