Most experts might tell you that the cloud computing concept is based on granting users within a certain community of organizations access to a collection of shared resources, including information, software or other services. These resources exist within a virtual realm to which access is granted through a set of credentials that are accepted throughout the cloud.

In cloud computing, the common denominator is the Internet. This is a departure from the traditional way of doing business over client servers or computer mainframes. The Army has been building the foundation for Defense cloud computing for some time now. The Army Knowledge Online/Defense Knowledge Online portal offers Department of Defense users access to a growing suite of Net-centric Enterprise Services or NCES.

AKO/DKO uses two forms of authentication to offer users access to NCES. Common Access Cards use a Public Key Infrastructure to verify user identity. AKO/DKO also offers username and password access strengthened by Knowledge-Based Authentication or KBA. Similar to many financial institutions, KBA requires users to select the correct responses in a series of secret questions. These questions are first answered by users during the KBA registration process.

Traditionally, military and civilian DoD personnel have been able to access the AKO/DKO cloud through government-issued or personal computers. However, AKO/DKO’s Go Mobile program seeks to place access to the Defense cloud in the palms of users’ hands.

Good work, AKO/DKO!