Nixle has elements in common with BlockChalk, which lets neighbours communicate with each other, but includes a component for secure messaging by local government and municipal agencies. Since Nixle launched publicly about a year ago, more than 3,800 public safety and community agencies across the US have started using it.
Granular, location-based information is pushed out directly to the community by SMS, web and email. As with BlockChalk, neighbourhood residents can broadcast locally targeted news, events and recommendations. In addition, through a partnership with the Nlets messaging service for law enforcement agencies, Nixle provides an authenticated and secure service for connecting municipal agencies, schools and community organisations with residents in real time.
Nlets hosts the Nixle servers in the Nlets secure facility. This means police departments can send alerts and advisories right from their terminals.
Nixle is free for use by government agencies, community organisations and consumers. Local residents can decide how much information they want to receive in real time, and all messages are archived online for later access.
