e2Campus "uTip" Text-a-Tip Technology Implemented by West Texas A&M University

e2Campus announced at the IACLEA 2011 Conference that West Texas A&M University has implemented “uTip” text-a-tip technology.

Omnilert solutions are sold under the brand names e2Campus, Amerilert, and RainedOut. Omnilert, LLC develops intuitive communication technologies that keep communities safe and connected.

“The best way to enhance any safety and security program is through prevention,” said James Webb, CIO at West Texas A&M, in a release. “uTip is a bridge between our campus constituents and law enforcement officials.”

e2Campus provides safety communication solutions for education. The e2Campus 360 Safety Suite includes uAlert, uTip, uSafe, uConference, Hotline and the Multimodal Showcase.

According to company sources, the school plans to deploy the program by the beginning of the fall semester. The technology will enhance campus safety and security as all concerned officials will get text message originated tips from students and others about crimes and emergencies in real time.

About 95 percent of the University’s students possess cell phones which will enable students, faculty, and staff to anonymously communicate prevention information to safety and security officials in real time. This will ensure a safer campus for everyone, officials believe.

“Campus safety and security officials in the University Police Department will receive the tips. UPD serves as the University’s public safety answering point and operates a 24-hour dispatch service,” added Webb.

It is expected that the new service will be advertised through Cisco (News - Alert) digital signage systems this fall and promoted at New Student Orientation. Also the news will be spread via posters which will be strategically located in campus.

The uTip easy-to-deploy solution converts cell phones into crime prevention agents. It allows anyone in the school community to alert the school by sending an SMS text message from a standard cell phone.

All members of the community can use the service to report illegal activities they see including theft, vandalism, drugs, cheating, bullying, fighting, and domestic disputes. Also tipsters can alert the school to suspicious packages, disorderly sports fans, or questionable behavior from fraternities or sororities.

In April 2010, e2Campus announced the results of a customer survey that measured the testing practices of clients’ emergency notification systems (ENS). This survey revealed many differences in how schools test their ENS.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.

Shamila Janakiraman is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Shamila’s articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by John Lahtinen