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Worldgroup helps USA in the Kosovo Campaign
Recently Eglin AFB has updated their system to become Y2k compliant. Eglin
AFB uses our software, Worldgroup, as a data distribution system that
provides rapid transfer of digital and text information in direct support of
USAF, Army, Navy and Marine Corp. electronic warfare systems.
a.. The MSEWBBS is a data distribution system that provides rapid
transfer of digital and text information in direct support of USAF, Army,
Navy and Marine Corps electronic warfare (EW) systems. The primary purpose
of the BBS is the distribution of EW reprogramming changes in Mission Data
(MD) (system parametric changes), Operational Flight Programs (OFP), and
maintenance text messages to operational users worldwide. The BBS, located
at Eglin AFB, is the only BBS system that supports Air Force (Air Combat
Command), Army, Navy and Marine Corps units with distribution of emergency
reprogramming data for EW systems. Reprogramming data is developed and
uploaded from reprogramming centers at various locations within the
continental United States for operational users to download from worldwide
locations.
b.. The MSEWBBS is comprised of a CPU with 48 ATT model 1910 STU-IIIs
equipped with an NSA approved STU III Access Control System (SACS). The
STU-III with SACS are configured to accept and control all calls from any
other STU-III. The system provides multi-user access and additional access
control via a full featured commercial off the shelf electronic bulletin
board software (BBS) package. The BBS software (Worldgroup by Galacticomm)
provides positive user identification, controls each individual’s access to
all available system files/features and automatically logs all access and
file transactions. Access to the MSEWBBS can also be obtained through the
Secure Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET). MSEWBBS connectivity to
the SIPRNET allows users to access the BBS with network speed and relative
ease without the problems associated with the dial up network.
c.. Access to the MSEWBBS require a Personal Computer (PC) cleared for
classified use, telecommunications software, STU-IIIs with data mode
capability, STU must also have a serial connection to interface with the PC’s
serial port, each user also receives a personal identification and
password after proper registration. Users who access the BBS through the
SIPRNET also require a Network Interface Card (NIC) installed in their PC.
d.. In the past year, new server hardware, an upgraded operating system,
and upgraded application software have been incorporated. For system power
backup, emergency generators have been permanently installed, and an
off-site mirror system capability has been successfully demonstrated. In
fact, in anticipation of a hurricane that recently threatened Eglin AFB, the
System Operators (SYSOPS) were ready to relocate all operations to an inland
site to ensure continuous Warfighter support. Behind the scenes, continuous
software and hardware evaluation, testing, and integration are being
accomplished. This upgrade process is completely seamless to the user
community, yet is an essential prerequisite for providing strong support to
the Warfighter.
e.. The BBS will currently support simultaneous access of 48 users using
STU dialup and 72 users using SIPRNET. As of 1 November, there were over
1800 active accounts a total of 335 units from all services. This figure
represents approximately 260 USAF units and more than 20 Navy/Marine sites
(sites such as aircraft carriers usually have multiple units on the BBS) and
55 Army units.
f.. The MSEWBBS has proven extremely reliable. It operates 24 hours a
day, 365 days per year. In fact, since its inception (April 93) the BBS has
been available to users more than 97% of the time. This figure includes the
brief ‘downtime’ for daily scheduled maintenance.
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