The Multilateral Interoperability Programme (MIP) is the leading initiative to achieve coalition interoperability through common data standards. It enables exchange of important information and enhances shared situational awareness between coalition partners.
Systematic, an international supplier of command and control systems, was one of the first vendors to develop off-the-shelf products utilizing the MIP Information Exchange Data Model's (IEDM) open standard. Subsequently, as one of the early adaptors of MIP, the company is now in the position to offer MIP compliant products and consultancy expertise for nations looking to work with this interoperability standard and the related specifications for data and message exchange.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) recently acknowledge the expertise of Systematic in MIP on two accounts.
Firstly, the MoD recently awarded Systematic the Prime contract for support for MIP Block 3 interoperability testing and trials; which includes the development of the information exchange data model - Joint Consultation, Command & Control Information Exchange Data Model (JC3IEDM) and evolution of the Data Exchange Mechanism (DEM) and Message Exchange Mechanism (MEM).
Major Jonty Ambrose from the MoD said, "We began working with Systematic when they were subcontracting on MIP in 2000 and over the years we have seen their capabilities with the standard increase to the point that we are confident that they are one of the vendors with the necessary level of expertise and experience to meet our needs."
Secondly, when the UK MoD is engaged in the aptly titled exercise 'Co-operative Spirit' to examine the "fieldability" of the MIP Gateway for coalition interoperability, they have enlisted Systematic's help with supply of products, training and consultancy services.
Co-operative Spirit is unique in that there are no vendors or outside technical experts involved in the trial. All testing is done by enlisted soldiers participating in the ABCA Program - a program comprising representatives from armies of the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The ABCA Program's mission is to optimise interoperability through cooperation and collaboration in the continuous pursuit of standardization and mutual understanding. The program aims to achieve the effective integration of the capabilities necessary to enable ABCA Armies to conduct the full spectrum of coalition land operations successfully in a Joint environment, now and into the future.
Michael Holm, President and Chief Executive Officer of Systematic said, "Systematic is delighted that the MoD has chosen to rely on our products in the Co-operative spirit exercise; with the ultimate aim of confirming the deployability of the systems on future operations. Giving our MIP-based solutions to soldiers will be the acid test of whether this capability can be fielded. Training soldiers in MIP and MIP-based products is an important part of pre-exercise preparation and we believe that we have been chosen by the MoD because of our strong MIP pedigree."