NWSChat is NWS’s instant messaging program that shares real-time critical warnings and weather information with emergency response and media outlets across the nation. To continue providing this critical service, the NWSChat required a fully-updated interfacing and platform that could easily integrate with internal and external weather support systems, including our ICAM system deployed at NOAA. Responding to this need, IBSS worked with NWS stakeholders to transition the NWSChat from its legacy data center to NWS’s Integrated Dissemination Program (IPD) environment, resulting in:
- Reduced failover outages between data centers from 2.5 hours to between 4 and 7 minutes
- Mitigated frequent network and software connectivity issues and administrative function failures
- Expanded load increase capacity during spike weather capacity
This tool directly contributes to protecting lives and property across the US. We used satellite server data to bolster data displays and automated patching workflows for seamless monitoring and administration. Once completed, we monitored NWSChat deployment over a 30-day Go-Live testing window – 1,000 users reported improved environment responsiveness and accessibility.
Well done everyone!!! Your hard work has translated to a much improved mission-critical collaboration application supporting NWS operations and our partners/decision makers. Be proud of your accomplishment.” – Director, NWS Office of Dissemination
The modernized NWSChat solution replaced the NCO’s dependence on external weather data sources with improved infrastructure, monitoring, and support capabilities. This removed NCO’s reliance on external sources for improved infrastructure, monitoring, and support.