The Problem with Technology...IS YOU!

Do you feel overwhelmed by technology? Are you overwhelmed by the world of "Information Overload"? Are you having difficulty keeping up with the latest gadget? Do you know the meaning of RFID, CDMA, TDMA, EVDO, EDXL, CAP, IM, TREO, BB, GIS, GPS and so on? If your answers to the first three questions were yes and you found yourself wondering just what these abbreviations represent - THEN YOU ARE THE PROBLEM!

While that statement is intended to be an exaggeration, it is an uncomfortable place where many of us find ourselves more than we like to admit. It often seems that we have just reached a level of competence with new technology when it changes and becomes obsolete. As fire service leaders, it is critically important to grasp the general knowledge of what is available, what can truly help your department or agency be more efficient and effective and how to develop effective departmental technology strategies. On December 6 & 7, 2005 the first Fire Service Technology Symposium was co-hosted by International Association of Fire Chiefs and Microsoft at the Redmond, Washington headquarters. The Symposium was an acknowledgement by the IAFC that fire service leaders need more opportunities to learn about technologies and enhance their individual Technology IQ (TIQ - no not TIC). Going into the Technology Symposium development process, the measure of success set by Microsoft would be focused around the ability to reach an attendance of at least 150 fire service leaders from around the country. At the end of the two days, there were over 370 attendees, representing 36 states and 4 countries. This was the most attendees ever for a similar first time Microsoft event. WOW! As usual, the fire service responded famously. The Symposium also linked up with a powerhouse of partners who included Hewlett Packard, ESRI, Intergraph, E-SPONDER, Panasonic Touchbook, Motorola, BIO-Key, TRITECH, NC4 and E Team, FieldSoft, Deccan International, VISIONAIR, Public Aware, grooveNETWORKS, FDM Software, Firehouse Software, DCC, RAMSAFE Technologies, Sprint Together with NEXTEL and NetTalon. IAFC President Chief Bill Killen stated, "IAFC is proud to be working with Microsoft to demonstrate to the fire and emergency services community the technologies available today that can help firefighters rise to the challenges of the 21st century," "Our mission to develop prepared communities is more important than ever - we're confronted with new and more significant challenges as we face terrorism and natural disasters." Michael Byrne, executive director of Justice and Public Safety at Microsoft and a veteran New York City firefighter and Homeland Security executive reaffirmed, "Microsoft recognizes that firefighters and emergency medical personnel are on the frontline of our safety and security," "We, along with our industry partners, are committed to making sure the fire and emergency services community has the information they need, when and where they need it." In an email notification to this year's participants, IAFC President Chief Bill Killen and Microsoft executive director of Justice and Public Safety announced that they have agreed to co-host the symposium again next year at Microsoft's headquarters, December 6-7, 2006. Based on my personal experience and from the reviews of others that attended, you better put this on your calendar and sign-up early. In the meantime and while you are waiting for next year's symposium, here are a few tips that may help you with your technology endeavors: Now go and put technology to work for you to help you work smarter and safer. If you have a technology success that you would like to share with me, please email me at [email protected].