When General “Stormin’ Norman” Schwarzkopf said his Desert Storm victory and minimal losses “can be directly attributed to the excellent intelligence picture we had on the Iraqis” he joined a host of battlefield leaders who have recognized the importance of having the right information at the right time.
DEFENSE IN THE CLOUD
FIVE PRINCIPLES MAKING THE CASE FOR CLOUD
THE RIGHT INFORMATION
AT THE RIGHT TIME
In today’s digital world, that principle is truer than ever. Whether undertaking theatre operations abroad or pursuing security efforts in their own countries, defense agencies need access to timely, accurate and comprehensive data. And the mass of available data is growing by the day.
Cloud computing could be the differentiator in achieving next-generation defense. It can be easier, cheaper and more secure than existing siloed systems. And better able to keep pace with the demands of modern defense. Indeed, as optimizing operations becomes a strategic necessity for defense agencies across the world, it is no longer a case of whether to use cloud, but how.
CLOUD EFFICIENCIES
Cloud requires a new way of thinking, especially for defense agencies where national and global security is at risk. And cloud technology is no longer nascent. The efficiencies and cost reductions that cloud offers are well documented: less need for IT systems support and infrastructure and more time and larger budgets for other operational initiatives. The attractiveness of this proposition is not lost on defense agencies.
An Accenture survey of 2,000 executives found an overwhelming majority (95 percent) who said their organizations have a five-year cloud strategy in place.
And a similar number (89 percent) who agree that implementing cloud strategies is a competitive advantage which helps enable them to leverage innovation through agility.
An Accenture survey of 2,000 executives found an overwhelming majority (95 percent) who said their organizations have a five-year cloud strategy in place.
And a similar number (89 percent) who agree that implementing cloud strategies is a competitive advantage which helps enable them to leverage innovation through agility.
GREATER CONNECTION
IN THE CLOUD
Some defense agencies are already forging ahead with cloud initiatives
UNITED STATES
The United States Department of Defense recently launched a series of cloud initiatives aimed at improving mission effectiveness and cybersecurity in a reengineered information infrastructure.
UNITED KINGDOM
The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence—in common with the UK Government as a whole—has adopted a “cloud-first approach” under which purchases through the cloud are expected to be the first option considered by public sector buyers of IT products and services.
AUSTRALIA
The Australian Government launched its Cloud Computing Policy in 2014, requiring government agencies to adopt a "cloud first" approach where it is fit for purpose, provides adequate protection of data and delivers value for money. The Australian Cyber Security Centre also provides guidance on secure cloud computing, including a list of Certified Cloud Services.
PRINCIPLES FOR ACHIEVING
CLOUD SUCCESS
While no two organizations' journeys to the cloud are identical, many of the issues that need to be dealt with are similar. The case for cloud requires defense agencies to address the following five principles:
1. DO MORE, DO IT FASTER AND DO IT CHEAPER
Defense agencies are beginning to realize significant speed, cost and agility benefits from cloud technologies.
2. ESTABLISH DATA SOVEREIGNTY
Cloud computing can facilitate the secure transfer of information across missions, between forces and among allies, boosting the ability to respond quickly and effectively, while enhancing efficiency, interoperability and collaboration.
3. GROW AWARENESS
In the future, a blend of cloud, mobility and analytics will take situational awareness to a new level.
4. IMPROVE LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAINS
When combined with mobility, analytics and advanced sensor technologies, cloud can vastly improve the efficiency and security of these processes.
5. BE RESILIENT
Cloud computing can strengthen overall security by reducing the risks of individual errors or weaknesses in silos, while ensuring consistent security standards across the entire organization.
CLOUD
IN THE NOW
The environment in which defense agencies operate must adapt to the world in which we live. They must leave behind outdated IT systems and cumbersome procurement processes in favor of a new way of working. Cloud is too good an opportunity to miss. Defense agencies must understand it, embrace it and live it if they want to become the digitally enabled defense organizations of the future. Now is the time, not only to plan, but also to act—and realize the rewards that cloud has to offer.
EXPERTS
ANTTI KOLEHMAINEN
Managing Director, Global Accenture Defense Services
 |
 |
 |
DR. VALTTERI VUORISALO
Senior Principal, Global Accenture Defense Services
|
|
|
JANNE NURMI
Senior Manager, Technology Consulting, Global Accenture Defense Services
|
|
|
Stay In The Know
Receive e-mails from Accenture featuring new content that matches your interests.
Visit the subscription center to make your selections and subscribe to New from Accenture.
Stay In The Know
Receive e-mails from Accenture featuring new content that matches your interests.
Visit the subscription center to make your selections and subscribe to New from Accenture.