Thales, Microsoft Launch Tactical Cloud Computing for Australian Military

Thales Australia, Microsoft and Australian SMEs- Myriad Technologies, archTIS and Fortifyedge have partnered to launch Nexium Defence Cloud Edge (NDC Edge), a secure Tactical cloud computing capability for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The NDC Edge is built on Microsoft Azure Stack technology, that is designed to be compatible with Five Eyes nations (U.S. U.K., Australia, New Zealand & Canada), as well as humanitarian aid and civilian applications.

It includes all the components of military command posts and meets performance requirements in terms of size, weight and power (SWaP) to simplify deployment and minimise the logistical footprint.

The theatre level Nexium Defence Cloud Edge enables the analysis and distribution of data in real time, accelerating the decision-making cycle to gain and maintain operational tempo. This secure tactical Warfighting Cloud that gives deployed forces access to the right information at the right time is crucial to enable rapid and informed decisions.

Three innovative Australian SMEs, Myriad Technologies, archTIS and Fortifyedge are integrating their new technologies that enable this sovereign capability to run at the tactical edge for the ADF and coalition forces.

NDC Edge offers a wide array of possible configurations, from very high-capacity and easily scalable infrastructure to all-in-one containerized systems that can establish a headquarters as a cloud node rapidly, and link it to deployed forces quickly and securely.

This capability enables deployed forces to securely share critical information across domains, multinational coalitions and other agencies to allow a shared common operating picture. NDC Edge is designed to be flexible, with the ability to rapidly re-role in theatre, introduce new capabilities and integrate with legacy platforms, allowing commanders at all levels to build and enhance mission capability quickly.