Chosen for its ability to identify exactly where an alarm is located and the nature of its environment, the network-based Keltron system receives alarm information using various transmission technologies and existing fire panels. The system displays a wide range of critical life safety information to the dispatchers at the City's central monitoring station, enabling them to respond to critical life safety events quickly and accurately.

"The more detailed information our dispatchers have about the nature of an alarm, the more effectively they can determine the best response" notes Frank Punzo, the City's deputy commissioner of communications for the Department of Public Property. The Department of Public Property manages the physical infrastructure that supports City government operations.

The Keltron system enabled the City to maintain its existing dialer infrastructure. Berkshire Systems Group, Inc. provided the system and maintains it for the City. "We just installed the system, plugged in the existing telephone lines and began testing and programming the system", says Mike Cirulli, senior applications specialist for Berkshire Systems Group, Inc., "none of the City's customers needed to change or replace their equipment." The City plans to enhance their new system with full redundancy in the future.