AFMC improving E-Collaboration, Information Management Published June 8, 2007 By JoAnne Rumple Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, -- Honk, honk! Traffic on the information superhighway is about to become a lot easier to navigate for Air Force Materiel Command employees. "It will be like driving a motorcycle between lanes of rush-hour traffic on L.A. freeways -- a more effective, efficient, and exciting mode of travel, albeit a bit more risky," said Jon Ogg, AFMC Director of Communications. While today's world travels one big Internet, connecting everyone and anyone, that broad access has created issues for Department of Defense computer networks. Bandwidth limitations, application incompatibilities, software integration glitches and the build-up of security measures to counter outsider attacks have hampered those trying to maximize effectiveness of tools like desktops, laptops, Blackberries, personal data assistants and critical process-enabling applications. Until now. In collaboration with other DOD units, AFMC is getting ready to implement a whole slew of new capabilities. Computer users across the command will be able to "reach out and touch" counterparts across DOD, industry and academia -- "face-to-face," in real time, from almost anywhere. What's more, they'll be able to collaborate on documents and share data in real time, with or without e-mail; while listening to audio files and watching streaming video from external sources. "This is a huge leap forward in capability," Mr. Ogg said. "To get there, we're leveraging tools in which DOD has already invested, standardizing and implementing an integrated suite for e-collaboration, information sharing and communication." Mr. Ogg said the directorate's work is tied directly to DOD and Air Force consolidation of information technology resources. It's driven by the need "to have fingertip access to the right information at the right time, anywhere." The directorate's campaign to help employees work smarter also responds to needs identified in DOD's Program Budget Directive 720 and initiatives like AFMC Commander Gen. Bruce Carlson's push for "One Materiel Command, One Enterprise." Their work with the Air Force Communications Agency and Defense Information Systems Agency has provided short-term and long-term benefits. Short term, the directorate has upgraded bandwidth across the command and standardized software readers for podcasts and video streams. User access to these is already available at some bases and officials expect command-wide access in June, according to John Bartoli, Deputy Director for Communications. Long term, it's allowed AFMC to begin establishing an Integrated Data Environment, "a system of systems providing employees the right information anytime, anyplace," said George Holmes, technical advisor in the directorate's Plans and Policy Division. "We'll be providing capabilities for real-time voice and video teleconference from your desktop, as well as the ability to use instant messaging," Mr. Holmes said. "We're also working with Air Staff offices and other commands to develop an extranet that will allow AFMC users to post documents on secure Web sites, so industry and academic counterparts can collaborate on information," Mr. Holmes added. "We're really excited about the extranet: it will provide powerful, secure, information sharing both inside and outside AFMC." He indicated AFMC intends to bring the extranet on line this year, once funding is secure. Holmes said the Air Force tasked major commands to host standard electronic information management solutions on their own networks by the end of fiscal 2007. Deployment, when it starts, will be accompanied by computer-based and classroom training. Officials say they expect total deployment of the Air Force-wide integrated data environment around 2009. According to Mr. Ogg, AFMC is also moving out with wireless service across the command, leveraging the Air Force's Combat Information Transport System. In addition, the command is moving to a more mobile, connected work force by phasing out less mobile desktops for more versatile versions that enable connectivity to digital highways, anywhere, anytime. Mr. Holmes said this creates a more critical need to ensure that any data on lost or stolen devices is protected. The Air Force and DOD are actively working to implement encryption algorithms, he added. Explaining AFMC's goal for these improvements, Mr. Ogg said, "We need to ensure our knowledge workers have the equipment and skills to operate their 'weapon systems' as we become critical nodes operating in the cyberspace domain. After all, collaboration is only as good as our weakest link." As AFMC's communications experts work to strengthen those links, the command's work force can look toward better, more effective collaborative efforts that exemplify the One Materiel Command concept and really take advantage of the information highway.