En ny klasse kommando og kontroll informasjonssystemer (K2IS) - eksperimenter med smarttelefoner og samhandling

This report describes a new class of command and control information systems (C2IS). This class of C2IS is characterized by systems that are flexible, open, socially aware, including and involving, as well as having high availability, and the potential to handle large amounts of data, using mechanisms that are different from those we are used to find in C2IS. This new class of C2IS possesses qualities found in modern IT services, particularly in internet and web services and in services associated with smartphones and tablets. These qualities are not normally found in military systems. Nevertheless, there are some exceptions. User generated content, data centric architecture, and high availability are the most defining elements of this class of C2IS. These elements may contribute to a system that is flexible with respect to process and structure, yields information of higher quality and a better common situational awareness. The greatest benefits of this class of C2IS are, besides availability and low costs, their ability to process more data, and to create interaction and engage its users in a way that yields better situational awareness. This new class has the potential to provide better coordination of a force, remove risk and provide better responses to windows of opportunities. FFI’s Sinett projects have developed and experimented with the technology demonstrator system Collective Environment Interpretation (CEI). This system demonstrates mechanisms from this new class of C2IS and we have done discovery experiments with this system in an operative context. The experiments have shown that there are high expectations and valuations towards this technology. This type of technology is now easily available. Hence, nothing can stop a random group of soldiers from using this technology. We regard it most probable that instances of this new class of C2IS will be established, also outside of formal channels, based on local initiatives and local involvement. To meet such initiatives is it possible to offer highly available, more secure and better suited data centric services to connect to. Certain services should also support a Bring Your Own Device approach. Technically, there are two areas that are particularly challenging: this class of C2IS needs security solutions that accommodate the characteristics of the class. Further, there should be mechanisms adapted to this class of C2IS that will make it possible to disseminate information among devices without contact to a centralized server. Some problems are best addressed through practical use. We recommend that the Norwegian Armed Forces gain more experience with this new class of C2IS of flexible, open, involving and socially aware systems.