Our Open Approach to Data
The management of data should be secure, smart, open, and accessible.
The means in which data is built, stored, shared, and used is crucial to actively safeguard our communities. To that end, we believe open systems and openly sharing data is in the best interest of those we serve. Open systems promote innovation and integration, and enable customers to select the best possible solution and value for their community.
Our open platform mindset, vast experience with fast and secure data transfer, and wide array of solutions have made us a trusted partner in thousands of projects worldwide.
Campaigning for open communication
Many countries we work in share in a similar belief about the importance of open data and communication. In North America, however, we find that while the National Transportation Communications for ITS Protocol (NTCIP) promote open communication, the vast majority of protocols are still manufacturer-specific. In particularly, those used in the management information bases (MIBs) for traffic signal control devices.
So we decided that it was time to take a stand.
In July 2019, we became the first company to publicly release MIBs. The response was immediate and fierce. But it didn’t take long to realize that the fight for truly open standards was larger than us. So, we launched FREEtheMIBS.
About FREEtheMIBS
#FREEtheMIBS encourages traffic signal controller and ITS device manufacturers, and public sector agencies to unite behind opening and sharing device NTCIP protocols – specifically, management information bases.
In a market steeped in proprietary, manufacturer-defined solutions, Q-Free aims to foster an environment rich with innovation and collaboration – two crucial components in achieving smart city goals.
Openly sharing MIBs enables multi-vendor solutions to work. It allows transportation agencies to select the best solution for their needs and avoid being locked into a single vendor or paying integration fees. It also promotes fair and open competition, a win-win for agencies and communities.
Stay in the know
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