August 16, 2007

Purdue researchers to study emergency text messaging

Researchers will send a text message to a broad cross section of the campus in September to analyze the message speed and dependability. It is believed to be the first test designed to generate independent data.

"There are about 50 companies right now that offer this service, but no independent research we know of has been done to validate their promises," said Scott Ksander, executive director of information technology networks and security. "Besides having the technical expertise, Purdue has the size - 50,000 students and employees on its West Lafayette (Ind.) campus - to really learn how well these systems perform."

Within a few days of the Virginia Tech shootings, Purdue was deluged with offers from dozens of vendors offering services that would allow the university to send emergency text messages to students and the campus community. Some promised to deliver 18,000 messages per minute, but the only proven record was 200-300 per minute, Ksander said.

Testing is complex, he said, because of a variety of variables, such as the various phone services users choose, cell tower availability, cell signal coverage and traffic volume.

"We will harvest the complex data on performance and share the research findings with others," Ksander said. "The information will help everyone know what to ask when they request bids."

Purdue students, faculty and staff who want to take part in the test, tentatively scheduled for September, should register their cell phone number. Go to https://www.purdue.edu/securepurdue, click on "Change My Password," enter your career account name and password, and then select the "Emergency Contact Information" link.

Almost 90 percent of Purdue's first-year students who attended the summer "Day on Campus" orientation program have registered. Registrants also will be able to receive emergency text messages should the need arise while the university analyzes the data.

"Only emergency messages will be sent," Ksander said. "We are well aware that there is a charge for receiving text messages. We expect that there might be only a handful of emergency text messages in a given year.

"Then based on that data, Purdue can work with each service provider to improve speeds and can better make decisions on what systems to purchase, if any. These kinds of services can be very expensive, and it is important to make an informed decision. Some of the systems we have seen cost in excess of $300,000 a year."

The results also would help students, faculty and staff weigh emergency communication performance when selecting a phone carrier.

In addition to text messages on the testing day, Purdue also is exploring other notification techniques that can be tested at the same time.

These notification systems are part of the university's multilayered emergency communications plan, said Ronnie Wright, director of campus emergency preparedness and planning.

"Our first line of communication is our sirens," Wright said. "If they go off, everyone should seek shelter in the place designated by the emergency plan for each building. Then, they will receive information on Purdue computer screens, overheads, campus TV and text messaging.

"Next, information will be available on the university's home page and Facebook. We also will send an e-mail campuswide, but even under the best of circumstances, that system takes 30 minutes to an hour.

"Clearly, text messaging - if it works in a timely fashion - would be a significant addition to our communication toolbox. The text sender only needs access to a phone or cell phone to initiate a preset message, which also would significantly speed the process."

Writer: Jeanne Norberg, (765) 494-2084, jnorberg@purdue.edu

Sources: Scott Ksander, (765) 496-8289, ksander@purdue.edu

Ronnie Wright, (765) 494-0446, rdwright@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

To the News Service home page