Attachment_0010_-_Computing_Environment.docx

Attachment 0010 Computing Environment

The Common Operating Environment (COE) is defined as; an approved set of computing technologies and standards that enable secure and interoperable applications to be rapidly developed and executed across a variety of Computing Environments (hardware and software). Each Computing Environment has a minimum standard configuration that also supports the Army’s ability to rapidly produce and deploy high-quality applications while reducing the complexities of configuration, support and training associated with the computing environment.

This appendix lists and describes the set of standards recommended for the target computing environments that execute within the TACOM LCMC common operating environment framework. It is understood that exceptions to approved and published standards may occasionally be necessary to fulfil unique mission requirements. The organizations developing, deploying and supporting non-compliant technology shall work closely with their respective CyberSecurity Office and the CIO/G-6 to prepare mitigation strategies and plans to bring all non-compliant technology into the standard configurations defined by the Common Operating Environment. The COE is standards-based. Applications and application components shall adhere to Army/DoD standard naming conventions, reside in common libraries and be deployed using standard release-management processes.

The COE will use DoD and Army-mandated applications and standards. The COE will leverage DoD and Army-mandated products to the maximum extent possible.

The COE must be scalable across the enterprise. Applications shall be developed for the server environment. Use of the server environment means fewer server instantiations, thus making applications easier to update, to operate and to maintain. Server-side applications will be accessed by the customer through a client computer or a handheld device via a standards-based web browser. For example, to improve our defense posture, the number of Cross-Domain Solutions (CDS) will be minimized. CDS will be hosted at an enterprise server location unless unique validated mission requirements demand that they be hosted in the local strategic environment.

The COE defaults to commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions. The COE will leverage COTS solutions and other commercial capabilities first, including open source solutions. The objective is to leverage market-leading COTS technologies to the fullest extent possible and to utilize DoD solutions for military-specific needs. Customization of packaged applications shall be minimized. Reuse of existing packages shall be utilized to the maximum extent possible.

The COE must remain relevant. Emerging commercial technologies shall be continually assessed for inclusion in the COE. Similarly, current technologies will be continually assessed for obsolescence; those that are obsolete and/or no longer relevant will be retired.

Hardware/software is selected from an approved products list that is designed to standardize infrastructure and to ensure compatibility.

TECHNOLOGY LEVERAGED AT NEC-DA

IAW DoD and the Network Enterprise Center Detroit Arsenal (NEC-DA) server farm and Data Center provide the backbone of the current NEC-DA Architecture. Some technologies heavily leveraged here at NEC-DA are;

1. Blade Servers

2. Server Virtualization

3. NAS and SAN Mass Storage

4. Advanced Recovery Technology (e.g. Snapshot Backup/Restore, Bare Metal Recovery, Instant Availability)

5. Advanced Monitoring, Notification, and Reporting Tools.

6. Defense Research and Engineering Network (DREN)

OTHER NOTES

The NEC-DA IT Support Services environment is being continuously updated IAW DoD, Army, NETCOM, and local NEC-DA policy and directives.

The Army is consolidating network infrastructures by migrating to regional Army Processing Centers, DoD hosting environments, or commercial sites. COE software will be hosted on those hosting environments and mission application support shall be migrated to those infrastructures that will support the TACOM LCMC applications.