DOD has released their mobile device strategy identifying information technology goals and to capitalize on the full potential of mobile devices. The scope of the DOD mobile device user base is significant with more than 250,000 commercial mobile devices and several thousand Apple and android operating systems including pilots.
The strategy focuses on improving three areas critical to mobility such as wireless infrastructure, mobile devices, and mobile applications in order to remain reliable, secure, and flexible enough to keep up with fast changing technology.
“DOD is taking a leadership role in leveraging mobile device technology to improve information sharing, collaboration, and efficiencies,” said Teri Takai, DOD Chief Information Officer. “As today’s DOD personnel become increasingly mobile, a wide variety of devices offer unprecedented opportunities to advance the operational effectiveness of the DOD workforce. This strategy will allow mobile activities across the department to converge towards a common vision and approach.”
The next step is for an implementation plan to follow. This plan will initially support small user populations to assess the efficacy of the strategy. By validating productivity gains, reviewing security architectures, and managing a small segment of users, a business case will be developed to support scaling to an enterprise-wide solution.
Additionally DOD will develop a communication strategy to include outreach via conventional and contemporary methods for addressing the acquisition and cultural challenges associated with enterprise-wide mobile device adoption and deployment. DOD Components will participate in the DOD CIO Commercial Mobile Device Working Group (CMDWG) to share pilot activities, best practices, lessons learned, and efficiencies.
Go to www.defense.gov/news/dodmobilitystrategy.pdf to view the Mobility Device Strategy document. For more information, email Mark Norton at mark.norton@osd.mil.
