SAN MATEO, Calif., Nov. 20, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AtHoc, Inc. today announced that Eastman Chemical Company has successfully implemented the AtHoc Interactive Warning System (AtHoc IWS) for its next generation, emergency mass notification system. By selecting an IP-based mass communications platform, Eastman unifies traditional analog, digital, IP, mobility and radio technologies into one complete, fully integrated interactive crisis communication system designed to quickly reach its workforce in any situation.
The industry widely acknowledges Eastman for its exceptional market leadership, as shown by a five-year return to shareholders that few other specialty chemical companies can match.
The investment in the AtHoc solution reflects Eastman's strong culture of safety and underscores its commitment to zero injuries in the workplace. The initial IWS implementation resides in the Kingsport, Tenn. corporate headquarters. This mega-plant has a workforce community of 10,000 employees and contractors.
Eastman began the Strategic Safety Improvement Initiative in 2011 to effectively improve the safety of all employees and contractors. To that end, the team developed extensive criteria that balanced specific solution requisites for a mass notification communication system, including:
- A network-centric IP solution with mandatory integration with Microsoft Lync VoIP
- The option to deploy as a private, public or hybrid cloud to comply with user privacy and enterprise-level security needs
- Integration with the Eastman Active Directory
- Integration with legacy devices and radio systems
- Interactive communications
- Proven track records in system performance and customer satisfaction
- A commitment to a longstanding customer/provider partnership
With these essential components defined, Eastman set out on a rigorous 18-month formal research process that culminated in the selection of the AtHoc IWS solution.
"Our team assessed multiple vendors," explained Keith Bennett, area supervisor for Plant Protection Services at Eastman. "During visits to AtHoc customers like Texas A&M University and the United States Air Force, we witnessed AtHoc's commitment to customer success. AtHoc demonstrated technical solutions, innovation and a proven culture of long-term partnership with their customers."
By transforming the IP network into an interactive end-to-end mass communication system, AtHoc introduces the convergence of physical security and safety into the IP environment. The AtHoc solution has brought to reality the concept of enterprise-wide reach and accounting for all personnel during an emergency.
"We are excited to be working together with Eastman as we open new possibilities in environment, health and safety for the chemical industry," said Sanjay Saini, AtHoc vice president of operations. "As a direct result of our collaborative relationship, we have made product enhancements that are transforming the way global enterprises can better protect and account for their people."
About AtHoc
AtHoc is the recognized leader, innovator, and trusted partner in
network-centric interactive crisis communication systems. AtHoc's
products are used for physical security, employee protection,
personnel accountability, staff recall and regulatory compliance
for military, homeland security, government, healthcare,
industrial, and commercial organizations.
Millions of end-users worldwide rely on AtHoc's unified
notification systems for their emergency alerting and critical
communication needs in organizations such as Microsoft, USS-POSCO
Industries, the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Baylor Health, Scott &
White Health System, Raymond W. Bliss Army Medical Center, UCLA,
U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
AtHoc was recently awarded Government Security News' (GSN) 2012 Homeland Security Award for Best Mass Notification System and has also been recognized by Gartner, Inc. as a leader in its Magic Quadrant for Emergency Mass Notification Services and by IHS Inc. as The Fastest Growing Mass Notification Software Supplier. For more information about AtHoc, please visit www.athoc.com.
About Eastman Chemical Company
Eastman Chemical is a global company that produces a wide range of
advanced materials, additives, specialty chemicals and fibers that
are found in everyday products. Based in Kingsport, Tennessee,
Eastman is a world leader in the diverse markets of automotive,
building and construction, packaging, consumer goods, and
tobacco.
Eastman's global community of 13,500 employees collectively
focuses on uplifting the standards of
daily life. There is a strong commitment to a culture of
accountability, safety and corporate values of environmental
stewardship, sustainability, economic growth, and social
responsibility. To learn more
about Eastman Chemical, please visit: www.eastman.com.