Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has been selected by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), a United States Department of Defense combat support agency, to develop a new cloud technology prototype. This initiative, known as the Distributed Hybrid Multi-Cloud (DHMC) prototype, is set to modernize the data management capabilities across DISA’s data centers.
The prototype, which is being developed under an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement, aims to simplify the intricate IT infrastructures of DISA by integrating them into a unified hybrid, multi-cloud platform. If successful, this platform will be implemented on the HPE GreenLake cloud system, enhancing DISA’s ability to manage both public and private clouds through a cohesive management platform.
Fidelma Russo, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Hybrid Cloud, and Chief Technology Officer at HPE, expressed pride in the partnership. “We’re honored that DISA has selected HPE to develop this innovative prototype. Upon successful completion, HPE GreenLake will have the opportunity to be the secure hybrid, multi-cloud platform where DISA can deliver innovative managed services,” stated Russo. She emphasized the potential for this project to also eventually create a sovereign cloud for DISA, underscoring HPE’s expansion in hybrid cloud solutions.
Data Centers in Pennsylvania and Utah
Currently, DISA’s J9 Hosting and Compute Center operates multiple hosting environments that are independent and isolated from one another, each with their own management planes, processes, and portals. This complexity would often lead to inefficiencies and high operational costs. The DHMC prototype is expected to alleviate these issues by providing a centralized platform capable of managing diverse IT environments seamlessly.
The prototype will focus on key requirements such as managing on-premises and commercial cloud services through a single hybrid cloud control plane. It will support multi-tenancy, virtual private clouds, and feature rigorous data privacy and protection frameworks, based on a zero-trust architecture.
HPE is collaborating with Iron Bow Technologies to test and validate the advanced capabilities offered by HPE GreenLake’s private cloud solutions. These prototypes will be deployed in DISA’s data centers located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and Ogden, Utah.
Supporting Military Operations Globally
Once fully implemented, the prototype is expected to significantly enhance DISA's capabilities in scaling communications and deploying applications swiftly. It will enable the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and data analytics into DISA’s operations, facilitating rapid, informed decision-making to support military operations across the globe.
The prototype aims to combine the agility, scalability, and automation typical of public clouds with the security and performance of private clouds. Additionally, HPE GreenLake will provide a comprehensive overview of various cloud services through a single interface, allowing users to easily manage, provision, and monitor resources across different cloud environments.
DISA, headquartered at Fort Meade, Maryland, is critical in providing, operating, and securing command and control and information-sharing capabilities across the Department of Defense's global information infrastructure. It plays a vital role in supporting joint warfighters, military operations, missions, and international coalition partners.
This project represents a significant modernization effort that would streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance the security and efficiency of the United States’ defense information systems, positioning DISA at the forefront of technological innovation in military communications and operations support.
