Sypherlink, CAI partner for fusion centers

DUBLIN, Ohio, March 6 (UPI) -- Ohio-based Sypherlink says it has partnered with Computer Aid to address challenges in turning data streams into actionable intelligence to counter terrorism.

Officials say the announced Sypherlink-CAI partnership is an effort by the companies to pool technologies and offer the emergency response and defense communities an aid to turn the growing amounts of available data into usable information for counter-terrorism initiatives, fighting crime among other emergency situations.

"'The problem we face is not a lack of information, but rather a flood of it," Sypherlink Chief Executive Officer James Paat said in a statement quoting FBI Deputy Director John Pistole. "It's like trying to sip water from a fire hose. The Sypherlink-CAI partnership is focused on mitigating the deluge at fusion centers around the country, where intelligence and law-enforcement professionals have to sift through mounds of unrelated and often unintelligible data, decide what's important and determine how best to use it."

Sypherlink is an information-management-software developer with patented technologies that automate data-sharing and integration processes. Together with CAI, a technology software and services firm, the two companies are planning to aid in developing fusion centers for enhanced information-sharing by the defense community.

"Fusion centers, where officials from myriad federal, state and local agencies share information as a team, have been identified as critical components in anti-crime and anti-terrorism efforts, but there are many acknowledged challenges to making them as effective as they can and should be," Paat said.

"CAI has proven public safety expertise and is known for best practices in implementing a successful fusion center. Together our partnership can help fusion centers jump the hurdles they now have to navigate, enabling them to laser focus on their collective mission to reduce crime and keep America safe."