Cloud computing. Big data analytics. Cybersecurity. These are among the most important technological advances that are transforming the landscape of the world’s unfolding information technology revolution. However, as demonstrated by the Healthcare.gov website debacle and a mixed record of other information system acquisition programs, the federal government often struggles to harness these technologies to their full potential. As the fourth featured speaker of the Atlantic Council Captains of Industry series, David Zolet, executive vice president and general manager of CSC’s North American Public Sector, presented his views on how these technological advances will shape the future of the defense industry.

David Zolet argued that networks and new technologies are the biggest force multipliers on the field of defense, ensuring warfighters advanced real-time information that is reliable, cost-effective, and resilient. This “information superiority” can be achieved by leveraging next-generation technologies including cybersecurity, big data analytics and cloud computing, which not only deliver best in class performance but also spur innovation through open source development. One example of harnessing the unique potential of these new technologies is the recently developed Joint Information Environment, a Department of Defense federated information network. Lastly, flexible acquisition of IT and strong program management will bring down costs and speed the access to new technologies, further contributing to information superiority in the field of defense.

The Atlantic Council Captains of Industry Series is a platform from which senior defense industry executives address the public interests their companies serve and the public policies that shape their markets. By engaging business leaders’ perspectives about issues at the interface of defense ministries and industries, the Council is cultivating a constituency for practical solutions to these problems.