GCS Research and Knowledge Vector Sign Strategic Teaming Agreement: Combining Geospatial Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and Knowledge Management Solutions

DURHAM, North Carolina, April 2006 - GCS Research and Knowledge Vector™ are pleased to announce that they have entered into a strategic teaming agreement to support the integration of GCS Research’s geospatial information technology solutions and Knowledge Vector’s Knowledge Switch® technology. GCS Research and Knowledge Vector are integrating geospatial situational awareness systems with advanced information management software for a number of national and homeland security customers requiring a solution-based approach to spatial and non-spatial data discovery, dissemination, and notification.

At the core of the teaming agreement, GCS Research and Knowledge Vector are working to combine the capabilities of GCS Research’s GAIN™ (Geospatial Awareness and Intelligence Network) and Knowledge Vector’s Knowledge Switch®. GAIN provides security personnel with an integrated array of client applications that harvest location intelligence from sensor networks and places this mission-critical information into a rich geospatial context. GAIN delivers this functionality through a geospatial Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), utilizing a standards-based approach for mapping Web services, defined XML-schemas for sensor message integration, and the deployment of thin and thick applications for multi-faceted human interaction. GAIN connects the security professional with the mission-critical information they require and decreases the complexity associated with critical infrastructure protection (CIP).
The Knowledge Switch (KSX) awareness network of automated response function forms the backbone of a regional security architecture, while both drawing from and extending the critical capabilities of GAIN’s GIS-based functionality. The KSX sends event data and alarm messages that contain geospatial information to the GAIN server for rendering in a geospatial format. System operators can view a common operational view of the site with geospatial presentation of interesting events on a site image.

The KSX monitors pre-programmed sensor subsystems for alert conditions. When alert conditions are detected, these subsystems typically send a simple IP message to the controlling KSX. The KSX then authenticates the responder and transmits synthesized alert and contextual information based upon user-created scenarios. If raw source data is needed (e.g., video files, full sensor data), the KSX can establish a direct connection between the responder and the storage location of the desired information with due regard to modality and classified information. Threat conditions that spawn notification calls to local managers or commanders can also perform remote notification/call for action from networked remote sites. This provides planners with the regional/national/global ability to monitor and react to potential activity.

The KSX is a J2EE enterprise server application with Web Service-based API for all administrative functions such as integration with other operational systems; a Web-based Administrative Client for system configuration management, operation control, and system monitoring; and an Eclipse-based plugin for advanced programming tool support such as version control. The KSX can be quickly installed and configured for diverse environments. The architecture allows facilities and agencies the luxury of easily absorbing and leveraging new technologies as they become available.

“We are extremely excited to be working closely with Knowledge Vector and to have successfully executed a strategic teaming agreement,” states Dr. Alex Philp, President of GCS Research. “The combined power of geospatial situational awareness with the Knowledge Vector’s entire approach to knowledge, discovery, and dissemination represents a very powerful combination and fulfills key national and homeland security requirements.”

From a KVI perspective," states Mr. Edward Lee Bryan, CEO and Chairman of Knowledge Vector, Inc., "our customers have utilized the Knowledge Switch to integrate the physical and logical sensors, and then applied rules-based logic and complex event processing to create their situational awareness zone. In this process, it has become evident that a means for graphically displaying and disseminating temporal, event, and geospatial data is key to prompt management decisions. GAIN is the added functionality that makes awareness manageable."

In the coming months, GCS Research and Knowledge Vector will expand their relationship, extending the benefits of geospatial situational awareness with the power of secure, managed, and automated information management and notification solutions.

About GCS Research:
GCS Research LLC is an award-winning, nationally-recognized leader in geospatial information technology. At GCS Research, we see the greatest challenge being the ability to connect people with the geospatial intelligence they require in a manner they can actually use. In facing this challenge, we deliver a select group of products and services that allow our customers to organize, protect, visualize, analyze, and share their geospatial information across the enterprise. Please visit GCS Research on the Web at www.gcs-research.com to learn more about how GCS Research can assist you.

About Knowledge Vector:
Knowledge Vector, Inc. develops landmark security convergence event management and response systems that help entities protect property and lives and take advantage of emerging opportunities. The company's software transforms data from disparate logical and physical assets into the clarity required to best drive immediate decisions and actions. Knowledge Vector's pivotal software identifies dynamic emerging situations, anticipates their impact, notifies decision-makers and co-manages cascading events., Airports, utilities, ports, government entities, and financial services firms trust Knowledge Vector to fully leverage existing infrastructure and policies to reduce operational costs and improve safety, security and compliance. Learn more about Knowledge Vector at www.knowledgevector.com. 

# # #