subject: How Web Conference Can Help In The War Against Terrorism [print this page] The most recent terrorist incident has left many people asking questions and rightfully so. Where were all the safeguards put in place after 9/11? As we learn more about the failed bombing last December, and the intelligence failures, frenzied discussions are taking place.
Naturally, most of these discussions are focused on the prevention of future attacks. Recent stories have emerged which suggest that the new travel security measures are already leading to confusion. Clearly a way needs to be found to effectively coordinate efforts of the various agencies around the world.
How Web Conference can Help
Companies with geographically diverse locations and connections have already begun to utilize web conference tools with great effect. Cutting travel costs is the most obvious benefit, but it has many other practical advantages including:
It seems reasonable to suggest that application sharing tools could play a large role in helping to coordinate intelligence efforts. If this sounds like a stretch to some, consider the fact that the Department of Defense (DOD) already uses collaboration tools to promote cooperation between agencies.
In fact, the DOD recently took steps to widen its net of partners who are able to access these tools. The same outlook can be applied to efforts to ensure cooperation between intelligence agencies in countries around the world. After all, this is exactly what internet conferencing is designed to do, remove the limitations of physical borders. Naturally it is nearly impossible to imagine just what goes into day-to-day counter terrorism activities. However, possible scenarios for utilizing web conferencing tools to this end include:
Immediate updates of new security procedures can be provided to all relevant parties
Implementation of new security measures can go much more smoothly, especially since all details would be fully worked out before the process starts
Changes to no-fly lists and other such data can be quickly transmitted to any agency cooperating in the effort
Agencies involved can be quickly notified of any changes on the ground which will impact their efforts, and respond accordingly
News reports suggest that some agencies have been slow to follow the new rules that have been outlined. This is partially responsible for the confusion being experienced by many travelers this holiday season. Secure online collaboration tools might not be a quick fix, but it could help to ensure that everyone is on the same page. If collaboration tools work so well for the DOD, they may just work for international counter terrorism agencies.
