Case studies
Case studies of military information technology are designed to show how modern information technology is used to support combat missions. Sentar's Cyber Team focuses on ATO/Risk Assessment support, policy development and policy support. TRANSCOM also uses a global Common Computing Environment, (CCE), which incorporates many applications to coordinate logistics requirements of deployed combat units.
Additionally, these three case studies show both the advantages and disadvantages of CMI. Common technologies can often be used to meet both defense and commercial market needs. The differences in technology between commercial and defense markets can be minimized by better planning during system design. However, acquisition laws and other legal barriers often prevent increased integration.
Organizational identities
Lindsay claims that organizations can structure information processing by creating organizational identities. He cites the early radar systems used by humans and the signature strikes that drones use today as examples. Such systems are complicated and need to be simplified. These identities are often embedded in technology used by military organisations to fight wars.
It is essential to understand the culture of military organisations in order to develop new technology and make it effective. The organizational culture is crucial to the environment within which new technologies can be absorbed. Compared to ordinary organizations, military organizations have distinct cultures - hierarchy, rules, and discipline - which impact the adoption of new technologies. Additionally, they distinguish between hot and cold environments. This affects how they implement technology.
Complex information system architectures can have commonalities
It is crucial to look at the role of the '''. blocks when analyzing the overall architecture for a complex military IT system. Specifically, the Defense Information Infrastructure (DII) is composed of the long-haul, deployed, and supporting unified command and control domains. These domains can be linked to the Joint DII Control System that is responsible for operational Integration and establishing a common operational picture.
DoDAF, which includes both the Human Views and the Operational System and Service Views, is an example of a well-used framework. It has been used in many large defense projects to provide shared processes and work products. Australia, however, seems to have a different policy than the US and UK.
Systems that are user-designed
Military information technology and cybersecurity are closely linked, and the Department of Defense has responsibility for both. Both have obligations to protect the nation's information and infrastructure. The Department of Defense is aware of gaps in its cyber defenses, and must fix them. The most powerful tool is user-designed systems.
The Department of Defense will integrate user-designed systems into new system development. This allows for a reduction in development time and cost and a better ability of military system to provide mission-relevant data. The Pentagon's Center for Defense Information Systems is the focal point of this initiative.