Mission utilities program

[RiseAbove]

After reading the recent thread asking for IMU improvement/feature suggestions... I am contemplating the design for an application that would attempt to serve the same goal as the IMU.

It is excellent that such a tool exists, and it represents a step forward in bringing mission management into the 21st century.  But, as it shows from the mentioned thread, some improvements need to be made both to the underlying architechture and the feature set.

This new, proposed system would be written in Java to enable its use across a variety of platforms: Windows, Mac OSX, and a number of Linux distros.  In addition, it would use an open-source embedded database such as SQLite to remove the dependence on Microsoft products.

In addition, it is hoped that an easy-to-use plugin system would be implemented so it would be easy to add front-ends like Web, SMS, etc.

Now where does user input come into play here?  Simple.  I am asking for input from those of you who have practical experience on the following topics:

a) What area(s) would you say in Incident Command would benefit the most from the use of computers that does not use tech. already?

b) If you've used the IMU in the past, what Network mode did you use most frequently?

c) Do most mission bases you've operated at/out of have internet access?

d) Would you consider exploring an alternative mission utility program?

This program is meant to give users a second choice when running a mission, healthy competition is a positive force in the software/tech world (look at the Apple v. Microsoft, Google v. Microsoft v. Yahoo, etc. battles) because it ultimately benefits users by promoting innovation.

Thank you for your time/responses

[PHall]

Compatability with the Coast Guard's SAROPS program would probbly be a good idea too.

[Short Field]

a) What area(s) would you say in Incident Command would benefit the most from the use of computers that does not use tech. already?

Most areas that can use tech use it now.  However, the degree of tech and support availaible could be improved.  Improvements:  Better SAR planning tools, improved ways to import/export data, integrated e-mail/instant messaging, and improved use of graphic displays such as Google Earth.

b) If you've used the IMU in the past, what Network mode did you use most frequently?

Hands down leader is the Virtual Client mode followed by Local mode.   

c) Do most mission bases you've operated at/out of have internet access?

Most do but not all.  There is also a major difference in quality of internet access.   

d) Would you consider exploring an alternative mission utility program?

Only if it came out with the same level of eServices Ops Quals access to validate indiviudal qualifications and WMIRS updating capability as the IMU.