The Computer Emergency Notification System
  (CENS) Application

Saving lives and ensuring the safety of employees is crucial during crisis situations. It was recognized, especially after September 11, that a system was needed to communicate a crisis situation, and the necessary action to be taken by personnel. The National Information Technology Center (NITC) offers the Computer Emergency Notification System (CENS) application to enhance existing procedures for emergency planning and notification.

The Computer Emergency Notification System (CENS) is a cross-platform system for sending, receiving and managing notifications to on-site staff during emergency situations. CENS is composed of two applications: a web-based server application for sending and managing emergency notifications and a client application for receiving and displaying emergency notifications. Both the server application and the client application are Java-based, making them available for use in many different environments including Windows, Linux and Mac OS X operating environments.

CENS Information Flyer (PDF 4MB)

CENS PowerPoint Presentation (MS PowerPoint 1.3MB)

  CENS Application Processes

The CENS system environment consists of three integrated processes:

• CENS Message Generator
  Authorized personal create appropriate emergency messages for distribution by the CENS server. CENS has integrated security controls that restrict message sending capability to specific workstations using authorized access controls.
• CENS Server
  A centralized CENS server provides message storage using an embedded Apache Derby database. Immediate distribution of information, via the web, is provided to each person's workstation running the CENS client.
• CENS Client on Individual Workstation
  The CENS client software resides on individual workstations. Using standard HTTP protocols, the CENS client automatically queries the CENS server at configured intervals to determine if a new message is waiting. When activated, the server sends the message to the CENS client. The CENS client takes over the workstation, displays a message with a flashing background, and emits a sound. A siren sound precedes the message for emergency messages. A beep sounds for alerts and information messages. The CENS application must be actively acknowledged and closed by the end user before any other use can be made of the workstation.

  Key Features

• Effectively and efficiently communicates with staff.
• Able to reach people inside closed dwellings with high ambient noise levels.
• Able to reach those in peripheral areas of a workplace.
• Authorized personnel perform administration and use of CENS.
• Complies with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Works in multiple environments.
• Minimal impact to network performance.
• Utilizes security features.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Low cost solution.

  Benefits

CENS ensures that its user organizations are able to effectively and efficiently communicate with staff in the event of a crisis situation. The application requires no additional software other than the standard Windows environment

• CENS delivers a consistent message to all personnel.
• CENS indicates the specific problem and what action to take.
• CENS works continuously if user is logged on to system.

The application is available to other federal, state, and local government agencies upon request.

  NITC Services

NITC provides any combination of the following services for a fee:

• Acquiring and/or hosting a CENS server or utilize customer owned Windows server.
• Technical project planning and coordination.
• Applications development expertise to modify the most current USDA code and customize the CENS application to meet customer requirements.
• CENS application level support during the development phase and future.
• Coordination with the customer's emergency command personnel to create a database of message types and message content.
• Technical assistance with systems setup, installation, screen development, deployment, testing, and technical support.
• Application level Help Desk.
• Application level knowledge database available for testing and deployment.
• Systems and end user CENS documentation.

Please contact Bruce A. Pacot, Marketing Program Manager, at 888-USE-NITC or send an email to nitc.cens@usda.gov for additional information, inquiries, and requests. NITC Services are fee based dependent upon customization requirements. Pricing for the CENS application is available upon request. NITC is prepared to support your IT enterprise business needs and requirements.

CENS Information Flyer (PDF 4MB)

CENS PowerPoint Presentation (MS PowerPoint 1.3MB)

http://www.ocio.usda.gov/nitc/cens.html | Last Modified: 03/25/2008