How Microsoft Cloud Helps Solve Legacy System Challenges in Defense Operations
In modern defense operations, maintaining a unified, secure, and reliable infrastructure across the battlespace is crucial. Defense organizations need to operate in a secure, coordinated, and integrated manner, connecting current and future capabilities across land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains to achieve mission outcomes.
How Microsoft Cloud Helps Solve Legacy System Challenges
Microsoft is well placed to respond to these challenges through the hyperscale cloud capabilities of Microsoft Azure, encompassing a global network of data centers, servers, and networks that power cloud services, including:
- The Microsoft Adaptive Cloud approach, which lets organizations use cloud-native and AI technologies across hybrid, multi-cloud, edge, and Internet of Things (IoT) environments.
- Azure Local, enabled by Azure Arc, which is a specialized offering designed to bring cloud computing capabilities directly to the edge, closer to where data is generated, and decisions need to be made.
Adaptive Cloud and Azure Local Solutions in Action
By way of illustration, consider a joint task force assigned to secure a national border as part of a multi-domain operation (MDO). The objective is to identify and address potential threats, including unauthorized crossings, smuggling activities, and aerial incursions.
Real-time Data Collection and Edge Processing
- IoT data collection: Data is collected and processed directly from IoT devices in real-time, close to the source, reducing latency and enhancing security.
- Edge processing: The data collected from sensors is processed and transmitted to Azure Local instances deployed at mobile command centers.
- Local AI inferencing: Conducting real-time analysis directly within an environmental context, defense organizations can respond faster and more accurately to emergent situations using AI and machine learning models to analyze patterns, detect anomalies, and provide actionable insights to field commanders.
Command and Control (C2) Situational Awareness
The task force sustains a thorough and current operational overview by using data transmitted to Azure from Azure Local. With cloud technologies, command and control data flows seamlessly from collection to actionable insights. The C2 node assesses the situation and determines the appropriate response.
Benefits of Microsoft Adaptive Cloud and Azure Local in Defense Operations
- Enhanced security: Azure Local instances are configured with secured-core settings and automatic data encryption by default, protecting sensitive military communications and intelligence data from cyber threats.
- Operational flexibility: Azure Local supports disconnected operations, flexible hardware options, and scalability.
Explore Microsoft for Defense and Intelligence
Learn how Microsoft Cloud can help achieve mission outcomes to promote stability and security.
Conclusion
By using Azure Local, the joint task force’s multi-domain operation not only addresses immediate threats but also establishes a robust framework for ongoing border security enabling seamless coordination and integration across land, sea, air, cyber, and space domains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Microsoft Adaptive Cloud?
A: Microsoft Adaptive Cloud is a cloud-native approach that lets organizations use cloud technologies across hybrid, multi-cloud, edge, and Internet of Things (IoT) environments.
Q: What is Azure Local?
A: Azure Local is a specialized offering designed to bring cloud computing capabilities directly to the edge, closer to where data is generated, and decisions need to be made.
Q: What are the benefits of using Azure Local in defense operations?
A: Azure Local provides enhanced security, operational flexibility, and scalability, enabling defense organizations to maintain a unified, secure, and reliable infrastructure across the battlespace.
Q: How does Azure Local support disconnected operations?
A: Azure Local supports disconnected operations by allowing data to be synchronized with the C2 node once connectivity is restored.
