We need an Public Safety Cloud NOW.

One only has to go take a look at the after effects of the 4 major disasters that Japan suffered

1. Earth Quake

2. Tsunami

3. Volcano

4. Nuclear incident

To start thinking what if's!

Japan Tsunami, Before & After: Zoomable Satellite Images

With all of this in under 2 days, in this short window of time,  engulfing such a wide spread geographic area ~We now know having your communications, networks and systems tied to one area is not a good plan.  Anyone of these events are going to have an impact on the ability of emergency managers, CrisisData and SocialMediaCitizens to coordinate any response. 

So what happens when for any reason the locals are not able to get to on their own network and access applications or communication systems? What happens when a plumb of radiation or a tsunami comes rolling along and blankets the EOC. Or electric remains off so long that backup generators start to fail.

Just looking at the pictures of Japan over the last few days shows that whole areas of a city can be rendered too hazards to enter ~ within minutes. 

Well!  If they are running a hybrid-cloud -while key element of their operations could still be in-house, behind their firewall Sure it's important to be on isolated systems;  However, that means they're vulnerable and need to have off site capabilities. However they have the ability with the cloud to access Software, Infastructure and Platforms on demand, without needing to call up tech support and it is all scalable beyond anything old computer networks storage systems can handle.

Again, in light of what we are seeing unfold in Japan this clearly demonstrates that the ability to port back and forth from the Cloud needs to become operational directive #1.  There is no other option that begins to address the need, issues and situation that we face today!

With most of the major computer companies moving into a cloud model and many of the biggest private & pubic companies following suit it stands to reason that emergency management operations need to do the same.

I firmly believe that as matter of the Public' SAFETY that Cloud providers and local, state and federal emergency management agencies need to come together, design and build-out the Public Safety Cloud. This would enable every EMA large & small in the US and partners overseas the ability to backup, operate and share data. Let alone operate when they town is wiped off the grid or map.

This would be a hybrid environment and take advantage of the infrastructure that is being developed for commerce to help with All Hazards and it would be provided for free  by every Cloud provider that uses our domestic public safety services to operate and even market their services as being secure facilities.  IMHO They are because the public nature of emergency response. 

It's a win | win (meaning public and emergency responders win) besides we really don't have any other option. Plus the smarter cloud companies one will start to market how they help the public~ As Public Good is Good Business. 

Look forward to hearing what others think.

Nelson (at) Hastatus.com