Speed and flexibly are critical to developing a Tactical Collaboration Suite to address operational mission requirements. iGov uses its unique rapid prototyping process and a “Gold Disk” concept to prototype a tactical system with a standardized software baseline that surpasses typical development turntimes.
Introduction
iGov’s Tactical Collaboration Suite (TCS) is used to enhance situational awareness and C4ISR capabilities to increase overall force effectiveness. As a man-portable tactical collaborative system, it works with both current and legacy systems. Comprised of a virtualized hosting platform, iGov’s TCS is comprised of segmented physical hardware and virtualized software (SW) platforms with a portal that allows for synchronous and asynchronous collaboration capabilities to troops in the field using their chosen hardware (HW) platform. iGov’s TCS will be used to support American armed force personnel in their development, delivery, and support of baseline systems and associated services – quickly, efficiently and cost effectively.
Situation
iGov initially developed TCS to address two challenges in particular that the DOD was facing. Using a “Gold Disk” concept, iGov developed a tactical system with a standardized software baseline. The Gold Disk is a virtual host for hardware containing pre-configured, secured software applications. The “Gold Disks” must either be ready-to-operate or perform automated installation tasks that are required for the”Gold Disk” to be operational. DOD needed to be able to deploy its IT-based capabilities using these “Gold Disks,” in a minimal amount of time, to rapidly and flexibly meet their operational missions.
In addition, iGov needed to ensure that pre-existing systems need to be upgraded to this new baseline. The outcome was to be a realigned software baseline that would provide a common and standardized capability for all operators and end users. Previously, platforms without system sustainment were being utilized, which meant there were no guarantees that the hardware would continue to function should the software stop working. Moreover, most warrantees from the original suppliers had expired, so there was no additional or future support of the legacy systems. To complicate matters even further, it was decided that all future systems would have hardware separate from the software. A new, unprecedented solution was required – and fast.
Solution: TCS
iGov was able to quickly prototype a system, called the Tactical Collaboration Suite, that addresses these challenges. The prototype bridges the gap between the software and hardware of the existing legacy system and any new functionalities DOD wants to bring into deployment. Although iGov’s original TCS was comprised of both software and hardware, at present, iGov will be providing the hardware, which will serve as a platform independent of the software.
In order to make this possible, iGov employed its own unique and proven process for developing tactical IT network solutions. The cornerstone of this approach is Evolutionary Technology Insertion (ETI). Through iGov’s systems engineering ETI, it allowed them to develop what DOD now requires in tactical IT: smaller, lighter, faster and cheaper solutions.
Implementation
iGov’s TCS is a smaller, lighter weight, easily movable, simplified, and operator-friendly system that uses a standardized set of capabilities. This allows DOD to cost-effectively deploy, manage, maintain, and update the system without relying on a system integrator for expensive updates, upgrades or MRO contract terms.
iGov worked with key IT and operational leaders within the military who were the core program specifiers, as well as the buyers. For the first time, however, a high level of transparency and trust was necessitated and established between the key experts within the military and the handpicked iGov team of professionals. This close partnership approach, unique