Empowering the Warfighter with the DoD Cloud (S1E38)

Very few places on earth take data a seriously as the Department of Defense. When they consider moves to technology like the hybrid cloud, they must examine every aspect of it from scaling, long-term durability, and cybersecurity.  Because of these considerations, the move to the cloud must be viewed as a serious endeavor.

Today’s interview has a warfighter and a high-level technology architect look at topics like hybrid cloud, information sharing, and data literacy. They will give observations about the technology and its application in the Department of Defense.

Ramesh Menon has decades of experience designing enterprise architecture.  He looks at the advent of hybrid computing as an opportunity for the DoD to leverage technology to give mission flexibility and speed.

When looking at today’s enterprise, Ramesh Menon observes edge computing for the DoD is a game-changer.  Because devices seem to be everywhere and are becoming software-enabled, today’s warfighters must understand the value of software in the military mission space.

Juliana Vida has experience as a fighter pilot and approaches the topic of information sharing from the perspective of the end-user.  She suggests that although information sharing must come from the top down, it will not be completely effective without the war fighter engaging in the discussion.

Increased bandwidth and decreased cost of storage is creating a world of technology change that is difficult for anyone, including the warfighter, to understand. Some even call it an avalanche of data. This amount of information will only increase – forcing military leaders to find ways to take the administrative burden off the shoulders of human beings.

Julina Vida suggests that everyone must take the task upon themselves to constantly train in newer technologies to see where they can be applied to take advantage of innovation.  Once data literacy is raised to the next level, adoption across the DoD will be easier.

From Juliana’s point of view, learning new technology should be a proactive effort – warfighters, enterprise architects, even procurement people must seek out knowledge about new systems that will reduce cost and add flexibility to accomplishing military end goals.

To view this webinar: Empowering the Warfighter with the DoD Cloud Strategy.

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