14 DAY TRIAL // It’s not a secret that some of those who move to Windows 8 need additional training because of the changes that Microsoft implemented in the operating system, so it should come as no surprise that dispatchers working at the Anderson County 911 Center also asked for help from experts to figure out the purpose of each feature of the new software.
The 911 center recently moved from Windows XP to Windows 8 following a process that cost $123,000 (€92,000), thus installing Microsoft’s modern operating system on the main computer that handles all calls.
Even though dispatchers needed training in order to work on Windows 8, the head of the local 911 center says that this isn’t such a big deal because such issues appear every time a significant change comes into effect.
“Any time you have change, you have issues that arise,” says Steve McDade, director of the 911 center, according to IndependentMail. “Our employees have handled this tremendously well.”
Features that are already available in other 911 centers are finally offered to Anderson County 911 Center dispatchers too, including a backup system that automatically replaces the permanent one in case of crashes. Calls are then redirected to a backup center in downtown Anderson, the report reveals.
It’s all possible thanks to Windows 8 and its new features, local officials say, explaining that the upgrade from Windows XP was performed really well and no delays were experienced.
“No one has been hurt because of it or anything else,” he concludes. He is referring obviously to those calling 911…