TOPICS
TOPICS
Top Navy officials say security will not be compromised in new network
One of the primary benefits of the Navy Marine Corps Intranet project is a dramatic improvement in network security, Navy officials said.
That additional security, however, is also hampering the seamless development of the $8 billion network, according to Navy Secretary Gordon England, who spoke at the 2004 NMCI Industry Symposium in New Orleans.
"A lack of security was probably the most deficient aspect of our legacy networks," England said. A system that does not contain classified information could be fielded without as many delays, but the Navy does not have that option. Many Navy personnel, he said, "do not like the compromises that we make for security, but security is paramount."
During a speech to the symposium, England praised the NMCI effort and said it offers a variety of capabilities, including better tracking of IT expenses and more effective communications and management. The network, which is being developed by prime contractor EDS, is currently the largest intranet in the world with hundreds of thousands of Navy and Marine Corps personnel connected.
NMCI has suffered from substantial delays since its inception in October 2000 and some military leaders at the New Orleans conference have criticized the network for poor connectivity and slow delivery. Other service officials say NMCI customer satisfaction overall is high, and some problems are to be expected with the development and fielding of a massive information technology system.
Navy Rear Adm. Charles Munns, who is leading the NMCI effort, said military and industry officials should now focus on stepping up the development of the system. They must "maintain that security, but increase the speed," Munns said.
England also directed a statement to Navy and Marine Corps personnel who are disgruntled with what they see as stringent security and slow rollout of the new network.
"We're not going to change the system. Our users have to get used to this," he said. England appealed to service members to embrace NMCI. "People forget where we were before NMCI.... We cannot go back to where we were five years ago."
COMMENTS
- Your article about NMCI security doesn't mention the fact that 48% of Raytheon Information Assurance personnel have just been laid off due to the fact that EDS cut their budget. Those remaining are suppose to do double-duty by covering those positions just cut, plus, what they were doing before AND anything that gets added in the future. 24x7 support, 365 days a year. Why is that little piece of information missing from your article? I know this is a fact because my IA position was cut as of June 25th! 48%, that's a lot of lost security support that is suppose to be a high priority. Seems that no one in a position to do anything wants to admit problems as long as they get THEIR bonus and promotions....to heck with the people who do the real work! GovExec.com reader Posted July 7, 2004 1:11 PM
- NMCI implementation is progress, but it is also frustration to us users. For example, my machine has several applications on it for which the NMCI web page has no explaination for and or no definitions for utilization. No training on how to utilize and or benefit to me the user. I bootup my machine every morning to find new ICON's on my desktop with little or no explainations for there use! Pushes and or updates by windows cannot be implemented without an administrator. As far as windows updates for enhanced productivity and being able to produce quality products from those updates from Microsoft, I would be better off utilizing my own personal portable PC. I don't suscribe to utilizing my own personal Pc, but the way the system is setup (Mother may I?) for updates and enhancements makes we want to do so! GovExec.com reader Posted June 29, 2004 9:16 AM
- Let me see if I've got this right. A guy with no military service. Who's never actually worked for the Navy (or any other service) as a federal employee. And, is a political appointee. Is basically telling all of us. As far as the NMCI system is concerned. Like it not. That's the way it is. Get used to it. Did I get all that right? Hmm. Now let me see if I've got this part right. If Mr. Bush loses the election. The new Commander in Chief could be telling Mr. England he has someone else in mind for the job as Secretary of the Navy. So "like it or not. That's the way it is. Get used to it." Kind of ironic, don't you think? Art Doss Posted June 24, 2004 8:08 PM
