Mary-Louise Hoffman
The U.S. Defense Department has been gradually switching from physical information systems to a software-based virtual infrastructure, VMware executive Bill Rowan writes in a Defense Systems opinion piece.
Rowan, vice president of VMware’s DoD team, says the shift is driven by the current fiscal environment as well as federal data center consolidation and desktop virtualization initiatives.
“Today, defense organizations are able to apply cloud computing best practices from Fortune 1000 companies to allow for more nimble applications for the warfighter, delivered when and where they need them,” Rowan stated.
He believes that a virtual cloud environment can help boost warfighting speed and agility by providing on-demand access to real-time IT services and resources.
The technology also works to help organizations address computing efficiency issues without the need to increase floor space, workforce and electric usage, according to Rowan.
“Moving beyond physical to virtual is a natural evolution for defense IT,” he added.
“DOD has made great strides, but the transition must accelerate if we expect to maintain and enhance the IT superiority that supports America’s warfighters.”
