The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) and AT&T, Inc., today launched a mobile app developer program, which will feed the FirstNet app store, the first such store focused on apps for first responders. “This program will tap into the expertise and creativity of the developer community to drive innovation for public safety,” said FirstNet Chief Executive Officer Mike Poth. “It will also connect first responders with developers to create apps that will help them stay safe and save lives.”

“The FirstNet app ecosystem is an important building block as we work to modernize public safety’s communications tools and capabilities,” said Chris Sambar, senior vice president–FirstNet for AT&T, which is FirstNet’s network partner. “The FirstNet network will bring public safety the connectivity they need to communicate and collaborate. But it’s really what we’re able to build on top of that connectivity that will make the biggest difference in these brave men and women’s day-to-day operations.”

“Through the FirstNet developer program, developers will be able to create apps for public safety and scale them for first responders like never before,” a news release touted. “Developers now have access to a specialized portal housing resources to help them successfully build, test, deploy and maintain public safety applications. In addition to programming tools like APIs and software development kits, the portal features guidelines to follow when developing for public safety.”

“With the launch of this program, developers can now submit their apps for inclusion in the FirstNet app store as either ‘certified’ or ‘reviewed’ for first responder use,” the news release said. FirstNet and AT&T will (1) “[e]valuate performance, service-level agreements and potential source code vulnerabilities”; (2) “[p]rovide a ‘certified’ or ‘reviewed’ rating depending on the application’s uptime availability, resiliency and scalability for simultaneous users”; and (3) “[p]ublish ‘certified’ and ‘reviewed’ apps in the FirstNet app store.”

“In addition to working with developers, the program will evaluate existing public safety apps for inclusion in the store,” the news release added.

“The FirstNet app store will combine the convenience of a public app store with the security of a private app store,” Mr. Poth said.

In other FirstNet news, Indiana today became the 27th state or territory to opt in to the FirstNet system.

“Indiana’s first responders need fast, accurate information to keep Hoosiers safe,” said Gov. Eric J. Holcomb (R.). “This new communications network will help those on the front lines coordinate better and faster to serve and protect our citizens and communities.”- Paul Kirby, paul.kirby@wolterskluwer.com

Courtesy TRDaily