A CLEARER NETWORK PICTURE
and to gain Soldier feedback to continue enhancing capabilities and inform Army fielding decisions. In essence, it enables PM TN to “buy, try and then decide” on potential new solutions ahead of large fielding efforts.
Te goal of the Army’s Unified Network Operations middle-tier acquisition efforts is to provide simple, reliable, flexible and trustworthy network management tools for both the upper tactical internet (computer network) and lower tactical internet (radio networks). It is helping the Army deliver a more integrated, standard- ized and simplified network operations architecture. PM TN is conducting several other prototyping efforts under this middle-tier acquisition authority that are
serving as risk-reduction events for capa- bilities with the potential to become Army programs of record to be fielded across the Army.
To support the network management prototype development, PM TN has been using a successful developmental operations (DevOps) process, which puts developers alongside Soldiers in opera- tional units to gain Soldier feedback that will be used to inform design improve- ments and future fielding decisions.
As part of the DevOps process, PM TN and industry have been working closely together to conduct Soldier touch point visits at multiple division, brigade and battalion S-6 and G-6 shops, including
The goal of the Army’s Unified Network Operations middle-tier
acquisition efforts is to provide simple, reliable, flexible and trustworthy network management tools.
the 11th Teater Tactical Signal Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division and the 10th Mountain Division. Tese events provide a venue to collaborate on product design improvements. During the initial visit, the project office and vendor provide a demonstration; then the unit provides its preliminary feedback, both positive and negative, along with its capability wish list.
Tis relationship does not end with the initial Soldier touch point, but contin- ues throughout the development process. PM TN has a flexible contract in place that allows it to keep enhancing the tool suite, making requested changes or adding features to meet Soldier needs. Soldier feedback is continuously relayed into Agile software development sprint cycles. Te software is refined again as part of the next quarterly release cycle.
SOFTWARE SMOOTHS THE WAY
The Network Operations Management System makes it easier for Soldiers to plan, configure, manage, monitor, control, secure and defend their tactical network assets. (U.S. Army graphic by PM TN)
PM TN also integrated the new network management software prototype into its Emulation Test Bed at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Te test bed simulates
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Army AL&T Magazine
Spring 2020
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