On July 15, 1996, President Bill Clinton issued Executive Order No. 13010, in which he identified eight infrastructure systems critical to the nation's survival: telecommunications, electric power systems, oil and gas storage, transportation, banking and finance, storage and transportation, water supply systems, and emergency services (including medical, police, fire and rescue, and continuity of government).
Some interoperability experts say these gateways are a solid interim solution for short-term use--especially when rescue workers from other jurisdictions are aiding in disaster relief--but should not be considered ideal, permanent systems for inter-agency communication.