TANDBERG, a world leader in videoconferencing, played a crucial role in the recent Shadowbowl community readiness exercise by providing hardware and technical expertise. Secure TANDBERG systems provided the only visual link between the command center (where all the data was fed), the VIZ lab (where the data was monitored and analyzed) and the triage unit (where victims of a disaster would first be evaluated and treated). In a large-scale emergency that would saturate local medical facilities, videoconferencing capabilities can provide unparalleled ability to remotely assess patient needs, consult with experts and execute the best treatment for victims.

Security and high quality connectivity are essential when discussing medical and emergency information and the Shadowbowl exercise made no exceptions. Ready for the challenge, TANDBERG 6000 portables provided a secure videoconferencing backbone offering both DES and AES encryption to ensure the highest levels of security and patient privacy.

For Shadowbowl, secure communications needed to be established using a simultaneous combination of networks and protocols including ISDN, Public Internet, Internet II, satellite and laser. East Carolina University, a lead partner in the exercise, was able to establish an INTERNET II link that allowed TANDBERG units on each end to connect via an AES encrypted connection, providing the highest level of data communications security available in today's commercial marketplace.

"The TANDBERG units worked flawlessly and were an integral part of the exercise," said David Balch, one of the event organizers and director of Telehealth Research and Development at East Carolina University. "The technical expertise that TANDBERG provided was a key factor in the overall success of this event."