NATO looks to IBM for command cloud

Private cloud is designed to inspire member states to adopt a similar strategy

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) has commissioned IBM to build a private cloud in the hope that it will inspire member nations to adopt a similar computing model.

The cloud will enable NATO's Allied Command Transformation (ACT) to improve data efficiency and increase data sharing between member nations. IBM also stated that it will be used to test and develop network solutions for command, control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance projects.

NATO hopes to demonstrate that cloud computing can enable faster technology implementations, while increasing situational awareness and more rapid decision-making.

Johan Goossens, head of ACT's technology and human factors branch, said: "Through this collaborative project, we hope to be able to realise the potential of cloud computing to tackle new challenges more efficiently, ultimately benefiting the NATO member nations."

According to IBM, the cloud will provide a common operating environment across many mission processes, improving security and scalability.

"Cloud computing has the potential to dramatically improve decision-making based on real-time data and lay a strong foundation for greater focus on innovation so that NATO can achieve its complex mission requirements," said Anne Altman, general manager, IBM global public sector.