On 30 March 2017, the NATO Communications and Information Agency has signed a 80 million EUR contract with General Dynamics IT for the delivery of the first phase of NATO's IT Modernization programme. The contract also includes options for three future phases, up to a total value of 140 million EUR.
The project is the beginning of the largest modernization of NATO's IT infrastructure in recent years, further improving the resilience of NATO networks.
"This contract will fundamentally reshape NATO's nervous system and allow us to reduce costs. In light of its importance to the Alliance's cyber posture, it is paramount that the work is executed on time, in scope and in budget. I look forward to our journey to the cloud with General Dynamics IT," said Koen Gijsbers, NCI Agency General Manager.
The contract is part of broader, continuing investment to ensure NATO maintains its technological edge.
Embracing the cloud
The contract represents an important step in the wide-scale adoption of cloud computing technologies in NATO. Among its benefits, IT Modernization will increase the availability of services, strengthen NATO-wide resilience capability, enhance information security, and increase the mobility and agility of the workforce.
The functional scope of the first phase includes the delivery of two Data Centres in Mons (BEL) and Lago Patria (ITA), as well as two geographically separated Service Operations Centres. The Data Centres will be based on a Dell Hyper Converged solution using VxRail technology as foundation. General Dynamics IT will also be responsible for the implementation of Enhanced Nodes in Norfolk (USA), Northwood (GBR), Izmir (TUR), and Sigonella (ITA), and for all the associated integration and transition activity.
Enhanced nodes will host computer capabilities supporting applications not deemed to be centralized, increasing resilience and improving user experience. Under subsequent phases, General Dynamics IT will integrate NATO HQ in Brussels (BEL) as a third Data Centre and implement additional Enhanced and Standard Nodes across Europe.
In total, ITM will deliver to seven sites during the first phase and to 44 sites across the entire programme. The first phase has a very aggressive schedule and is estimated to be completed by September 2018.
"General Dynamics is honored to have been selected to deliver this mission-critical project for NATO," said Bernie Guerry, senior vice president of General Dynamics Information Technology's Intelligence Solutions division. "This IT modernization program comes at a critical juncture for the Alliance, and will be a significant contributor to delivering resilient and cutting-edge support to NATO at a time of unprecedented challenges on both the northern and southern flanks of the Alliance."