26 September 2008
Media Release
Canterbury Emergency Management Office to partner with Microsoft New Zealand in new innovation project
The Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group is developing a global first proof of concept solution to
enhance the way they manage information in the response to emergencies.
Working together with Intergen and Microsoft Consulting Services, this project aims to provide improved emergency
information collection and management processes, as well as enable authorised staff from external agencies to access the
information.
This prototype will use Microsoft Infopath validation controls to enable more effective collection, aggregation,
management and monitoring of incident information, reducing the number of human errors during the input stage by
identifying them early on. The solution will utilise the collaborative technologies of Microsoft Office SharePoint
Server 2007 (MOSS) to automate workflow processes and enable input from and collaboration with partner local authorities
and emergency response organisations involved in emergency response coordination.
“We look forward to working with Microsoft in our commitment to achieving excellence in emergency management and
providing enhanced outcomes for our communities” says Canterbury Regional Emergency Management Office Manager, Jon
Mitchell. ”
Developed with more than $100,000 of funding from the Microsoft Innovation Centre, this prototype aims to be completed
by February 2009. The Microsoft Innovation Centre provides government agencies with funding to develop proof of concept
solutions using Microsoft technologies.
“Microsoft New Zealand participates in numerous community projects and, through the Innovation Centre, the CDEM project
is another way that we hope will help provide New Zealanders with a safer community”, says Microsoft Public Sector
Director Chris Brice.
Editors Notes
• Intergen is New Zealand's most experienced provider of Microsoft based business solutions. Intergen focus on
delivering business value in our solutions and work closely with Microsoft to ensure they have the best possible
understanding of their technologies and directions.
• About Microsoft New Zealand:
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people
and businesses realise their full potential. Further information about this project please contact the Microsoft
Innovation Centre on 04 816 4010 or the Canterbury Regional Emergency Management Office on 03 341 4040.
* The Canterbury Regional Emergency Management Office (EMO) is a service provided by Environment Canterbury under a
service level agreement to the Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group.
ENDS