The volume of information available to support military operations has grown dramatically, and this information needs to be shared across a wider network of coalition partners, suppliers and external agencies. Meanwhile, the nature of warfare is changing, as sophisticated new technologies are becoming readily available to a wider range of enemies. Faced with these challenges and threats, defense forces have little choice; they will need to further enhance both their offensive capabilities and their defense against information-based attacks. Much has been written about the opportunities presented by the concept of network-centric operations (NCO) and the challenges that need to be overcome. The more urgent question is how to undertake the journey, actually delivering improved effects and tangible benefits. Our experience and the lessons learned by our clients have revealed six critical success factors that must be addressed if the full operational concept of NCO is to be achieved. The importance of these factors is supported by an international survey conducted by IBM in September 2007 that explores defense forces’ progress in implementing NCO. These factors are: - Agreeing on the NCO destination: Understanding the extent of transformation required throughout the organization and the need for a range of enabling projects in related areas
- Embracing emerging technical approaches: Basing technical development on the latest best practices, including service-oriented architecture (SOA), information management, open standards and commercial off the shelf (COTS) software. These organization-wide approaches encourage agility, flexibility and interoperability.
- Exploiting the latest defense-related technical solutions: Realizing that some of the most difficult technical challenges to NCO can now be addressed with more flexible, capable and lower-cost technical solutions
- Designing an effective procurement model: Implementing procurement processes that match the particular needs of NCO, given the fast-paced nature of technological change
- Addressing the change management issue: Making the necessary changes to individuals’ skills, their roles, how they are organized and led and how they fight
- Adopting a pragmatic approach to implementation: Breaking the NCO program into projects of manageable size, targeting specific benefits and putting effective governance disciplines in place.
Today the understanding and adoption of these six factors varies. We are confident, though, that it is only a matter of time before all six become widely adopted in defense. First, we recommend that military leaders assess the progress they are making with their NCO programs, taking into account these success factors. Once that assessment is complete, they will be ready to develop a roadmap, which outlines their particular path toward net-centricity. For a complex service-oriented architecture approach to NCO, we recommend a pragmatic, phased approach to implementation (see Figure 1). 
Because of the spiral nature of NCO development, it is not realistic to measure progress against tightly defined requirements. It is more important that project traction is achieved and momentum sustained, with the understanding that some degree of rework will be inevitable to fully synchronize all initiatives. An incremental approach is particularly suitable given the criticality of military IT systems; the failure of a "big bang" implementation approach could pose a threat to national security. This approach also helps to build wide support before moving on to the next phase. Conclusion
NCO programs are complex, and the target of net-centricity is constantly moving. There should be no illusions that the journey will be straightforward. However, we share the optimism of those surveyed who are working with NCO programs. Through the accumulated lessons from past implementations and the benefits of emerging technologies, positive progress can now be made in the direction of net-centricity. How can IBM help?
Strategy and Change: Help to define your strategy, business case and roadmap for Network Centric Operations
Network Centric Operations Solutions: Help with implementation of NCO solutions, from design through to implementation, including supplying IT infrastructure, a range of NCO applications, security solutions and systems integration using approaches such as component business modeling (CBM) and services oriented architectures (SOA).
Selected consulting services: Support in designing and implementing changes to organization operating models, detailed processes (including procurement) and training services to support the transition to a net-centric organization.
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