PLAYING IT SAFE

At the Beijing Olympics last year, technology literally bagged a gold. From weather control to laser timing devices, technology had an impact on the Olympics in a profound way. If fireworks were a major highlight of the opening ceremony, behind the dazzling show were sophisticated new technologies?compressive air launches, chamber pressure launches and computerised ignition technologies.

Even in anti-terrorism efforts, technology made its presence felt with facial recognition software, surveillance and communication systems and radio-frequency identification technology (RFID) being used extensively?from ticketing to security and food management.

Without any doubt, as government officials involved in the preparations for next year?s Commonwealth Games brainstorm to ensure a hassle-free event, Beijing?s tech extravaganza looms large in their minds. On top of the priority list is tight security in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks and games-related security threats.

At least on paper, New Delhi has a comprehensive security plan. While its details are a closely guarded secret, Indian Olympic Association chief Suresh Kalmadi insists New Delhi will put in place sophisticated electronic surveillance technologies, similar to the ones used during the Beijing Olympics. The organising committee of the 2010 Commonwealth Games is actively pursuing the idea of involving international private security professionals, even reaching out to the Israelis.

With over a dozen main venues and many other training venues to guard, that too with multi-layered security, analysts feel the task of securing the entire event would be enormous. The International Security and Defense Systems (ISDS), an Israeli security firm, has already initiated talks with the government, offering its services for the multi-sport event. Set up by former operatives of the Israeli spy agency Mossad and defense forces, the ISDS has been involved in securing the Olympics in Barcelona, Sydney, Athens and Beijing.

US telecom major Motorola, for instance, has recently made presentations to the government, including the Delhi Police about hand-held computers. ?These mobile computers are different from consumer smartphones. They can run several applications and become crucial devices for public safety forces, especially in providing efficient monitoring and surveillance,? says Ramesh Sundararaman, head - mobile computing business symbol technologies, Motorola Enterprise Mobility. Motorola has also made presentations of its new series of rugged mobile computers tailored for Asian enterprises.

 

Source: The Financial Express