Vanguard Magazine

22 DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 www.vanguardcanada.com interview The future lies in Data-Centric-Computing. The Cloud is where we are heading, and it is a question of when not if. suite of discrete, legacy computer networks to exchange information at the secret level. A reduction in the number of networks and infrastructure is needed to reduce complex- ity and potential risk. Our recent experience with Defence O365 and other partner ini- tiatives has illuminated the power of moving our legacy infrastructure to the cloud. It is currently envisioned that the project will le- verage, if possible, a Secret Public Cloud in- frastructure. Additionally, in order to enable strong well-defined access controls, a unified holistic network is required for Data Centric Security and system of systems architecture with many new technologies, hinging on large amounts of data to transfer. Disparate networks are cumbersome, expensive, and labour-intensive, but the biggest challenge is that the distribution of information is be- ing hampered. It is potentially impossible to provide to a commander with information in a timely and comprehensible way to support pivotal decision making. ITI in Sp of C2 is the instrument to break down the barriers to enable the free flow of information. The name speaks for itself, the ultimate goal is the enablement of Command and Control (C2). Together, ICAM and ITI in Sp of C2 are symbiotic and will be the pillars of mod- ernizing DND and the CAF. However, as mentioned previously, we are already look- ing at the future and we are accelerating the development of the capability to fur- ther integrate existing and future weapon systems into a networked, joint system-of- systems that will enable the flow of infor- mation among multiple, interconnected platforms and operational headquarters. Collection platforms, including aircraft, re- mote piloted systems, land vehicles, ships, satellites, and ground sensors have the ability to capture voluminous data of in- telligence interest from multiple domains. The Modernized Command and Control Information System project will enable this data to be shared in near real-time, and in- tegrated and assessed with modern analyti- cal tools. It will be interoperable with Allied capabilities, promote all domain situational awareness, and enhance command decision speed. Its architecture will be resilient, se- cure from exploitation, and responsive to rapidly changing requirements. Q In the last year, the idea of Secure Cloud has become a main theme for future C4I. How did this dramatic change in thinking evolve? We cannot have a discussion about Cloud without having one about Data. The rea- son that Cloud solutions are one of the primary topics of conversation is because our modern world revolves around the problem of information. Data sovereignty and management are the biggest questions of our time. We have all this data, but there remain many questions around proper management and protection protocols. Additionally, the proliferation of tech- nology has changed the face of weapons systems. We say every system is a sensor, however, this phraseology simplifies the concept. In order to achieve success in a modern landscape, it is essential for all assets to be integrated in a holistic man- ner. Purchasing a next-generation system without the proper infrastructure in place to utilize and incorporate all the data and information potential is far from optimal. We are starting to consider all weapons systems as tools, as peripherals, like the hands and feet of the human body. In turn, the supporting IM/IT infrastruc- ture, and all the supporting Information Capabilities, are the nervous systems, the connective tissue which keeps the body functioning and moving the right away. No longer can our systems and networks be disparate, and Secure Cloud will help us achieve this unified architecture for the or- ganization. This is where the technologi- cal possibilities offered by methodologies such as Data Centric Computing come into play. They will allow for the DND digital landscape to gain the flexibility and the capacity which it requires, in a way which the organization can afford. Information Technology (IT) is no lon- ger the supporting system it was during its infancy stages. The traditional weapon sys- tems, such as tanks, aircraft, and ships, can no longer successfully be employed with- out information capabilities and the digi- tal backbone. Every system is now a data node. This is also potentially a weakness as modern militaries will increasingly rely on Cyber Space for advantages over the adversaries. Threat actors can travel along all the interconnected branches in un- predictable ways, and through the Cyber domain, compromising national safety and objectives. Geographical proximity and economic power have ceased to be requirements to wage war, and the threat landscape has been altered in ways that are complex to navigate. "Secure Cloud" is being considered ini- tially in defence with the delivery of ITI in Sp of C2. It is one of the investments to stay ahead of our adversaries and remain competitive in the global arena, mitigat- ing risks, while seizing opportunities. The Government of Canada and DND/CAF recognize that cloud computing offers key benefits in terms of IT efficiency, along with providing future access to big data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to enhance decision-making. Almost two years ago, DND/CAF estab- lished the Joint Defence Cloud Program (JDCP) to focus on support to operations using cloud technology to strategically ex- ploit enhanced IT effectiveness while pro- tecting and securing its information and IT assets. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, these preparations enabled us to rapidly offer a cloud enterprise in response. ADM(IM) had a big success with launch- ing the rollout of Defence O365. It is an ambitious project that ordinarily would take even large IT organizations several months to rollout. Innovative solutions, such as the rolling out of Defence O365, are necessary in order to enable the department to con- tinue to communicate and collaborate in an effort to carry on with as much of the day to day business of Defence as possible. Our usage of Defence O365 has only increased our goals to move some of our classified ac- tivities to the Cloud.

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