NATO, IBM team up on cloud, collaboration project

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and IBM are teaming up on a project that aims to improve data sharing between the group's 28 member countries.

Under the deal, IBM and NATO will aim to improve data center efficiency as well as information sharing. The partnership will also aim to create a cloud computing model that could be used for other military operations.

The effort will be developed by IBM at the Headquarters of the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (HQ SACT) in Norfolk, Virginia.

According to the current plan, an on-premise cloud computing project will network together various command, control, surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance efforts. The aim is to cut the time it takes to roll out new technologies. NATO has been trying to become more nimble and agile.

Specifically, IBM will develop a computing effort to bridge mission processes securely. If IBM's NATO effort is successful, rest assured Big Blue will be taking similar projects to member countries.