May 2020 – DEN (Distributable Emergency Network)

We are extremely excited to introduce DEN Chat! Today an update is available on all DEN Cases that will offer new chat capabilities. DEN Chat is based on the popular open source Rocket.Chat software and has been streamlined for public safety use. Like all other software on DEN, it is accessible locally through the DEN Wifi network and over the Internet.

DEN Chat can be used for securely communicating with team members, logging events, and sharing information. During incidents, exercises, and special events, incident management teams are faced with a deluge of information. DEN Chat helps incident management teams digest and share information by separating it into different channels. Each channel is like a chat room. Users in a channel can talk to each other and share files, video, and audio. Access to channels can be controlled to only allow specified users for a private and secure environment, or expanded to all users so that updates can be easily broadcast to a large number of people.

In addition to information entered directly into DEN Chat, information can be automatically pulled from a variety of outside sources including various CAD systems, National Weather Service watches and warnings, news feeds, and much more.

DEN Chat is connected to Raptor so there is no need to create new user accounts or logins. Once the update is complete, a new button will appear under the “Services” menu labeled “DEN Chat”. Clicking this button will launch the application. No setup required – just start creating channels and sharing information!

Because DEN is housed in a ruggedized case and contains networking equipment and antennas, it is unfortunately, sometimes confused with other products like communications cases. Communications cases usually consist of a cellular hotspot and battery in a case which helps users within WiFi range connect to the Internet over a cellular network.

While DEN is capable of providing a large number of users with an Internet connection and VOIP phone service, this is only a small part of what it does. Unlike communications cases, DEN is built to provide local access to mission-critical applications without an Internet connection.

Built in to DEN is a tiny but powerful server that hosts software capable of chat and team communication, collaborative mapping, file sharing, and search and rescue planning. Users are able to securely and quickly access the software through a single sign on system. No installation is necessary because all software runs through a web browser and is compatible with almost any computer, tablet, or mobile device with WiFi.

DEN does all of these things for the same reason it has a 30 hour battery life, is housed in a waterproof, shock resistant case, and is fully managed and supported 24/7 – because it is built to operate under all conditions to support responses to all hazards. When the power goes out or when cellular networks go down, DEN keeps running.