Australian Department of Defence

Real-time access to data to improve operations.

Australian DoD gains improved network usage and collaboration between bases with iOra.

Background 
The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) has undertaken field trials to deploy Microsoft SharePoint 2010 into their tactical theatre. The main focus of the project is the modernisation and strategic planning of communication and collaboration systems for Defence to increase the effectiveness of sharing information, collaborating and communicating. Traditionally having relied on Lotus Notes or bespoke solutions, the Australian DoD wanted to modernise its systems, and these tests specifically focused on deploying Microsoft SharePoint within low and unstable bandwidth environments. The initial results are extremely positive.

The Challenge
The key challenge facing the DoD is the geographically dispersed networks in both Australia and abroad. The network connectivity between these sites is limited and due to the volatile nature of the environment the network availability cannot be guaranteed. Previous systems hadn’t proved agile enough to cope with the amount of data needing to be replicated, and the sharing of intelligence, mission and command data about operations in the field is critical so a more robust solution was needed.

The Geo-Replicator® Solution
The DoD communications team worked with the consultants at Myriad Technologies, iOra’s partner in Australia, to perform initial proof of concept design and real world field trials of technology. To ensure continuity of operations iOra’s Geo-Replicator® is used so that replication can operate autonomously between the servers at different bases. The technology handles all the updates required between the dispersed sites even with unreliable bandwidth, as iOra’s unique patented software means that information which might take hours to download can usually be transferred in minutes. This allows strong collaboration on documents regardless of the transient state of a specific network connection.

The Result
Deploying iOra has significantly improved network usage within the DoD environment and allows personnel at remote sites to access the full capability of Microsoft SharePoint even if they are offline. The solution ensures that troops on the frontline have real-time access to critical data to improve operations.

What the Client Says

“In terms of the benefits to the Australian Department of Defence, they now have access to the full SharePoint platform capability – anytime, anywhere – literally!”

James Milne, Myriad Technologies

Geo-Replicator® Benefits
Faster access to critical business information in remote areas of the world improves collaboration and efficiency. This can result in a dramatic reduction in the cost of data transmission, easier access to decision-making information and, because knowledge is kept accessible and searchable for all users, can improve organisational agility and responsiveness.