You have prevention, detection, mitigation.

Prevention is blocked due to many issues, none of them logistics. Short answer, that resolution path is blocked.

Detection - How can you detect?
Embedded RFID or some other tagged indicator but much like RFID wallets that can be circumvented.
The key component to a gun, is the projectile. This idea is already trending in the discussions I see.
Again, you can't tag the projectile at the point of manufacture but perhaps you can detect its characteristics.

Idea - Open Source to detect gun/rifle shot with a high accuracy. This could get put in embedded systems or perhaps even android phones.
Better detection may allow for automatic reporting. It's a start.

Mitigation -
Weapons fire is a high risk situation. How can you reduce the risk with preparation? How can you allow for mitigation?
We've all read stories of "sleep gas" and stun grenades but what options are there?

Idea - A device to neutralize a situation that can be deployed with minimal risk to the first responders. Risk equals delay.

Sound would seem to be the best vector for delivery. Any non-lethal (preferably non lasting side effects) is another tool in their tool kit.
Again an open source option seems best to me, because it could be deployed via cell phones or existing sound systems.
As much as we hate "Don't tase me brow" any option is better than none. In this case it could be an option for the DJ or business owner to deploy to
clear the building. There are no lethal words or sounds as yet, only volume/amplitude.
If SWAT is equipped with the appropriate counter it clears the playing field of non-actors.

Last out there idea (perhaps for synergy):
An automated robotic aggressive response. A targeting mechanism that returns fire (possibly non-lethal) for the source of gunfire. Again, projectile's
are mass produced and static in their design for near 100 years. Focus on the technical sticking points.

(Since I've been me for a long time I wouldn't be surprised if the above isn't already well on its way if I googled for it. My hope is for discussion not awards or kudo's. I.E., don't nitpick my ideas apart just riff on it please.)

I worked 3 contracts for HP.

Each of them ended the same way. After years of successful operation, and after a few failed attempts, they eventually handed the operations to another group either outsourced or over seas.

The very core of an IT person is employing automation. We work to handle more than we could before. We build systems and procedures that ensure against failure and allow for our obsolescence.

I've never minded it.

But this is no longer an IT thing. Any job can be outsourced and automated.

"Nor is it enough to load up on batteries charged by solar on the ground, since that would add even more weight to the plane, vastly increasing the energy needed for takeoff."

Fuel Cells can rectify liquid hydrogen (and some other hydrocarbons), and you would have the same operating parameters as jet fuel: Lighter on landing than on take-off.

Solar planes may or may not happen, but the bias of the author seems pretty obvious to me.

Even though I would debate if plane that flies on liquid fuel derived from solar panels is really a "Solar Powered" craft but... Bias is still evident.

Woohoo!

Well said!

Nice to know I am not the only insightful cynic...

We live in interesting times...

What a load of shit!

To say that increased visibility of those responsible for our safety and security when they perform their duties leads to danger is a non sequitur.

I don't worry about additional audits or information on any process for business or manufacture. If fear is they only conclusion they have, their premise is false.

There's a BOFH reference or anecdote in there somewheres... Gotta be...

Sounds like you are a systems admin, and you want to be an engineer. You need to talk to the CIO/CTO. This problem pre-dates your tenure.

It's not the system that determines the solution, it's the vendor. So whatever it is they do you are already off to a bad start.

What budget to they have to replace their solution? Where are they in the market? How can you monetize this solution if they haven't already budgeted for it...

In my not so humble opinion your question (and more importantly how you are asking it) would have barely worked in 2003 or before. You are trying to focus on the platform, not the solution. If you don't have 3-5 vendors for your industry you may need to craft something out of LAMP or Open Source but there are not simple open source solutions anymore.

If they are looking at Open Source they need to have a staff to support it, which I am highly doubtful they want to pay for.

Good luck dude!

There's stupidity, there's arrogance, and there's stuff you should really be escorted out of public service for...

I hope somebody gets fired out of this... No apologies...

Or on the other hand I look forward to 2-3 days of lame attempts to somehow justify this...

Shall see...

Despite all the negative posts this is actually cool... If you are a theater geek.

When I completed my theater degree in 2008 they used throwaway phones to as prop thinking that as long as the stage manager was the only one who had the number they would be ok. (COUGH COUGH). I still cringe when I see a production use video projection and not hide the splash screen... of the DVD player.

Here is a theater production that designed a custom device (albeit a dorky suit) to be an integral part of a theater experience. It pre-dates any decent Indoor Positioning Systems that we have yet to fully standardize and implement.

All in all a good mix of art, theater and technology. This made my day!!!

So will that be the next can do ad for ITT? We only hire the hidden talented and capable...

HAHAHAHA!

Dinosaur's didn't plan for an asteroid. Our ancestors are here because we are the natural expression of nature (recursion loop intended.)

The natural world is not a reserve or park. It just is.

What I always find funny on these conversations with the tech focused is how limited the vision can be. On some level most of us laugh at the laws for computer security that guard the door of a metaphorical building with no walls but we don't see to understand the paradox of the same treatment of those things we fear.

The world has no walls, no doors, and no protocols but physics and entropy. This will be no more the end of the world then when those of Rappa Nui died out because of their focus on their perceived world of warriors, gods and sacrifice, not ground cover and erosion. (Source: Collapse by Jared Diamond) We are already coming to understand, truly understand, that we are here for a blink of geologic time, let alone the cosmic time scale.

So what the matter if at the end of our epoch, since we westerners tend to focus on a false hierarchy of those better than the masses, a few live a bit longer before humanity ends, or transcends? Keep in mind western culture , 1st world, is only 30% of our population....

You know I'm all for open source but if you have a proprietary system that's vendor supplied, contact the vendor.

Make it a time/cost/material problem...

Yes, there is a technical work around for this, but if the firmware update is this half-assed you have other issues.

I so wish someone would port/clone that one....

*SIGH*

You mention electronics induced inattentiveness... Could the 18th century education model be to blame?

If you want to "detox" from the 21st century I suppose it's a noble goal just like prophets, wisemen and walk-abouts. But if you truly think it's not a fault in yourself then I give the following thoughts.

Find ways to engage with the material and the lecture. If the instructor looks bored, then help them. Especially at the graduate level if you are not engaged the professor should have put a big ole bullseye on you. If the fault is not the instructor's, (remember you are the student, the fault is yours) then you need to find a way to engage.

So if the material is not engaging enough, use the material as a launching point for exploration. A successful benchmark would be if you are asking questions that are related to the topic but more engrossing then the lecture, you are getting close. If the instructor politely says "we can answer that better after class" and then proceeds to spend 20-30minutes doing so you are doing well.

Remember this is your money and your instruction. If the instructor shuts you down, by some shades and sit in the back. If they want to work with you, then you are taking an active role in your education.

This isn't a 21st century issue, this is education and frankly the model is out moded. It was made to make the best use of those who wanted an education to get access to those who "know" and get information from them. Be an active participant, go above what is expected. Especially at the graduate level!

I see FUD... Sigh....