VARDE used for the first time at Arendalsuka

During this year’s Arendalsuka, VARDE was used as a shared communication channel for the first time. Around 100 key personnel from the police, organisers and businesses continuously shared messages, assessments and images throughout the week.

Shared situational awareness as events unfold

When many parties work together on security and preparedness, fast and accurate information sharing is essential. During Arendalsuka, VARDE gave participants one shared channel for information as situations developed.

The aim was to build a shared understanding of the situation while events were unfolding, not afterwards.

Throughout the week, observations, assessments, images and other relevant information were made available to those involved. This gave participants a better common basis for understanding the situation and assessing the need for follow-up.

A familiar channel before a crisis

Most organisations have a contingency plan. Fewer have a secure communication channel already established and ready for use the day something happens.

The difference often becomes visible only under pressure.

When time is short and many people and organisations are involved, they need to know where information should be shared, who has access and that communication works. A solution that is familiar and in use beforehand reduces the risk of critical information being delayed, fragmented or sent through insecure channels.

The experience from Arendalsuka demonstrates the value of establishing this infrastructure before the need becomes urgent.

Experiences from Arendalsuka

Eivind Planke Berg, COO of Skytale, was present throughout Arendalsuka to provide technical support.

He describes a week of strong collaboration with professionals who take total defence, security and preparedness seriously. Alongside the operational use of VARDE, there were presentations, gatherings and professional discussions with people who work in emergency preparedness every day.

For Skytale, the week provided valuable experience of how secure communication works in practice when many different parties need to collaborate over time.

Skytale is the communication platform behind VARDE

Skytale provides the communication platform used in VARDE. The platform supports secure and effective information sharing between people, organisations and public-sector participants.