Never buy, update, backup (or worry about) your Radio Management Server again!

Fleet Options for Radio Management...

If this title caught your eye, it's likely because you're one of the thousands of radio system operators with some exposure to Motorola's indispensable Radio Management system (ASTRO or TRBO radios). If you've attended one of our company's classes or we've deployed or currently manage your system, you've heard: "I wouldn't manage a fleet of more than 5 radios without Radio Management". And IT's TRUE!To put it succinctly: we are rabid evangelists for Radio Management. The advantages of a well-architected, well understood, and well supported Radio Management system make the cost of entry a wise investment no matter how you look at the numbers. You can reap five-fold increases in productivity for large programming events, recurrent programming/flashing events, etc...

But, another thing any operator considering Radio Management should understand are the various options regarding how you store your data (or "Host" your data, in other words). This topic can be confusing and if you want advice on what is in your best interests, it's hard to know whom to talk to. We've deployed a great many systems, and in fact we host ourpublic safety customers in the same secure Amazon Web Services (AWS) Government Cloud used by the Dept. of Justice, the Dept. of Homeland Security, the State of California, etc...

Depending on the needs of your enterprise, you DO have choices in how you store your fleet data:

Use Your Own Physical, On-Premises Server:

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The original method. It is simple and suitable for small systems or if you are required to own the hardware for some reason. For ASTRO Radio Management, using your own physical server requires on-premises capacity licensing of the RM Database. There are inherent difficulties (which can be overcome) for radio programming over WiFi and OTAP due to the networking/VPN requirements of the agency.

Use Your Own Virtual, On-Premises Server:

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In this method you utilize a Virtual server that you create/operate/maintain in-house. Many agency IT departments are versed in this. In-house virtualization is suitable for any size system where you have the expertise and desire to manage the system, and don't mind Inherent access limitations for radio programming over WiFi and OTAP. For ASTRO Radio Management, this requires on-premises capacity licensing of the RM Database just like a physical server does.

Then next two options allow you to migrate your On-Premises database to a web-based cloud hosting service: either independently or via Motorola.

Contract the Manufacturer's Internet-Based, Virtual Cloud Services:

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Unfortunately, if you already have paid for On-Premises licenses, that investment is likely lost unless you can negotiate a credit. Also can be the most capital intensive option. Usually will tie in with a radio warranty period, and can eliminate access limitations for radio programming over WiFi and OTAP. This option requires perpetual service fees to maintain access. The costs can bundle in subscriber warranty/support. Technical support and service requests are via standard 1-800 or web-based ticket requests - typical manufacturer response times and expertise. No specified options for snapshot retention times and frequency.

Contract for an Internet-Based, Vendor-Neutral Virtual Cloud Server from an Independent Provider (such as Allenfort & Associates, Inc.)

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For ASTRO Radio Management, this requires capacity licensing of the RM Database from Motorola, but after that, your data is your data. It's fully portable between servers and hosting vendors. MOTOTRBO databases don't require licensing.

  • Relieves you of all management duties for the database/server.
  • No hardware capacity or obsolescence concerns.
  • Fees are accounted as Operating Expenses rather than Capital Expenses.
  • Radio programming is easy wherever internet is available
  • No VPN required, yet is incredibly secure.

Truly top-level service and support is possible. As an example, Allenfort & Associates' hosting customers receive immediate concierge-class Technical Support and Service Requests with nearly no need to wait or escalate any types of requests. Independent hosting can be much more affordable compared to vendor offerings. You can request database upgrades on your own schedule, scale your system to meet your own needs and be treated like a valued, unique client.

If you have any questions regarding Radio Management or any other topics mentioned in this article, please feel free to contact Jim Allenfort or Allenfort & Associates, Inc.

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