Date:14/02/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/02/14/stories/2006021402750900.htm

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The Union Minster of Science and Technology and Ocean Development, Mr Kapil Sibal (second from left), the Managing Director of Geneva Software Technology Ltd, Mr T. Murali Krishna Reddy (left), the Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Prof V.S. Ramamurthy (second from right), and the former MP, Mr H.T. Sangliana, at the launch of the Geneva NIDS (Natural Disaster Information System), Pilot Project in Bangalore on Monday. — Sampath Kumar G.P.

Bangalore , Feb. 13

TAKING advantage of increasing mobile density and literacy in the country, Bangalore-based Geneva Software Technologies has come out with a comprehensive alerting system in case of calamity in the country.

"In spite of IT leadership, India has a gap in the communication chain - it does not reach the common man.

"With this product, disaster warning and dissemination can be made to reach every citizen by making use of technology," said Mr V.S. Ramamurthy, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, at the launch of the National Disaster Information project.

Within 33 seconds of the India Meteorological Department initiating an alert, 30 million people will receive it, through three media - SMS, call and a public address system.

This project uses R&D that Geneva engineers worked on for 15 years.

The Government technology development board invested around Rs 4 crore in this disaster management project, informed Mr R. Amar Singh, Director Marketing, Geneva Software Technologies.