You will need a computer with speakers to watch the presentation.  A microphone and webcam are optional but encouraged.

Topic:  Interoperable Train Control (ITC) Supplemental Back-Office Server (SBOS)

The Supplemental Back-Office Server (SBOS) used with the Interoperable Train Control system provides additional functionality to send advisory message(s), slow, or even safety stop a PTC equipped train when a hazard is detected by an external systems or sensors potentially affects that train. These external systems can range from the USGS Early Earthquake Warning system (EEW), a highway crossing health monitoring system, pedestrian intrusion cameras, weather alerts, as well as a host of other railway hazard detectors (e.g., slide fence, high-water/wind, etc.). The SBOS uses the ITC track database (Subdiv File), and can generate dynamic and/or static geofences around these detected hazards and, in real-time, identify and track PTC equipped locomotives that are moving towards a hazard and thus advise, slow, or safety stop those trains prior an incursion.

Speakers: Michael Bratcher and Armondo Garcia

Michael Bratcher has enjoyed a 40 year career in the railway industry,  providing the vision and direction needed to meet the industry needs to improve safety and increased efficiency.  From 1998 to 2006 he was with BNSF Railway as first Director then Senior Director of Network Control, where he led train control system integrations of Burlington Northern Railroad and Santa Fe Railway systems after the two merged to form BNSF.  He also participated in some of the earliest work on PTC, .including BNSF's ETMS system. In 2008 he joined Wabtec Railway Electronics as Assistant Vice President and was then promoted to Vice President in 2012.  He is now the Chief Technology Officer for Railway Transportation Management Solutions.

Armondo Garcia is a leader in the Rail Transportation Industry as a Project Manager and Subject Matter Expert in Positive Train Control (PTC) and new rail technologies.  He is a veteran with over 19 years of experience in Rail Transportation and Aerospace Industry with 9 years in PTC.  He currently supports MARC as the technical lead and .Project Manager for all current and new technical projects, including PTC, for Omni-Strategy LLC as a Senior Engineering Consultant.   Most recently Mr. Garica has started providing PTC back-office support for Metrolink Railroad.  Additionally, he has taken over the role of key engineer, and supports Metrolink and Railpros with the PTC Supplemental BOS-Commuter Rail Seismic Interface (CRSI) application.