7 6 NFV moves networking functions from special purpose hardware to COTS equipment running open source code, dramatically reducing cost and adding flexibility. AT&T is no longer buying purpose-built equipment at quantity, but instead fielding non-vendor specific, multi-function white boxes that can perform numerous network uses on a single device. The end result is putting the focus on developing new services and capabilities, instead of worrying about infrastructure limitations. Technology is invisible when it works—why should a commander or warfighter ever have to worry about networking issues? They should be able to focus on the mission, which is supported by a network second to none in the world. AT&T has built that network. The global platform is 55 percent SDN today, and will be 70 percent by 2020. AT&T offers NFV services to countries around the world, and the company plans to release 8.5 million lines of code to support open source interoperability and innovation. Currently the DoD spends 70 percent or more of its IT budget on maintaining legacy systems, with only a small percentage left over for new technology and services. Within the current procurement and budgetary realities, it is inconceivable for the DoD to spend as much money upgrading their networks, as commercial providers have done. It’s unavoidable that the DoD will need to rely more on proven, next-generation commercial networks. Senior leaders such as Army Chief of Staff Gen. Milley have said as much. But the process needs to happen faster, in order to close an accelerating innovation gap that is hampering IT functionality. “If the DoD moved to a network- as-a-service offering, for every $1 invested it could see a $5 return in added capability,” explained Smith. “This would also move infrastructure cost from CAPEX to OPEX and would improve cybersecurity. AT&T has unique visibility into new and evolving security threats, we analyze approximately 660 billion flows of network data per day.” When he’s not busy, Smith can be found chasing cattle on his farm in Western, Virginia where he lives with his wife. After a long career in service is done, Chris and his family will have more time for the farm and RV trips across the country. But there is one big job left before then— providing the network the DoD needs to maintain IT supremacy over any potential adversary. LEADING THE FUTURE “Technology is invisible when it works—why should a commander or warfighter ever have to worry about networking issues? They should be able to focus on the mission, which is supported by a network second to none in the world.”