Testing wireless cooperation

A pilot project is under way in Seattle to test the technical features and project and logistics management of the Integrated Wireless Network. The pilot, which involves Motorola Inc., is being held at 15 sites. The ongoing project has already provided a few lessons, said Mike Duffy, Justice Department deputy chief information officer for e-government.

Among them, according to Duffy, are:

n Stakeholder support is essential, especially from top managers and agents in the field.

n Partnering opportunities are available, particularly with state and local law enforcement eager to share resources and ensure interoperability.

n Logistics management — locating sites and implementing infrastructure and equipment in what could be difficult areas — may prove to be one of the largest challenges for the projects, and vendors will have to show they can handle that.