IBM encourages development of cloud-based apps for first responders

• By Derek Major
• Nov 20, 2015

First responders face a host of challenges. Getting access to relevant information should not be one of them.

To address the information needs of mobile responders, IBM is challenging developers to build cloud-based applications that improve 911 services and GIS tracking, provide better access to responder-specific operational information and deliver situational awareness regarding fires and the weather.

For the First Responder Application Challenge, first responders will work with developers to build mobile and web-based apps that use a variety of real-time remote sensing and field data, GIS tools and other information. In addition to having access to IBM’s Bluemix cloud environment, participants will also be able to use Vencore’s Intelligent Data Exploitation and Analytics System (IDEAS) application-building ecosystem, which  will help first responders define unmet needs and work directly with developers to build and deploy tailored solutions that meet those needs.

To win the challenge, participants must build the best solution that addresses a specific unmet need, have a fully functioning app installed and running on Bluemix or IDEAS, and submit a written description of how the app works.

Bluemix was used earlier this year in NASA’s Space App Challenge and is currently being used on the Department of Veterans Affairs Care Coordination Challenge.

Registration for the challenge is open until Dec. 11. More information -- including criteria, rules, prizes and other details -- can be found here.