The Finnish Defence Forces (FDF) has chosen IBM to be the integrator for a new operations system (iC4I - command, control, communications, computing, intelligence). The system will provide joint operations capability and it will be developed using iterative development model. IBM also announced the establishment of a European Defence Industry Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Helsinki, Finland. The FDF is a founding member of the Centre.
FDF's answer to the future needs is network-enabled defence (NED), which is a working title related to the further development of the FDF territorial defence doctrine. NED describes how future networks with improved and integrated information and weapon systems can enable command and control of joint and territorial operations and enable interagency collaboration in securing vital functions of the Finnish society in total defence.
The agreement with the FDF includes IBM consulting services for developing and implementing the system as well as software and hardware technology. The new solution will provide the core services like identity management also for the task specific applications in the future. The project will enable connections between all FDF's operational areas as well as other national security authorities both in Finland and internationally in crisis management situations.
The solution will be based on services oriented architecture (SOA), which represents a way of designing a company's software so that programs and data can be more easily shared between different divisions. Network enabled defence enables more efficient use of existing operational resources based on real time information. Sharing information across organisations ensures flexible and interoperable, effect based operations. The COTS-based (Common-off-the-Shelve) IBM solution is expected to bring significant savings as well as enhanced capability for the FDF. The project is expected to be completed by 2010.
The European Defence Centre of Excellence, opening in January 2nd 2006, will draw on IBM’s research, technology, and industry expertise as well as the Finnish Defence Forces’ deep industry expertise. The centre will be the focal point for the development and enhancement of homeland security practices and processes, as well as emerging technology solutions. It will also be an important vehicle for the FDF as the defence industry infrastructure transforms into interoperability. Other members will be invited to joint development and interoperability testing purposes.
"We conducted a problem centric requirements definition and IBM responded to this in a best way. Now we will build together a Proof-of-Concept to gain experiences based on which we can gradually, phase by phase, build a new system to be part of Network Enabled Defence", said Major General Markku Koli, the Finnish Defence Forces, who was in charge of starting the project as a chief J6 at 2004 and is now responsible for developing FDF's capabilities further as a Chief of Operations.
"IBM already provides services to many of the world’s defence organizations. We are pleased to be leveraging this expertise for the Finnish Defence Forces. The SOA-based solution will bring more efficient use of resources for the FDF. We look forward to co-operating with the FDF in Centre of Excellence", said Jorgen Rosqvist, VP public sector services, IBM Nordic.
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