Private-sector info-sharing network in works

The Essential Public Network will offer real-time information sharing between private-sector, local agencies, nonprofit agencies and local and federal emergency and law enforcement officials, Hutchinson said in a news release.“The Essential Public Network will fill a noticeable void that currently exists at the local level and in the private sector in terms of information sharing, coordination and two-way communication,” said Hutchinson in the release. “We are building a national network of crisis response officers at businesses and corporations around the nation who will have direct access to critical and timely information through this secure online network.”The network will include a national database of community stakeholders who can provide resources and information. The Essential Public Network will be maintained by NC4, a Web portal division of Candle software company of El Segundo, Calif.Other companies and groups involved in the network include Envisage Technologies, Sprint Nextel, Siemens Building Technologies and the Christian Appalachian Project nonprofit organization. , .