Everbridge snaps up UMS

US emergency communications firm Everbridge has acquired Norwegian firm Unified Messaging Systems (UMS) for US$34 million with the aim of expanding its business internationally and attracting national governments as customers.

Founded in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, Everbridge’s software helps companies and governments assess incoming threats, locating personnel, automating initial response and enabling communication even when standard networks are down.

The Boston Police Department is a customer and will use the software in its protection of the Boston Marathon this month.

“It’s about reducing the time it takes to make a decision and making sure nothing falls through the cracks,” said Everbridge’s chief technology officer, Imad Mouline.

One of UMS’s solutions enables governments to quickly target a geographic area and send alert messages to the phones of everyone within that area, regardless of which carrier they use.

Countries such as Sweden, the Netherlands, the Bahamas, Singapore, Greece and Cambodia are already UMS customers.

Everbridge has purchased 94% of UMS’s shares and plans to acquire the rest once the regulatory process is complete.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/kantver

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