Waltham Firm's Software Helped Marathon Bombing Response

A Waltham-based company's communication system helped assist the response to the Boston Marathon bombings, according to the Boston Globe. 

Immediately after the bombs exploded April 15 around 2:50 p.m., Boston used Everbridge communication software to call in additional first responders, according to the Globe. Pearson, an education firm, used the software to check on its employees. 

While cell phone towers were jammed with an influx of calls, the Everbridge software bypassed cell systems to send text messages directly to individuals, according to the Globe. To get its message out, the system uses wireless signals and land-based communication lines, according to the Globe. 

The company's customers include Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Business School. Also, the city of Waltham uses the same version of the software, according to Everbridge spokesman. In the past, the city has used the company's software to distribute missing person alerts and notify residents of other emergencies.