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Mid American Signal is First ITS Distributor to Back #FREEtheMIBS Campaign
Company signs on as an official champion for open MIBs and communication protocols.
November 5, 2020
FREEtheMIBS is proud to announce Mid American Signal as the first distributor of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) to join the advocacy campaign to promote and encourage open communication protocols.
Delivering dynamic solutions to traffic agencies and the communities they serve is predicated on being able to integrate solutions from different manufacturers according to Bill Droessler, president of Mid American Signal. “It is not always easy or even possible to integrate solutions from different ITS equipment vendors,” said Droessler. “Many vendors do not want other solution providers to be able to fully interact with their products, essentially handicapping an agency’s ability to select the best possible solutions to address their needs.”
“Such archaic business practices are generally in the vested interest of the vendor, not customers or communities,” echoed Tom Stiles, founder of FREEtheMIBS and executive vice president at Q-Free. “We are thrilled to welcome Mid American Signal as our latest corporate supporter. We share a common belief that open, integrated mindsets are necessary to solve modern transportation challenges and adapt to the future of data sharing and connected vehicles.”
Founded 40 years ago, the Mid American Signal team has considerable experience with the evolution of closed and open standards across ITS applications. “Opening standards can have a negative impact on bottom-line sales for distributors and the vendors they represent,” said Droessler. “But ultimately, it’s not about profit but delivering the best possible solution for the greater good of our communities.”
He went on to say that the days of single contact sales are over. Today, he contends, companies need to work with traffic engineering and maintenance departments, and the driving public to build an efficient, contemporary traffic network. “You have to listen to all voices and consider every stakeholder,” he said.
“In a collaborative market it’s crucial to offer collaborative solutions, and open communication protocols are one of the most inclusive ways to approach traffic management for the future. ”
“We’re proud to be the first distributor to officially join FREEtheMIBS,” Droessler concluded. “We strongly encourage others to join us.”
The #FREEtheMIBs campaign continues to generate deep and relevant conversations about the need for open standards and their role in increasing competition and innovation, a win-win for traffic agencies and communities.
About FREEtheMIBS
#FREEtheMIBS is a collaborative campaign to encourage traffic signal controller and ITS device manufacturers, and public sector agencies to unite behind opening and sharing device NTCIP protocols – specifically, management information bases (MIBs). To learn more about the freeing the MIBs or to join the movement, visit FREEtheMIBS.org.
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About Mid American Signal, Inc.
Based in Kansas City, KS, Mid American Signal was founded in 1980 to represent high-end transportation manufacturing company products throughout the Midwest. With customers in Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, Mid American Signal distributes a variety of ITS equipment including signal and intersection controls, roadway lighting, advanced traffic management systems, and a host of others along with technical support and training for those products.