MAC2

2006 Consensus Software Awards

Product Description

Australian Technology Information Pty Limited (ATI) is a privately owned Australian Company incorporated in the Australian Capital Territory. As a Small to Medium Enterprise with an established presence in the Australian Defence and Aerospace markets, ATI contributes to the industrial capability of Australia in the high technology sector.

ATI has developed the Mobile Asset Command and Control (MAC²) Network. The system is a “Real-Time” independent mobile digital communications network with a self-healing, self-replicating capability. MAC² does not depend on any form of fixed telecommunications infrastructure to operate. Thus, ensuring complete independence from towers and power, which are crucial in supporting other communication systems, as in the cellular and landline environments. 

NB: Independence from infrastructure proves critical in catastrophic events where existing infrastructure is taken out as did happen in the 2003 Canberra Bushfires, the Boxing Day Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and most recently the Turkey/Pakistan Earthquake.

Terrorist events also have the ability to overload existing infrastructure rendering it useless, and in some cases may be turned off purposely to prevent further attacks, i.e. the September 11 Terrorist Attacks on NY/DC and the more recent London Bombings. 

The MAC² Mobile Unit (MMU) offers an operator two-way digital communications between assets and an HQ, or can simply provide a data path automatically to an HQ without any operator intervention. Each MMU acts as an automatic relay station and effectively extends the line of sight range of a UHF/VHF radio by the number and range of the participants in the actual network, up to 125 units and 44,000 kilometers².

Data relating to a platform’s location and status is transmitted and received via the system's unique Message Transport Layer (MTL), which has been developed to carry any form of information, such as GPS data, free text messages, command orders, status reports, digital imagery and special point. This information can be loaded into a Common Operating Picture (COP). The COP is able to translate disparate feeds, i.e. fire and police into one picture, which is important in disastrous events, where Emergency Management Services (EMS) who do not usually work together need to. It is evident from recent events that EMS and Military have great difficulty communicating with each other as well.

Innovation

The MAC² Network system is innovative because ATI has taken Military technology and applied it to the Civil Emergency Services areas, where it is urgently needed.

The technology is cutting edge and by enabling disparate communications systems to upload to the COP, different agencies can communicate and work together in a more efficient manner.

In a real example of a communications malfunction before MAC²:   A helicopter Pilot in the 2003 Canberra Bushfires was ordered to drop water on a burning fire truck. The pilot was told to go to Street "X". The Pilot, a Volunteer from Queensland, had no idea where Street "X" was, even though he was only two blocks away! The million dollar fire truck was destroyed.

In the same scenario with a MAC² Network HQ, and an MMU onboard the helicopter, the Pilot only need look at the coordinates sent to him via the free text functionality to know the exact location of the asset. With the MAC² system in place, not only would the Pilot know where to go via correct GPS coordinates, but he would know where the nearest water source was, where the fire-line was, what the temperature and wind speeds were, and if other aircraft were in or around his airspace.

MAC² follows in the concept of “ad-hoc, self replicating and Mesh” networks. However the unique features of the system are:

1.) MAC² does not rely on infrastructure at all and works where there never will be infrastructure, i.e. bodies of water, remote deserts and wilderness environments;

2.) MAC² is completely mobile and is approved to operate from air, land and water based assets;

3.) The system can operate in both urban and rural environments, where other systems tend to concentrate on urban due to their limited range capability and expensive price.

4.) The system can have multiple Headquarters to support multiple incidents and can share a Common Operating Picture (COP) between HQ and forward HQ;

5.) Participants enjoy high speed entering and exiting from the network;

6.) MAC² can be integrated to work with existing infrastructure (as was done for the ACT Emergency Services Authority (ESA) with their existing CAD system);

7.) Rapidly deployable - With each participant actively providing a relay function, a network can be established immediately from turning on the equipment;

8.) MAC² is more versatile, and has a longer range than other systems; and

9.) Independence from infrastructure means our product is very environmentally friendly.

Performance

MAC² has been purchased by the ACT ESA and the Royal Australian Navy.  ATI has other projects in the works, which include Military and Civilian interests both nationally and internationally .

The system was trialed by the ACT ESA to help with command and control during the 2003 Canberra Bushfires, which initiated their interest prior to purchase “sole-source”.  The system was also employed to aid in security during the American and Chinese Presidential visits to Canberra.  In fact, MAC² has been trialed on numerous occasions for various Emergency Services, branches of the Military and members of Parliament.

ATI most recently received the Emergency Management Australia Safer Communities Award, of which a copy will be included along with other pertinent documentation and references.

Potential

In this ever increasing hostile environment where terrorism and global environmental events have conspired to initiate a communications network which is not reliant on fixed infrastructure or cellular telephone systems, our product is sought out by various Government agencies around the world.  ATI’s potential market is vast and growing at a phenomenal rate. 

ATI continues to invest in research and development to keep at the cutting edge of technology.  We strive to create a product of uncompromising quality for our existing and potential clients.  We are an extremely flexible company, our product is highly adaptable, and we can customize the MAC² Network system in both size and technology to suit our clients’ diverse needs.

Other information the judges should know

ATI recently received the Emergency Management Australia Capital Territory Safer Communities Award 2005 for “MAC²” in the: Highly Commended Combination Stream Pre-Disaster Category.

Further, ATI actively involves itself in the local community though donations of time, money and/or capability to such causes as:

• Firelink® (a.k.a. MAC²) capability and full through life support to Southcare Helicopter;

• Emergency Services Authority Field Days two years running;

• HMAS Canberra Bike Ride 20-22 July 2005 to raise money for the Paediatrics and Child Health Wing of the Canberra Hospital;

• February 2005/2006 Convoy for Cancer Kids & Families;

• 2005 Cancer Kids Christmas Party; and

• Annual donations to the Rotary Club of Canberra "Circus Quirkus" for Special Needs Children

For more information, please visit:  www.austechinfo.com.au

Attachments:

MAC² Network Overview

ESA & AFP References

EMA Safer Communities Award Press Release

MAC² Network Presentation

Content Copyright©Australian Technology Information, Pty Limited
Format Copyright©Consensus Pty Ltd

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