Voice over IP (VoIP) communication has become an essential tool for the US military and intelligence community, but when information needs to flow across network boundaries, keeping the lines of communication open can be a challenge.
Secure network enclaves, while necessary, often create barriers to the exchange of operational data, especially in joint and coalition operations. Sharing information via VoIP across security domains has traditionally been difficult or impossible, forcing teams to rely on more expensive, less flexible technology.
Owl’s Voice and Video Cross Domain Solution (V2CDS) —the only VoIP solution on the RTB baseline— makes cross domain VoIP communication a reality, providing a simpler, more economical alternative to traditional phone networks.
An outdated model
The traditional physically separated classified network paradigm is too costly to scale out when users need to communicate with partners in several different domains. To support multiple connections in this outdated model, separate phone networks need to be built and wired from the data center to the user’s desk.
Consider a classified workspace where the US works with four other foreign partners. To meet security requirements, four phones would be placed at each end user’s desk, with four distinct unified collaboration suites of products supporting those phone networks. Behind the scenes would be independent wiring, switches, servers, licensing, and support labor that must be maintained year after year.
Now consider a facility with 3,000 desks. Configuring and maintaining four endpoints per desk, along with their back end servers, will cost $800,000 or more per year. This does not take into consideration switches, power and cooling costs of the back end servers required to support a foreign partner network.
The VoIP difference
Owl’s V2CDS revolutionizes cross-domain communication by allowing for just a single phone on the user’s desk. Networks at different classifications can be reached by dialing a unique prefix much like a country code works on our phones at home.
Moving to VoIP greatly reduces administrative burdens and expenses related to phone communication. For example, a site with 3,000 desks and four phones per desk could expect to save $600,000 in support and maintenance costs annually, while freeing up desk real estate and simplifying the end user experience.
The case for VoIP becomes even more compelling when multiple facilities are involved. Rather than maintaining separate networks at each site, Owl’s V2CDS can effectively collapse the networks into one remotely managed and monitored network.
Ideal for new facilities or retrofits
In today’s fiscally constrained environments, new capabilities are what can move infrastructure spending projects to the top of the priority list, while reducing the workforce required to manage the infrastructure. Owl’s V2CDS can enhance new facility build-outs by providing capabilities that end users need, with immediate cost savings.
Retrofitting existing facilities with V2CDS can deliver significant savings as well. Under the traditional model, if a facility has a group of users who need access to a new foreign partner classified network, the facility would need new power, cabling, and endpoints, along with the associated license, distribution, and installation costs. But with a single V2CDS at the data center, the facility can enable its existing classified phones to connect with the foreign partner using a single designated extension.
For more information on Owl’s V2CDS, explore our Assured Collaboration Systems solutions, or contact us to schedule a consultation today.
