The ramifications of well-implemented big data systems go beyond the office and can also help various infrastructural agencies. CIO recently looked at the way a private cloud setup has helped the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) assist the state's firefighting efforts. According to the source, the organization uses data aggregation to give firefighting teams more information, both during action and for data analysis tasks during calmer moments.
Firefighters in the area have used multiple kinds of devices, including smartphones and laptops, to access the information whenever they need it. A key advantage of this system is that it combines new and old data through one secure source for the department to use.
The article explains that this is part of a larger effort from the California government to make statistics more available to the public as well as employees. Another example of government data being harnessed for mobile use is the CaliParks app, a mobile application for download that draws from information found in the California Protected Areas Database and other sources.
Speaking to CIO, the CNRA's director of IT, Tim Garza, referred to firefighters' needs when speaking about the ways cloud-based data helps in field work.
"Fires aren't static, so they have to make decisions on the spot, [like] where are they going to cut the flames off and where are they going to try to redirect it," Garza said. He also mentioned that this new cloud is superior to older systems for accessing data, because "the whole idea is that the information isn't locked away."
Adapting older systems through a modern solution could help other government agencies improve their approach to IT through new projects. A web based terminal emulator gives IT managers similar control over vast ranges of information in an accessible setting that is adaptable to different users.