Strategic model for the Army National Guard network transformation

Defense AR Journal, Dec, 2007 by Robert E. Banks, Clayton Duncan

METCALFE'S LAW

Metcalfe's Law asserts that a network value grows proportionally to the number of users squared. In the 1980s, Robert Metcalfe, founder of Ethernet and 3Com Corporation explained, "Having the one telephone in the world would be of zero value, but this value increases for each new telephone it can call." Applying this law means the value of single JFHQ WAN increases with Internet Protocol (IP) convergence of its current voice, video, and data capabilities with those of other linked IP networks. In 1993, Forbes ASAP maintained Metcalfe's Law would amplify Moore's and, in so doing, remake the world. Do our Acquisition Strategies facilitate technologies' convergence for increased service value?

Instead of adopting a prioritized modular approach for constructing high-value, large-scale networks, decision makers have sometimes opted instead to build isolated new technology WAN solutions, either as showplaces or test beds for the latest IT equipment capabilities. This approach undermines and delays an organization's transition to a larger-scale, more capable enterprise network that benefits many, rather than a few. Similarly, in the long term, attempts to retain existing Legacy Systems prove to be equally counterproductive. As stated in Metcalfe's Law, a network that is twice as large, will be four times as valuable, because there are four times as many things that can be done due to a larger number of interconnections. Therefore, larger enterprise-solution networks will always be of greater value than smaller networks, even if these smaller versions have desirable, special-purpose features or benefits (Nielsen, July 25, 1999). The conclusion is that it is far better to invest in enterprise-level network solutions, such as the Global Information Grid (GIG), which will ultimately provide high-speed, all-Command access to the Guard's JFHQ WAN. For the ARNG, this means it should continue to modernize all 54 of its state-level WANs to the new GIG standards and eliminate its Legacy Systems in order to become a fully compliant member of the DoD's secure, worldwide GIG network solution.

GOVERNANCE AND FUNDING

Governance ensures decisions are aligned with the overall strategy of an IT enterprise network. It provides guidance and establishes standards and principles for prioritizing and managing investments. However, Governance is not a safe haven that averts risk. Rather, risks are identified, assessed, tracked, reported, controlled, transferred, assumed, or mitigated. When decision-maker actions are properly aligned to IT strategic network objectives and the appropriate drivers, they can continue to leverage cost, schedule, and performance metrics for mission success.

IT network investments have the potential to improve lives and organizations. However, if not planned and implemented well, these projects can also become risky, costly, and counter- productive. Portfolio Management (PfM) is a strategy for managing IT capital investment and control (Portfolio Management [PfM] Overview, n.d.). The main benefit of judicious PfM is a more accurate alignment of an organization's network and technology needs to its business goals and missions.