PIMS Capabilities
PIMS designs and delivers technical solutions with aim of increasing partner interoperability, integration, efficiency and transparency in order to prepare PfP Partners for future coalition operations.
A specific focus is to build partner capacity related to technology while focusing on priority topics such as Defense Institution Building, Defense Reform, and Response to Terrorism.
For over a decade, PIMS has provided a secure distributed Intranet to link PfP Partners with US and NATO Colleagues.
This capability reaches "beyond desktop" to include hardware, software, peripherals, satellite bandwidth/local ISP rental as well as the logistics, IT support, network administration to keep the network functioning. Additionally, PIMS extends these capabilities to the site of interoperability exercises and conferences so that they function efficiently and participants reap the most benefit.
Since the European Office of SPAWAR System Charleston took over management of PIMS in 2004-5, the technical branch upgraded the Internet-based collaborative and communications capabilities available to PfP Partners and Exercises. Now, through the PIMS Members, the PfP Training Centers, and the PfP Consortium and other Powered-by-PIMS websites, communities of interest can easily engage in discussion on priority topics, harmonize policies and procedures, and search for expertise in password protected environments
These collaborative environments assist participants to share and capture knowledge that can be tagged and searched in ways not previously possible. Through this collaborative platform participants have access to integrated instant messaging clients, voice calling and can collaborate on projects through blogs and threaded discussions.
Collaborative Technology
"...Allowing information to be recombined in untold ways and by allowing individuals to interact in unplanned ways creates understandings and options not previously possible"
-- from Power to the Edge
For its NATO/PfP audience, PIMS provides technology that enables communication and collaboration in new ways.
PIMS capabilities are manifested primarily in the form of Internet-based applications that enable groups of people to communicate, coordinate, and collaborate. These password protected environments differ from static website where one webmaster is responsible for posting content. Instead, on a PIMS instance, the participants themselves are the primary content creators. The members are enabled with the tools to publish their conversations and communications to small teams or entire communities.
PIMS online environments like members.pims.org, the PfP Consortium Portal, or exercise instances such as Combined Endeavor and RESCUER, are tailored for the specific group of people, yet all these sites enable the participants of each group to post and "pull" data from the site that makes it useful to their everyday lives.
For example, working groups that may have traditionally communicated only on email, now have an opportunity to post presentations, reports, audio and video files to the site to share. Then, others can begin conversations in a "threaded discussion" that displays the discussion for future reference.
The instances offer improved asynchronous communication; exchanges that do not require the parties to be present at the same time. But, these online sites also have real time communication tools embedded into the software. For example, if you see a colleague present online, you can start a web-based instant message conversation. PIMS sites have a new Multi-Lingual Chat capability that does basic translations that can assist with conversations in an international environment.
Interaction Model of Knowledge
Interaction Model of Knowledge
Before creating the software, the design team developed a point of view of knowledge that provided a framework to work.
- Knowledge is both a “good” and a “flow”;
- Knowledge is dynamic and unpredictable;
- People are the source of Knowledge;
- Information transactions form basis of understanding Knowledge;
- The higher the number of transactions and participants in exchange the more valuable the model (Moore's law);
- Intelligence about transactions informs where Knowledge lives;
- Focus on derivative models for Knowledge trend identification;
- Interoperability and Extensibility of Knowledge interactions are framework.
The goal is to develop a modular transactional framework... a "Network of Networks"
Design Rules
Design Rules Approach
Knowledge Management systems are grown and evolved. Design activity must be agile and adaptive with a continuous improvement lifecycle.
The software developers kept six design rules in mind when designing the platform architecture
- Design Rule 1 - Be Modular - Evolving and Emerging Modular design
- Design Rule 2 - Simplify!
- Design Rule 3 - Embrace Diversity
- Design Rule 4 - Be Standards Driven & Self Descriptive
- Design Rule 5 - Embrace and Extend
- Design Rule 6 - Post and Smart Pull
A Transactional Framework
- Asynchronous XML Messaging (convergent self descriptive)
- Services orientation (modularity)
- Data Centric (rules based data handling)
This transactional framework is a combination of Self describing XML messages, that can plug itself into a modular system which can apply a set of rules policies and declaration based on local context to for information allows you to see the flow and instances of information as a whole and to understand how your knowledge capital moves within your organization.
Do you want to learn more? Visit the PIMS Members website for working groups on Web 2.0 topics and other ongoing discussions on the latest technology.
Fixed Network Connectivity
For over a decade, PIMS has provided a distributed intranet to link PfP Partners with US and NATO colleagues. This capability reaches "beyond desktop" to include hardware, software, peripherals, satellite bandwidth/local Internet Service Provider rental as well as the logistics, IT support, and network administration to keep the network functioning.
PIMS seeks cost-effective solutions wherever possible. As local connectivity becomes more reliable, PIMS Network Technicians and In Country Coordinators adjust the network configurations to maintain a good level of connectivity
PIMS extends the distributed intranet capabilities to the site of interoperability exercises and conferences so that the events function efficiently and allow participants reap the most benefit.
Event Support
Collaborative Technology Supports Exercises:
Assembling best combination of technologies and support that fulfill customers' requirements
Event support is an important pillar of the Partnership for Peace Information Management System (PIMS) overall support to the PfP Community. PIMS supports multinational exercises, conferences, and workshops which are sponsored by U.S. Combatant Commands and conducted In-the-Spirit-Of (ISO) the Partnership for Peace. These exercises result in increased capability for Partners to interoperate in a coalition environment. PIMS tailors its support package to meet the unique requirements of and security cooperation goals of each event.
PIMS end-to-end event support capabilities are designed to increase participant interaction so that groups can work together before, during and after the exercise. PIMS assembles the best combination of internet technology, satellite connectivity, hardware & software, and human resources to meet the requirements of the event. End-to-end means that PIMS provides a full range of capabilities and services including comprehensive connectivity, event websites, and IT experts to train and assist planners and participants. PIMS capabilities support the entire event life cycle - from concept development to after-action support. Most event websites are used year after year, building an online knowledge and lessons learned repository on the recurring event.
Summary of Event Support Capabilities
Planning and Set-up
- Web development and hosting
- Online training
- Exercise planning collaborative website and collaboration software
- Exercise technical planning
Event Support Websites - Configured for you, Powered by PIMS
- The central entry point for exercise-related information.
- Sites store inter-exercise information (link to Exercise Profiles) but also support and stimulate secure collaboration.
- They enable public and private collaboration with rich features.
- Some of the features are: Public information and event overview, official and internal documents, pool of experts, workspaces, instant messaging, and content management system functionality.
Exercise Execution
- Web-based registration
- Software collaboration/communication tools
- On-site hardware communications networks
- Data capture and retrieval
- Knowledge and information management, expertise and reach-back
- Local language skills and experience
Connectivity
- Secure Intranet between multiple event sites
- Connection to public telephone networks
- LAN/WAN administration
Hardware & Software
- "Fly-away" satellite suites
- Deployable C2 node
- On-site network access
- Laptops computers, printers, backup power
- Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones
- Video teleconference
- LCD projectors and screens
- Wireless network for entire event site
- E-mail setup and support
- Hosted collaboration tools
After-Action Support
- Host post-event information
- Maintain knowledge base and lessons-learned content
- Digital video capture, editing and streaming
Profiles of selected exercises
By supporting various exercises, PIMS not only provides technical equipment and assistance, but the Event Support also aligns with the goals of NATO, DSCA and COCOM.
Combined Endeavor (CE)
The U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) sponsors this annual “in-spirit-of” (ISO) Partnership for Peace (PfP) communications and information systems interoperability exercise at Lager Aulenbach in Baumholder, Germany. In 2006, the forward operating site was located at the US Eagle Base, outside of Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Dubbed COMBINED ENDEAVOR 2006, the exercise is the largest and most comprehensive security cooperation effort of its kind and directly supports the transformation of U.S. European Command.
The exercise is a demonstration of true “phase zero war fighting” – a peaceful resolution that can result in the prevention of future conflicts. The exercise emphasizes command, control, communications and computer (C4) integration and interoperability as its goal.
NATO, Partnership for Peace and strategic partner nations come together to plan and execute interoperability testing of C4 equipment systems from participant nations which support of combined humanitarian, military, peacekeeping and disaster relief operations.
The overall objective is to achieve a level of interoperability and compatibility that will allow nations to successfully conduct future multi-national operations. The exercise reduces the likelihood that discovery learning will occur on deployment.
CE 2006 (May 12th-25th): 41 nations; over 1,200 military personnel; over 1,200 completed tests. PIMS contribution to a successful CE exercise:
PIMS chaired the exercise Knowledge Management Panel, which was responsible for developing, implementing, and assessing all information management processes and policies used during the exercise.
The "Powered by PIMS" CE Event Support Website directly impacted the learning and interoperability of the Partners. This portal was used as the primary means of information dissemination; it hosted all operational information for exercise execution, all administrative and logistical information, all public information, including press releases.
Furthermore, it provided all participants access to structured information (testing plan, network diagrams), dynamic information (schedules, address books, notifications for updates), as well as a collaborative environment.
Civil Military Emergency Preparedness (CMEP)
Civil Military Emergency Preparedness (CMEP) is a US Department of Defense PfP program to encourage the agencies responsible for Civil Emergency Planning (CEP) in each Partner nation, and their military counterparts, to cooperate in sustained information exchange for emergency preparedness and crisis management.
CMEP supports the Senior Civil Emergency Planning Committee (SCEPC) and Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Center (EADRCC), and sponsors a number of conferences, workshops, and table-top exercises each year. PIMS has a long-standing support relationship with CMEP.
PIMS contribution to a successful CMEP event program in 2006:
- PIMS provided all communications systems for CMEP's Albania and Black Sea Initiative (BSI) series events, as well as Southeast Europe Council (SEE) meetings.
- Before, during, and after each event, PIMS provided web hosting, collaboration services, and technical planning.
- During each event, PIMS provided information management, network connectivity, computers, and other IT hardware.
CMEP Black Sea Initiative Website
Rapid Trident
Rapid Trident '06 was a USEUCOM sponsored ISO PfP Peace Support Operations multinational interoperability exercise hosted by Ukraine. The exercise included military representatives of countries from North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.
Some figures from the Official Newsletter for 2006 Rapid Trident:
Total Exercise Participants: 280; Non-US total: 177;
Participating Nations: Albania (ALB), Armenia (ARM), Austria (AUT), Azerbaijan (AZE), Belarus (BEL), Canada (CAN), Czech Republic (CZE), Germany (DEU), Georgia (GEO), Kazakhstan (KAZ), Kyrgystan (KGZ), Lithuania (LIT), Macedonia (MKD), Moldova (MOL), Poland (POL), Sweden (SWE), Ukraine (UKR), United States (USA)
PIMS contribution to a successful Rapid Trident exercise:
- PIMS supported this exercise with personnel and equipment in Kiev, Ukraine, from 7 through 25 July.
- Before, during, and after the exercise, PIMS provided web hosting, collaboration services, and technical planning.
- During the exercise, PIMS provided internet connectivity, laptops, printers, and telephone to the administrative and logistics operations center, as well as website and content support.
RESCUER
RESCUER '06 was a USEUCOM sponsored ISO PfP Disaster Response multinational interoperability exercise hosted by Armenia, with a remote site in Tbilisi, Georgia.
The training audience, a Multinational Brigade (MNB), was controlled by a Multinational Task Force (MNTF) and interfaced with Response Cells which emulated Partner nation military units and international organizations. The exercise included participants from 9 nations, totalling over 300 military personnel.
PIMS contribution to a successful RESCUER exercise:
- PIMS supported this exercise with personnel and equipment in Yerevan, Armenia, and Tbilisi, Georgia, from 5 through 29 July.
- PIMS provided all communication systems for the exercise, including all communication systems for CAX execution at the MNB, MNTF, and Response Cell levels, and administrative and logistical communications systems.
- Before, during, and after the exercise, PIMS provided web hosting, collaboration services, and technical planning.
- During the exercise, PIMS provided a deployable satellite C2 node, 103 computer local area network, 85 telephone phone network, and multi-site video teleconference.
Publications: Kansas National Guard Publication: PIMS Profile at RESCUER 06
Event Support Testimonials and Publications
Below are excerpts from feedback and testimonials that PIMS management received after the 2005-06 Event support cycle. References available upon request.
Information Assurance Manager, Kansas National Guard, regarding RESCUER 06:
"PIMS provided everything, all the work computers, all the phone and radio communications, even video teleconferencing equipment..."
A LCDR, CENTCOM, about RESCUER:
"If this scenario were to happen for real, I would want PIMS there to provide the communications."
An article from the Kansas National Guard on PIMS support to RESCUER
CMEP Program Management, regarding Civil Military Emergency Preparedness (CMEP) 06:
"I very much appreciate the support from PIMS to the CMEP Program. CMEP has a valued partner in PIMS and PIMS has been an important element in the successes that CMEP has had through the years. The professionalism of your staff is a testimony not only to the quality of the respective programs, but to the dedication and the professionalism of the people who are part of them."
A Major, US Navy Europe, Joint Exercise Branch, regarding SEA BREEZE:
"Thank you, PIMS team, for the wonderful job you did for me recently!"
A LCDR, US Navy Europe, Joint Exercise Branch, regarding BALTOPS:
"I can use the website exclusively to organize this exercise- it's an invaluable tool. The website has been even more influential this year in easy of communication and information sharing among participants- especially with countries not easily reachable through normal channels and regular e-mail. We will continue to try to think of ways to push the limits with the website and maximize all the tools it offers to the planners of BALTOPS"
Request a proposal for PIMS event and exercise support
Request for PIMS Event Support
Communities of Interest
Interested in issues critical to NATO/PfP? Have experience and expertise to share? Seeking methods and views of officials and field practitioners? If so, join the members.pims.org community.
The PIMS Members' site hosts communities of interest that focus on priority topics for the NATO Alliance and its Partners with the goal of enabling the co-development of useful content. At members.pims.org, NATO/PfP Partners can find pertinent information resources and use tools to connect with one another through discussion and exchange.
Registered members can post documents and reports that they want to share with colleagues as well as read and comment on others' contributions. Communication tools like instant messaging, multi-lingual chatting enable direct contact with colleagues they see online or those experts they find in the directory of members.
This collaborative, web-based application enables participants to hold threaded discussions as well as exchange presentations, audio, video, and on topics including:
- Defense Policy and Strategy (DPS)
- Democratic Control of Forces (DCF)
- Response to Terrorism (RTT)
- Professional Personnel Structure
- Peacekeeping Operations (PKO)
- Border Security and Control (BSC)
- Language Training (LNG)
- Military Education, Training & Doctrine (TRD)
- Consumer Logistics (LOG)
- Defense Planning and Budgeting and Resource Mgt (DPB)
Are you a Subject Matter Expert on another cooperative topic that is not listed? Then, start a community of interest hosted on the PIMS Members site. Inquire here.