Security Professionals

Security professionals, tradesmen and truckies are just some of the sectors snapping up Korkor’s digital, integrated two-way radio       By John Herold Kordia, a well-established and experienced trans-Tasman provider of network infrastructure for more than 65 years, is fast-becoming one of the region's leading providers of customised broadcast and telecommunications solutions, next generation and specialised networks, plus digital two-way radio. According to Aaron Olphert, the company’s Network Services and Sales Business Manager, Kordia is focused on enabling customers to take advantage of convergence to provide solutions for their “business-critical” needs. “We have a company with the scale, resources, partnerships and infrastructure to embrace the critical advancements in technology, media and telecommunications. Until now, we have been content to be known in the trade as owning and operating New Zealand’s third largest telecommunications network – for TV, radio, mobiles - with approximately 500 sites across the country, and as the maintainer of the Maritime Radio Network. “But with our introduction of digital radio, which is now in wide-scale deployment in some 110 countries, using the Tetra system, we are effectively moving into the retail market with the Motorola range of digital two-way radio devices, which have boosted the technology from a toy to a business tool, in the true sense of the word.” The two-way radio network was common technology for getting business done before mobile phones were even the proverbial “glint on the horizon”. “We believe it’s time this technology evolved and was reinstated as the number one communications tool for business. Kordia is setting the new standard with a fully integrated, business-critical and future-proof digital two-way radio solution for businesses, which always expect the best: superior quality, world-class features and usability, reliability, and unbeatable service. While Olphert won’t be drawn on whether the new device mightn’t be snapped up by many thousands of users when the mobile phone in a car legislation comes in, he is convinced that many new users will be attracted not only by its low cost – a capped $79.99 versus $120-150 per month, with all the arguments about personal calls – but also by its “integrated functionality”; something which could not be achieved with the old, and now outdated analogue system. “Rather than juggling multiple devices, your team members will have the freedom of communicating any way they like via one single, rugged communication tool. Group calling and PST N telephone capabilities; text messaging; GPS location services; etcetera. Plus it’s all integrated into KorKor™’s proven digital two-way radio solution,” he says. For example, he claims KorKor™’s health and safety features are unsurpassed, given an “unparalleled level of voice clarity and availability, combined with a single-push emergency ‘panic’ button and a web-based GPS tracking service which gives your business—and especially your staff—added security and peace-of-mind”. That same peace of mind is a major need of the security industry, one of the market sectors the company is expecting to see solid and sustained growth from, as the benefits of the integration of a number of technologies is better understood and appreciated. “Clear and secure communications are absolutely critical as the foundation of an efficient security business. You need to know exactly where your team is, that they’re safe, and that the lines of contact are reliable and crystal clear. And, rest assured, that need is mutual. “When you are protecting other people’s lives, property, and livelihoods, there’s absolutely no room for communication failures. With that as a major principle, KorKor™ has revolutionised the use of two-way radio for the security industry with a network delivering unsurpassed availability, superior coverage, within your work zone, and a suite of applications which do what they should, every time,” Olphert emphasises.

Unlike analogue signals, the digital device ensures there is no more crackling or interference; just outstanding clarity and high quality audio. The network has inbuilt technology to eliminate static and background noises such as traffic or crowd noises. Plus, when a security operative leaves the vehicle, the device can be muted, if the circumstances warrant, and go with him, allowing the GPS to confirm his movements. A one-touch emergency button provides additional contact with support. “Any member of your team can instantly alert other pre-defined users with a single-push of the emergency panic button. Combining this feature with our tracKor™ back-up system provides an excellent tool to improve the safety of your staff and your ability to respond to critical situations. It also  provides  audit trails to clearly show your team’s movements, plus business related information, like property ownership and local landmarks.” Some of the network’s additional state-of-the-art security features include a digital signal that is almost impossible to scan and decode, PIN and PUK code protection, over-air enabling and disabling, and a continuous system authentication. “The man in the white van” is also destined to be a major user, according to Olphert. “In a very competitive industry where ‘time is money’ and being out of reach can mean that a job is lost to the opposition, there’s no room for communication failures. The very ruggedness of the device – despite its sophisticated technologies – will also encourage guys working in tricky conditions to keep it with them, rather than back down the path, in the van.” The 24/7 nature of the transport industry, says Olphert, makes them a “natural” too. “Your team needs instant, clear notification of updates, delays and redirections, around the clock. Our superior coverage and clarity via our crystal-clear, secure network, integrated GPS and seamless coverage within your work zone, clears the way for better communication and, therefore, better business.” The final word from Kordia’s Network Services and Sales Business Manager: “In today’s competitive business world, embracing technology can be the difference between being an industry player and an industry leader. We can give your business that advantage.”