Proving technology

By TOSHUA E. PHILLIPS
CNHI News Service

— American troops stationed in Iraq or Qatar are closer to Anderson than most people might think.

Flagship Enterprise Center-housed 1Num Technology launched “Operation ReachHome,” a fast-track system to link soldiers in the field with loved ones throughout the U.S. with a single phone call.

The technology start-up worked with 3rd Army’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation Division to facilitate logistics and shipped 50,000 sign-up cards to Camp Victory, Camp Liberty and Camp Anaconda late last week. Each card account has its own serial number and can be activated online or via telephone.

The service will be available for log-in on Memorial Day.

1Num assigns a general number to access up to five numbers — cellular, home, office — simultaneously.

“This allows you to make one call, and they’re guaranteed to talk with somebody,” said Brian K. Merrill, co-founder and chief operating officer.

For instance, a soldier who misses his spouse at home can easily reach her cell phone when all the numbers are programmed into the 1Num system.

Callers have two choices: For option 1, say name so recipient can screen call, or selecting 2 leads directly to voice mail.

The message system operates on a media format similar to an MP3 and holds a digital archive, which can be sent to a designated e-mail address. Unlike traditional voice-mail systems that save messages for up to 20 days or so, this innovative archive is not bound by an expiration date.

1Num, which also offers more localized services such as “ReachFamily” and “ReachSafe” recognizes faxes and converts them to be sent to e-mail, if configured.

Also, the account holder can change availability status, calling ID and scheduling preferences.

“The troops have a lot of unique circumstances,” said chief executive officer and founder Brandon D. McLarty, whose father used to be a colonel in the U.S. Air Force. “They don’t have much time to call. A 120-minute AT&T calling card nets 10 minutes talk time from Iraq. It’s even less in Qatar.

“The biggest problem is if a soldier lands in a traditional voice mail,” McLarty continued. “That’s wasted money, wasted time and added stress.”

Merrill said the cost of international minutes is 10 times more than domestic.

Retail value provided to the U.S. Army is $1.1 million, per the local company, at no cost to the troops. Merrill said they are accepting donations, however.

“This service is a great way to support our troops and a great proving ground for our technology,” McLarty said.

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