EFJohnson Experts Offer Industry Insights at International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE)

IRVING, TEXAS - March 8, 2011- Three nationally-recognized radio communications and technology industry experts from EFJohnson Technologies will share their insights on topics ranging from P25 interoperability solutions to the impact of technology on fire departments at the annual International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, March 9 -11, 2011.  The company will also demonstrate its latest communications equipment and software products, including the newly released 51Fire ES portable with FIRESafe™ software, in the exhibit hall at booth #5043 (located along the main aisle).

Representatives from EFJohnson will participate in the following discussions:

            Topic:                                         True P25 Interoperability:  From Standard to Open Solution

Interoperability is about more than just open standards.  This panel discussion will review the reason why sometimes different manufacturers’ equipment will not work on a P25 system, as well as the issues encountered in implementing a multi-vendor P25 network.

            Date/Time:                                Wednesday, March 9, 2011; 1:30 p.m.

            Location:                                   W08

            EFJohnson Panelist:              John Oblak, Vice President, Standards and Regulatory Affairs

With over 30 years of experience working with radio communications technology, John Oblak has helped shape the national standards for equipment development and implementation. In addition to his role at EFJohnson, where he has worked since 1984, Oblak currently serves as chair of the TR-8 Engineering Committee for Private Radio and has chaired the TR-8.1 Subcommittee for Transceiver Measurement Methods for 26 years.  He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.

            Topic:                                         Digital Radio for Firefighters, Part 2:  The Impact of Technology

Does new technology help or hinder firefighters?  What is the learning curve for new users?  Can new digital vocoders differentiate between background noise and voice?  Should departments continue with traditional analog networks or move to digital systems that may provide better coverage?  With digital radios starting to roll out, these issues are top of mind for our nation’s firefighters and will be the focus of this panelist debate.

            Date/Time:                                Wednesday, March 9, 2011; 4:30 p.m.

            Location:                                   W23

            EFJohnson Panelist:              John Suzuki, Senior Vice President of Sales

For over 20 years, John Suzuki has worked with clients to help them identify the most effective and efficient equipment available in the marketplace.  Currently a senior vice president of land mobile radio sales for EFJohnson, Suzuki has previously held management positions with national companies in the United States and Canada.  His experience includes general management, sales, product marketing, supply, operations and engineering.  Suzuki earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Ottawa and his master’s degree in business from Duke University.

            Topic:                                         Migrating from Analog to Digital Communications

This panel will discuss the logistics for planning a digital upgrade to an analog system as well as considerations for a migration to digital equipment.  Panelists will offer tips for examining legacy systems and reviewing operational features vital to operations, as well as explore steps for implementing digital technology into analog equipment and systems.

            Date/Time:                                Thursday, March 10, 2011; 2:45 p.m.

            Location:                                   TH16

            EFJohnson Panelist:             John Oblak, Vice President, Standards and Regulatory Affairs

With over 30 years of experience working with radio communications technology, John Oblak has helped shape the national standards for equipment development and implementation. In addition to his role at EFJohnson, where he has worked since 1984, Oblak currently serves as chair of the TR-8 Engineering Committee for Private Radio and has chaired the TR-8.1 subcommittee for Transceiver Measurement Methods for 26 years.  He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.

            Topic:                                         ISSI Roundtable:  Focus on Multi-Agency, Multi-Vendor Solutions

The P25 Inter-RF Subsystem Interface (ISSI) specifies the messages and procedures necessary to enable voice and data services, end-to-end encryption and roaming between users on different networks.  This panel discussion will help participants understand the key ISSI capacity parameters that are critical to providing the level of inter-network communications necessary to support long-term, multi-agency operations.

            Date/Time:                                Thursday, March 10, 2011; 4:15 p.m.

            Location:                                   TH19

            EFJohnson Panelist:              Jim Cleveland, Vice President, Systems Group

For over 30 years, Jim Cleveland has established a solid reputation for his comprehensive approach to designing, selling and implementing land mobile radio systems.  He holds degrees in communications engineering technology and computer engineering technology.