The UK Defense sector is poised for a significant shift towards cloud services by 2023, aimed at unlocking the potential of data and attracting top talent to drive the initiative.
Over the past few years, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) has made great strides in cloud adoption through its MODCloud program, resulting in cost savings and improved data accessibility and security. However, the real value is in the 24/7 cloud service offered. The recently published Cloud Strategic Roadmap for Defense sets out the ambition.
In our latest Defense Trends paper, we examine how Defense is using these technologies and their potential impact. Below is a brief overview of our findings.
Unleash the Potential of Your Data
To tap the full potential of data, it is important to reveal, contextualize, and enhance it using data APIs and new technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. This way, information is presented in a way that guides decision makers to their desired results with automation and speed. As a result, commanders and business leaders receive timely, actionable insights to make informed decisions.
We recently partnered with the Ministry of Defense (MoD) to seamlessly migrate over 40 applications and systems from legacy storage to MODCloud, backed by a bespoke service package and a results-based contract.
Our team of experts, working with service personnel, civil servants, and other suppliers, deliver the project to a high standard and on schedule, with a strong focus on meeting the desired consequences of the MoD. As we continue to support the MoD’s digital transformation journey with a number of projects, the future is full of exciting possibilities.
Cloud adoption is a powerful driver of faster, more focused business results. By using the services offered, organizations can gain a competitive edge. The ability to rapidly scale up or down to meet changing needs and pay only for what is used makes cloud environments a smart investment. In addition, the option to quickly expand capabilities during peak demand, near-zero downtime thanks to multiple data centers, and improved value, reduced risk, and interoperability across the business are benefits that makes it worth pursuing.
Data: Let’s grow up
Data fusion is a key theme in 2023, and data has already been championed as a strategic asset. The MoD is driving the importance of data management as the organization sets the levers to create a best-in-class data capability. Data Strategy for Defense gives a taste of where this is headed. While I have outlined some of the ways that cloud adoption can help realize some of these data ambitions, the strategy clearly describes much more.
People, then technology: Get your digital skills right here
Digital skills are in high demand. In Defence, there will continue to be a need for a mix of digital talent — civil servants, uniformed service people and suppliers. Landing an optimal mix requires cultural setting and being proactive about an inclusive and psychologically safe workplace. It’s about getting the right mix of people. Leaders who do this effectively and drive the culture get the best digital deliverables.
With the ever-growing shift towards cloud services, there is a need to have a poly-skilled team of people with technical talent well balanced with the right experience. The need for talented resources, available to resolve any issues that may arise is a must. Likewise, Defense organizations require technology and expertise that is innovative, agile and prioritizes business objectives. Defense organizations also need secure access to data “anytime, anywhere, everywhere” across sea, land, air, space and cyber platforms, as well as headquarters and bases. in Defence, and of course for staff working from their home office. And they must be mindful of the ever-increasing and ever-present cyber threats from adversaries large and small.
Positioning these data levers, making the right technology choices and resourcing the teams to deliver are key components of Defense transformation in 2023. My view is this – the business imperative is the driver, technology is the enabler, and people and culture are the conductors.
Mike Neville is the Manager (Defense) at Netcompany.