Concerned by the low adoption rate of ARES Connect reporting software 2 years after its introduction by ARRL, ARRL’s Director of Emergency Management (DEM) Paul Gilbert, KE5ZW, instituted a review of the application that included, among other analyses, a survey of Section Managers and Section Emergency Coordinators around the country. At the same time, recent discussions between ARRL and the ARES Connect software vendor have made it clear that ARRL’s evolving needs for an emcomm/public service reporting package are not aligned with the vendor’s future plans for the product from which ARES Connect is derived. Following a review of all available information, members of the ARRL Emergency Management Committee, ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Minster, NA2AA, and ARRL President Roderick, K5UR, concurred with DEM Gilbert’s decision to discontinue the use of ARES Connect and seek development of a software reporting package more tailored to the needs of ARES.
All ARRL Sections that have been using ARES Connect should plan to transition to the ARES Form 4 reporting form until a replacement system is identified. ARRL HQ will continue to support ARES Connect through June 30, 2021. Questions related to the decommissioning and transition can be directed to the Director of Emergency Management Paul Gilbert, KE5ZW.
