Decentralized Data: Just What the Doctored Ordered for Real-Time Warfighter Insights
It’s not hard to figure out: decentralized servers in a network system leads to decentralized data, similar to what CRN.com refers to as “widely distributed IT environments including on-premises and multi-cloud systems.”
The decentralization principle can be a big plus in real-time decision-making, leading the current Dept. Of Defense (DoD) charge towards edge computing and greater battlefield effectiveness.
The Warfighter Needs Real-time Data Analytics
In the age of hypersonic missiles and unmanned weapons platforms, the 21st Century battlefield calls for almost instantaneous decision-making. Warfighters need real-time results from recently compiled, unstructured data to win battles.
The issue is that managing and analyzing data is becoming a more complex task. Market researcher IDC reports the total amount of data created and replicated worldwide reached 64.2 zettabytes in 2020 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23%, to as much as 181 zettabytes by 2025.
The Cloud Pushes the Pentagon Toward Web 3.0
According to “Everything You Need to Know About Web 3.0” at Hackernoon.com, decentralization of computer systems is called a “core pillar” of Web 3.0. Of course, you couldn’t embrace the decentralization philosophy without cloud technology. Cloud was the impetus to move data storage and computing power to multiple locations.
Military branches, civilian agencies, even the intelligence community generally operated in a world of data silos and a general reluctancy to share data. Sometimes intelligence agencies were even known to not share data with other organizations that may have been able to crack a case or expose a spy.
The edge computing trend is not a return to data silos, but more data-sharing when and where it’s needed. One of the challenges of edge computing is as data is gathered and then decentralized, there may be less data protection and more cyber risks.
How Protected is Your Data?
How protected is your data when it’s shared outside the firewalls of a traditional network? How secure is classified data when your remote workers are using unsecured personal devices?
The government recognizes that data is a strategic asset in the same class as personnel and financial capital. Not only is it needed for running day-to-day operations, but data is also key to major initiatives such as digital transformation. And when effectively managed, analyzed, and used, data provides intelligence and insight that can lead to new opportunities and competitive advantages.
Want to learn more? Read this insightful article about decentralization and Web 3.0:
https://hackernoon.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-web-30