Fujitsu and the Defence industry
RUSI DEFENCE SYSTEMS - Spring 2006
What is Fujitsu Services in the Defence arena?
Forty years ago, Fujitsu (then ICL) invoiced its first IT project to the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). Today, Fujitsu is one of the UK Defence industry's biggest IT partners. Mike Newman, Business Unit Director for Defence & Security at Fujitsu Services talks about the work that Fujitsu undertakes in the defence space.
Fujitsu has accumulated a vast amount of experience over the years working on major MOD programmes including CHOTS, DII Convergence, Project Home, NavyStar, RAF CCIS RASDA and Eurofighter Typhoon and now has personnel working in deployed military bases and in installations on numerous warships at sea around the world.
The Company has a dedicated Defence centre, staffed with security cleared specialists who concentrate on Defence and Security work, and also employs many international field engineers who live and work alongside military personnel. Newman says: “This is one of the real differentiators in the market for us, our people and their attitude.We’re a service business before we’re an IT business and you’ll find that all our staff go the extra mile for our customers.”
The ability to form effective partnerships has been crucial to Fujitsu's success. Alliances and partnerships have enhanced the Company's capabilities. Fujsitsu is experienced in running large contracts as both prime and sub-contractor and also enjoys a number of ongoing strategic partnerships with other IT suppliers. Newman says: “We pride ourselves on being flexible and always aim to deliver an impeccable service.”
Personal Profile
Mike Newman I.Eng M.I.E.E. - Business Unit Director for Defence & Security
Mike joined ICL (now Fujitsu Services) in 1991 and has held a number of senior project management roles within its Defence business, including a spell as CHOTS Project Director, with responsibility for one of the company’s largest projects. In 2000 Mike became Operations Director, with responsibility for the delivery of all Fujitsu Services’ Defence business, including key MoD systems such as CHOTS and RAFCCIS. He assumed his current role in 2001, with total responsibility for the Defence & Secure Services Business.
Mike has been in the Defence IT industry for more than 35 years. Before joining ICL he worked for Ferranti Ltd. Joining as an apprentice in 1966, Mike successfully worked his way up through the company, ending his time there as Business Manager responsible for Royal Navy Command and Control Systems.
Mike takes a keen interest in motor racing. He has three children and lives with his partner in Berkshire.
Forward looking Fujitsu
Fujitsu’s approach to information management cuts through information overload and provides consistency across Front Line Commands, Joint operations from Main Building to Component Commanders and beyond. Fujitsu has the size and scope to handle very large and complex projects, and is a tier 1 member of the ATLAS Consortium, which is delivering Increment one of the Defence Information Infrastructure that will integrate systems from business space to battlespace for some 300,000 users.
Newman commented: “Fujitsu is associated with infrastructure, but also strategic application integration, outsourcing and consultancy.We place particular emphasis on bringing forward creative new ideas.” Mike goes on to talk through two key solutions that have been developed with this very methodology in mind.
The Fujitsu Future Concepts Centre – This is a totally secure facility where ideas can be tested at high speed, enabling a proof of concept or pilot programme result to be delivered within just 90 days - guaranteed. This unique service enables innovation while reducing risk. It allows rapid product selection, proves the potential of an idea at an early stage and it can simplify, speed and cut the cost of procurement processes.
Biometric and secure solutions - Fujitsu is leading the way with two-factor authentication and other innovations. Recent developments include palm vein readers, which read the faint pattern of veins on people's hands. Fujitsu also works with partners to discover how such things as biometric PCs, biometric pen drives and secure mobile access to online services can be used to benefit the Defence industry.
Newman goes on to say that this is extremely critical for the future and is something that Fujitsu will be putting a lot of effort into. Newman says: “Conflicts may eventually be non-physical as the sides try to achieve their objectives by economic means. Hence the heightened need to help our customers stay ahead of the game from a content and access security perspective be it in a command centre or out in the field.”
