Simple Messaging and Collaboration System for Heterogeneous Organizations Operating in Disaster Environments

摘要

A novel communication system for use by a wide variety of first responders in disaster response is described. The system is based primarily on Short Message Service (SMS) messaging technologies and either indigenous mobile phone service providers or mobile phone service brought in via cellular-on- wheels (COWs), UAVs, rapidly deployed towers, etc. End users use either their own cell phones, running a native SMS application, or low-cost phones that are distributed by a large nongovernmental organization, such as UN OCHA. If a proprietary network is set up, Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards are distributed to end users to allow access to the network, or administrators will explicitly allow access via a phone's International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI) number or other access control methods.