Cloud-Enabled Tactical Units vs. On-Premises Data Center Units: Pros and Cons

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In today’s rapidly changing technological landscape, military organizations are increasingly relying on cloud computing to improve agility, flexibility, and responsiveness in dynamic environments. This is particularly relevant in the context of Disconnected, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) environments, where traditional communication networks may not be available, and access to critical data and resources can be a challenge. In this article, we will compare the pros and cons of cloud-enabled tactical units and on-premises data center units in DDIL environments, and recommend the best option for military organizations.

Cloud-Enabled Tactical Units

A cloud-enabled tactical unit is a modern, distributed architecture that allows military organizations to access cloud computing resources from anywhere, providing greater flexibility, scalability, and collaboration capabilities. The following are the pros and cons of a cloud-enabled tactical unit:

Pros:

 

1. Flexibility: Cloud computing provides on-demand access to resources, enabling greater flexibility and adaptability. This is particularly relevant in DDIL environments, where resource availability is uncertain, and organizations need to quickly adapt to changing circumstances.
2. Scalability: Cloud computing can be quickly scaled up or down based on demand, making it ideal for DDIL environments where sudden spikes in demand may occur, or unexpected events may take place.
3. Collaboration: Cloud storage enables the tactical unit to store large amounts of data and easily share it with other units, increasing collaboration and efficiency. This can be particularly useful in multinational military operations or joint exercises, where multiple organizations need to share information and resources.
4. Real-time decision-making: Edge computing can provide real-time processing and decision-making capabilities, reducing latency and improving overall system performance. This is particularly relevant in tactical environments, where decisions need to be made quickly and based on real-time data.

Cons:

 

1. Dependence on internet connectivity: Dependence on internet connectivity and cloud resources can be a disadvantage in DDIL environments where internet connectivity may be limited or unavailable. This can pose a significant risk to the operational capabilities of the tactical unit.
2. Security risks: One of the primary security concerns with cloud-enabled tactical units is the risk of having classified data stored in the cloud. In the event of a security breach or if the cloud infrastructure is compromised, sensitive information could be accessed by unauthorized individuals or entities, potentially putting the tactical unit at risk.
3. Integration with legacy systems: Integration with legacy systems and applications can be a challenge, requiring significant effort and resources to ensure compatibility. This can add complexity to the tactical unit’s IT infrastructure and delay the adoption of cloud computing.

On-Premises Data Center Units

An on-premises data center unit is a traditional, centralized architecture that allows military organizations to have complete control over their infrastructure and resources. The following are the pros and cons of an on-premises data center unit:

Pros:

 

1. Control: Complete control over the infrastructure and resources, providing greater security and customization options. This can be particularly relevant in sensitive military operations where data and resources need to be protected from unauthorized access.
2. Independence from internet connectivity: Independence from internet connectivity and cloud resources, making it more suitable for DDIL environments with limited connectivity. This can provide greater operational capabilities and ensure continuity of operations in challenging environments.
3. Compatibility: Compatibility with legacy systems and applications may be easier to achieve, reducing the need for additional development and integration efforts. This can streamline the IT infrastructure of the tactical unit and reduce the risk of compatibility issues.

Cons:

Limited access to resources: Limited access to resources, making it less flexible and adaptable, and potentially slower to respond to changing circumstances. This can be a disadvantage in DDIL environments, where resource availability may be uncertain.

 

1. Lack of scalability: Lack of scalability can be a challenge, particularly in scenarios where sudden spikes in demand occur. This can result in resource shortages and a delay in mission execution, potentially putting the tactical unit at risk.
2. Security Risks: Having all classified data stored on-premises near the conflict zone also presents a risk of capture in the event of an attack. If the on-premises data center is compromised or captured, sensitive information could be accessed by the enemy, potentially compromising the mission and endangering the lives of military personnel.
3. Reduced collaboration: Reduced collaboration and information sharing capabilities, making it more difficult to share critical data and resources with other units. This can be a disadvantage in multinational military operations or joint exercises, where coordination and information sharing are critical.

Cloud-Enabled Tactical Units vs. On-Premises Data Center Units: A Final Recommendation

Based on the analysis of the pros and cons of cloud-enabled tactical units and on-premises data center units in DDIL environments, it is recommended that military organizations adopt a hybrid approach that leverages the benefits of both architectures. Specifically, the tactical unit should have an on-premises data center for immediately critical workloads, while leveraging cloud computing resources for failsafe continuity of mission, the ability to stay light and mobile when required, advanced analytics, organization wide mission command, and hosting coalition integration for partners without mission command systems.

This approach provides the following benefits:

 

1. Security: Immediate sensitive operations and critical infrastructure can be protected through an on-premises data center, while additional sensitive data can leverage cloud resources to reduce sensitive data being along the Forward Line of Troops that can be captured by enemy forces.
2. Flexibility and scalability: The cloud-enabled tactical unit can be quickly scaled up or down based on demand, while the on-premises data center can provide additional resources when needed.
3. Collaboration: Cloud storage and computing resources can be used to enable collaboration and information sharing, while the on-premises data center can be used to store sensitive data and applications.
4. Reduced latency: Edge computing can be used to provide real-time processing and decision-making capabilities, reducing latency and improving overall system performance.
5. Independence from internet connectivity: The on-premises data center can provide independence from internet connectivity, ensuring continuity of operations in DDIL environments.

In conclusion, cloud-enabled tactical units and on-premises data center units both have their pros and cons in DDIL environments. However, a hybrid approach that leverages the benefits of both architectures can provide the best of both worlds, enabling military organizations to be agile, flexible, and responsive while also ensuring security and reliability.

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