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NMCI High-Speed Remote Access Delivery Begins

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050909-05
Release Date: 9/9/2005 11:44:00 AM

From Navy/Marine Corps Intranet Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va, (NNS) -- The Navy/Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) marked a milestone in August as it began delivery of a product that laptop users across the enterprise have been eagerly awaiting: high-speed remote access.

At the beginning of the month, NMCI began delivery of software that enables laptop users to utilize remote 'high-speed' internet connections while on travel or at home.

Known as Broadband Unclassified Remote Access Solution (BuRAS), this software is in the phased process of being pushed to 60,000 eligible laptop users. This comprehensive rollout is scheduled to be completed by December 2005, with the majority of the deliveries taking place in November and December.

“NMCI is building on its experience, user feedback and a more focused approach to deliver high speed access that will increase the power and mobility of the workforce. BuRAS will enable users to conduct work anywhere at any time, ensuring fast and secure communications,” said Rear Adm. James B. Godwin III, Direct Reporting Program Manager for NMCI.

Through an existing broadband service, BuRAS laptop users will be able to connect to NMCI, accessing their email and network drives. Unfortunately at this time, NMCI Science and Technology (S&T) and development seats are not included in this deployment.

As part of the rollout, training tools are available on NMCI's Homeport to prepare those who are receiving the software push. Additionally, 48 hours prior to receiving BuRAS, the affected site will receive an email providing guidance on educational resources available.

To improve network security, a client firewall has been added that ensures a more secure connection to the network. As with dial-up access, users must have a Public Key Infrastructure certificate or Common Access Card to use BuRAS.

There will be no additional charge for the service, as it will be rolled into the laptop package.

NMCI is an enterprise-wide computer network designed to connect more than 700,000 Sailors, Marines, and Navy civilian employees at more than 300 bases in the U.S. and several overseas locations. The $8.8 billion program represents the largest federal information technology contract ever awarded.