U.S. Air Force Teams with Microsoft for Security Technology

The U.S. Air Force has entered into a multiyear enterprise agreement for Microsoft software and associated software support services. Microsoft Corp. will provide core server software, maintenance and upgrade support, while Dell Inc. (www.dell.com) will supply more than 525,000 Microsoft desktop Windows® and Office software licenses for the Air Force -- one of the world's largest single enterprise-level implementations.

Part of the service's One Air Force, One Network initiative, the agreement is intended to simplify the acquisition process while meeting demands for stringent enterprisewide cybersecurity requirements, timely distribution of software updates and enterprise configuration management.

The combined value of the contracts could total more than $500 million over a six-year period.

The services contract signed with Microsoft overhauls previously decentralized software support contracts into a single enterprisewide support agreement for the Air Force so the software system can be managed and supported much as traditional weapons systems are.

Microsoft consultants will work across the Air Force's nine major worldwide commands, developing an enterprise approach to facilitate an array of new initiatives with direct Air Force participation in testing software updates.

"By consolidating purchases of software and hardware products across its enterprise, the Air Force will be able to enhance IT operations globally through better management, policies and planning.

The Air Force's transformation initiative creates a new, increased level of cooperation, accountability and savings between the Air Force and Microsoft. It also provides the standardization that will give the service a greater ability to architect its enterprise using a more secure and consistent platform suite and eliminating inefficiencies.

Through Software Assurance, Air Force personnel are also provided with desktop licenses for use at work and home with the Home Use Program, which offers personnel the option to acquire a licensed copy of select Office desktop applications for use on a single home computer at a nominal cost.