Accessibility to WebOSB
WebOSB can be accessed by each member of an expanded emergency operations center including the incident command centers, mobile command centers, joint information centers, and key agencies and public facilities (police, hospitals, shelters, and schools). The two ways to access operational status boards are via the 1) web-based WebOSB application using Internet Explorer and 2) PC-based OSB application.
WebOSB allows a user to view, edit, and add textual information that is stored in an operational status board or shared report. To access WebOSB, users need Internet Explorer and a valid user code and password. This means that law enforcement and other support agencies as well as facilities such as hospitals, shelters, and schools can have quick access to pertinent status information.
The PC-based OSB application provides additional capabilities:
- one-click hyperlinks to relevant reports, web sites, or applications
- report generation and information export capability
- supports one click sort functions for individual columns to better organize and display relevant data
- dynamic update of status fields for overhead display.
The PC-based OSB and WebOSB applications were developed to work together in a seamless environment. New status boards created via the OSB Designer can be seen in real time via WebOSB. Since WebOSB supports the ability to add and update status information, status boards can be designed and created that obtain information from the field and display them in real time. Because both applications work together, each emergency operations center, agency, and facility can choose the best method for managing and sharing their status information.
PNNL is currently working on application program interfaces and interoperability tools that will support the automatic update of status information from external sensors and data feeds.