While looking into the subject of technological advancements that are taking place in the field of Homeland Security, I came across the topic of interoperability and decided I wanted to research more about it. I read an article which talks about the interoperability continuum, which is a tool used to improve communications of emergency response and interoperability. That article mentions that while many of us assume that emergency response agencies throughout our nation are interoperable already, the truth is that emergency responders often cannot talk to parts of their own agency nor neighboring agencies. This is where the interoperability continuum comes in. According to the article The interoperability continuum is designed to help assist and implement solutions for better …show more content…
A few examples include the following; Agencies can swap files or radios, use common applications, use custom-interfaced applications, use two way standard based sharing, use shared channels, etc. In the topic of interoperability, as far as technology goes, the article concludes that it is not the sole importance for a solution. Rather, successful implements of data and voice communications is supported by governance and is extremely depend on effective collaborating and training amongst agencies. Interoperability is improving. According to another article I read “SAFECOM is creating the capacity for increased levels of interoperability by developing tools, best practices, and methodologies that emergency response agencies can put into effect, based on feedback from emergency response practitioners.” As technology advances and as threats grow, interoperability is vital and is a necessity in the world we live in. In order to prevent events such as 9/11(where interoperability was clearly lacking on the day and months leading up to it) we must improve interoperability each and