Key military network operating system made by company with Ptech ties

[ftr23532]

Here's the gist of this post: the Pentagon is currently http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0110-22.htm">throwing billions of dollars into its visionary http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/ic/fcs/bia/index.html">Future Combat Systems network (FCS). This is going to the the network that allows all of the military systems of the future to communicated and coordinate, including http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0108-29.htm">remotely controlled drones that will patrol the streets of tomorrow's urban warfare nightmare environments.

It appears that the company chosen to provide the embedded operating system for the vital "command, control, communications, computing, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance" (C4ISR) infrastructure used across all FCS platforms had (and possibly still has) Yaqcub Mirza on its board. And Yaqcub Mirza just happens to be the guy that set up the Saudi/Muslim Brotherhood's SAAR network that was raided in the Operation Greenquest raids of 2002 AND sat on the board of http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1579596,00.asp">Ptech. Friggin' wonderful.

Here's an overview of the Future Combat Systems indicates http://www.army.mil/fcs/factfiles/overview.html">how critical C4ISR is to the whole system:

FCS Overview

The Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) network allows the FCS Family-of-Systems (FoS) to operate as a cohesive system-of-systems where the whole of its capabilities is greater than the sum of its parts. As the key to the Army's transformation, the network, and its logistics and Embedded Training (ET) systems, enable the Future Force to employ revolutionary operational and organizational concepts. The network enables Soldiers to perceive, comprehend, shape, and dominate the future battlefield at unprecedented levels as defined by the FCS Operational Requirements Document (ORD).

The FCS network consists of four overarching building blocks: System-of-Systems Common Operating Environment (SOSCOE); Battle Command (BC) software; communications and computers (CC); and intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance (ISR) systems. The four building blocks synergistically interact enabling the Future Force to see first, understand first, act first and finish decisively.

...

Communications and Computers (CC) Systems

The FCS Family-of-Systems (FoS) are connected to the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) network by a multilayered Communications and Computers (CC) network with unprecedented range, capacity and dependability. The Communications and Computers (CC) network provides secure, reliable access to information sources over extended distances and complex terrain. The network will support advanced functionalities such as integrated network management, information assurance and information dissemination management to ensure dissemination of critical information among sensors, processors and warfighters both within, and external to the FCS-equipped organization.

The Communications and Computers (CC) network does not rely on a large and separate infrastructure because it is primarily embedded in the mobile platforms and moves with the combat formations. This enables the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) network to provide superior Battle Command (BC) on the move to achieve offensive-oriented, high-tempo operations.

...

Networked Logistics Systems

The key to the success of the FCS is the Networked Logistics Systems integrated through the Family-of-Systems (FOS) to achieve the logistics goals of reducing the logistics footprint, enhancing deployability, increasing operational availability, and reducing total ownership costs. These critical program goals are included in the two logistics Key Performance Parameters (KPP), KPP 4 (Transportability/Deployability) and KPP 5 (Sustainability/Reliability). Inherent to meeting these KPPs is the integration of logistics in the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) network primarily through the Platform-Soldier Mission Readiness System (PSMRS) and the Logistics Decision Support System (LDSS). These systems provide unprecedented logistics information and decision tools to the commanders and logisticians by enabling the distribution system to deliver the right stuff to the right place at the right time. The networked logistics is further enabled by the demand reduction technologies designed into the System of Systems. Increased Reliability Availability Maintainability - Test (RAM-T) goals and implementing a Performance Based Logistics (PBL) support concept through extensive up front systems engineering efforts will result in increased Operational Availability and significant decreases in both parts and maintenance personnel while generating increased combat power for the Soldiers.

...

So guess who http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2005/apr/1132597.htm">got the contract to provide the C4ISR system:

LynuxWorks Selected as Embedded Operating System Vendor for Army's Future Combat Systems Program
04/11/2005

SAN JOSÉ, Calif., April 11, 2005—LynuxWorks™ Inc. today announced it was chosen as the embedded operating system vendor by General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems for the U.S. Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) program's Integrated Computer System (ICS). Under terms of the contract, LynuxWorks' Linux®-compatible LynxOS-178® safety-critical real-time operating system (RTOS) will be used to meet the performance and reliability needs of the FCS, a family of advanced, networked air- and ground-based military systems for use by the Army's Future Force.

As the command, control, communications, computing, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) infrastructure used across all FCS platforms, General Dynamics' ICS will provide computer processing, networking, information assurance, and data storage resources necessary to support the network-centric operations of FCS.
...

Now, looking at the http://www.lynuxworks.com/">LynuxWorks website there's no reference to Yuqub Mirza, although, on a side note, former GOP VA governor James Gilmore sits on its http://www.lynuxworks.com/corporate/techadvisory.php3">technical advisory board. But it turns out that one of the investors in Lynuxworks was the Herdon VA-based Sterling Management Group (SMG), and the http://www.sterlingmgmt.com/principals.htm">President and CEO of the SMG is Yaqub Mirza. Here's an http://sec.edgar-online.com/2000/10/25/17/0001012870-00-005406/Section29.asp">SEC filing from 2000 for LynuxWorks (formerly known as "Lynx Real Time Systems") that lists "Sterling Lynux Group" as one of the owners and Yuqub Mirza as a director. According to http://www.linksv.com/companySummary.aspx?co_idURL=3008">this site, Yacub Mirza might possibly http://www.linksv.com/profileSummary.aspx?codePeople=%2037070">still sit on LynuxWorks's board. And here's another company, PocketPass.com that has both Mirza and http://www.lynuxworks.com/corporate/boarddirector.php3">Lynux Chairman Inder Singh of its board of directors. The two apparently put http://www.mayfield.com/newsarticles/9_25_jones.html">financed the creation of PocketPass back in 1999, so the two appear to have more than just a casual business relationship.

And as mentioned above, Yacub Mirza also http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1579596,00.asp">just happens to be both a financier of Ptech (along with accused al-Qaeda financier Yassin al-Qadi) and a Ptech board member. And for those interested, http://fortherecordessays.blogspot.com/2006/11/part-4-american-brotherhood-we-just_11.html">here is some info on Operation Greenquest, the SAAR network and its ties to Grover Norquist, http://fortherecordessays.blogspot.com/2006/11/part-12-slick-powerful-brotherhood_11.html">here is some info on Yassin al-Qadi and obstruction of investigations into him (skip down the to the "Operation Vulgar Betrayal" stuff).

To make matters worse, it appears that http://www.enterprise-architecture.info/Images/Web%20Ptech%20Product%20Descriptions/WEB%20Ptech%20Product%20Description.htm#_Toc536856901">Ptech was involved with the military's C4ISR system:

...
Military Information Architecture Accelerator (MIAA)

The Ptech FrameWork™ Military Information Architecture Accelerator enables military information architects and decision makers to create a comprehensive, concordant context for planning and managing change in the information-related capabilities that are critical to the success of military operations and enterprises. With domain-specific metamodels based on concepts and behavior rules adapted from the DoD C4ISR Architecture Framework, the CADM, and operational experience, the MIAA creates and automatically enforces a consistent taxonomy (artifacts, interrelationships and rules) throughout all operational, system, and technical view products. The MIAA also incorporates the ability to organize architecture data according to Zachman, Boer and other architecture frameworks, and provides file-based interfaces to the Joint C4ISR Architecture Planning System (JCAPS) and powerful discrete event simulation capability (Design/CPN).

...

Who knows what, if any, significance this all has, but considering the Ptech investigation just kind of died (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3068377/">along with the Operation Greenquest investigation) after being http://cbs4boston.com/iteam/local_story_343145212.html">obstructed by the FBI in the first place and now it's apparently making money http://ledger.southofboston.com/articles/2004/05/14/news/news04.txt">primarily by licensing its software to other companies, one wonders what involvement the Ptech software and/or Muslim Brotherhood-related individuals might have with this grand vision for the future of warfare.

[nam78_two]

1. K&R

Great post again ftr :thumbsup:-you should post more often!

[ftr23532]

2. thanks!

:hi:

[MyNameGoesHere]

3. It's Bill Gates fault!

Just getting a jump on the posts. oh wait that isn't microsoft.

[Wiley50]

4. WOW, A Newbie in Octafish's League. You rock

I think

[ftr23532]

5. Thanks

Being an Octafish fan myself that's quite nice to hear.

[EVDebs]

6. Ptech's clients on 9-11 included the White House, FAA, and AirForce

Dollars of Terror by Rachel Ehrenfeld
http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=17730

shows us who Ptech, now GoAgile, has as clients (especially during 9-11-01)

""Ptech is used primarily to develop enterprise blueprints at the highest level of US government and corporate infrastructure. These blueprints hold every important functional, operational, and technical detail of the enterprise. A secondary use of this powerful tool is to build other smart tools in a short period of time. Ptech’s clients in 2001 included the Department of Justice, the Department of Energy, Customs, Air Force, the White House, the FAA, IBM, Sysco, Aetna, and Motorola, to name just a few. ""

Now with the White House as a client, along with the FAA and the Air Force, you can imagine my surprise to learn about wargames (see 9-11 Commission Report Section 1.2 under 'Military Notification and Response' and a footnote #116 -- "FAA: No, this is not an exercise, not a test") but no mention of Vigilant Guardian, Northern Guardian, etc., the actual named wargames other investigators have named !

The 9-11 Commission Report needs a revisit by a new Congress. Maybe the Jersey Girls will be heard this time around.

[ftr23532]

9. the FAA gave LynuxWorks the only certification ever for a safety-critical embedded OS

This was http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=113750">last year:

LynuxWorks Achieves Historic Embedded Industry Milestone, LynxOS-178 Becomes First and Only Operating System to Receive FAA Reusable Software Component (RSC) Acceptance for Safety-Critical Software
Developers Can Now Treat the OS as a "Software Black Box" That Does Not Need Recertification to Achieve Dramatic Savings in Cost and Time for Obtaining FAA Certification

SAN JOSE, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- March 20, 2006 -- Today's avionics systems integrators and developers are continually charged to do more with less while at the same time meet demanding cost and time schedules. Software reuse is an important aspect of controlling these software costs as well as improving time-to-market and quality of software systems, especially where the system needs to go through a rigorous certification process. Until today, however, no safety-critical embedded operating system (OS) had received reusable software component (RSC) acceptance by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

LynuxWorks becomes the first and only embedded operating system vendor to receive an Advisory Circular AC 20-148 acceptance letter from the FAA. With RSC approval of the LynuxWorks™ LynxOS-178® real-time operating system (RTOS), embedded systems integrators and developers can consider the operating system portion of the safety-critical software code and supporting DO-178B artifacts for reuse in other system designs with other software components without the need for full recertification. As a result, integrators and developers can significantly reduce the time and cost of achieving FAA certification and further reduce the risk involved in redevelopment efforts across multiple safety-critical systems.

...

[sanskritwarrior]

7. Actually according to people in my chain of command

FCS is DOA, it is a program the Pentagon is looking to cut to free up monies for GWOT operations......

[ftr23532]

8. I'm not sure if that's a relief to hear or not

Thanks for the heads up on that. Here's an article from last week that describes these cuts. It sounds like they've just barely started http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0107/011707cdpm1.htm">nipping away at that $160 billion budget:

GovExec.com
January 17, 2007
Cash-strapped Army plans cuts to future combat program

By Megan Scully, CongressDaily
The Army is planning significant cuts and other changes in its $160 billion Future Combat Systems program to save $3.3 billion through 2013.

The cuts, outlined in a recent memo from the service's top acquisition official, are an indication that the Army is beginning to sacrifice some of its planned funding for weapons systems to pay for both increased Iraq war costs and plans to expand the service by thousands of soldiers.

The undated memo, signed by Army Acquisition Executive Claude Bolton, said bluntly that cuts and other adjustments to FCS are "strictly budget driven" and are not due to the contractors' performance or other issues.

"You should incorporate these changes as expeditiously as possible in order to maximize the availability of current year resources to execute the adjusted FCS program," wrote Bolton, who did not include dollar figures in his memo. FCS, the most expansive and expensive technological endeavor in Army history, forms the core of the service's technology transformation.

...

[EVDebs]

10. Search more on contracts to GoAgile.com

http://www.goagile.com/

Company history at cooperative research
http://www.cooperativeresearch.org/entity.jsp?entity=ptech_inc.

This from cooperative research caught my eye:
""John Zachman, considered the father of enterprise architecture, later will say that Ptech could collect crucial information from the organizations and agencies with which it works. “You would know where the access points are, you’d know how to get in, you would know where the weaknesses are, you’d know how to destroy it.” Another computer expert will say, “The software they put on your system could be collecting every key stroke that you type while you are on the computer. It could be establishing a connection to the outside terrorist organization through all of your security measures.” ""

also this:

""“We still have government agencies as customers, including the White House.” ""

YOU'D KNOW HOW TO DESTROY IT. Lovely. Maybe someone could ask Bush tomorrow night about GoAgile's WhiteHouse operations. Jeff Gannon perhaps ?

[ftr23532]

11. I didn't come up with any contracts for GoAgile

If anyone is still using Ptech/GoAgile software nowadays they sure aren't advertising that fact.

[EVDebs]

12. Next question, are the old contract still in effect ? nt

[EVDebs]

13. I found this showing as of May 2004 WH and other govt contracts STILL in effect

""According to The Patriot Ledger of Boston, despite the forced transition, “most of the company's clients, including several federal agencies, did not drop Ptech as a vendor.” In May of 2004, Ziade told The Ledger, ‘‘We still have government agencies as customers, including the White House.”"

http://www.informationliberation.com/index.php?id=7495



""In February 2003, Boston Globe columnist Jeff Jacoby wrote:

“ Alamoudi was one of several Muslims invited to meet with candidate Bush in Austin, Texas. Alamoudi is certainly influential -- but he is also an open backer of terrorism. In October 2000, he was cheered at a pro-Palestinian rally in Washington, DC, when he declared: "We are all supporters of Hamas. . . . I am also a supporter of Hezbollah." Three months later he was in Beirut for a terrorist summit, along with leaders of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, and Al Qaeda.” Amazingly, Alamoudi -- who allegedly has direct connections to the 9/11 conspirators -- was invited to a prayer service with President Bush three days after the 9/11 attacks. There are indications that al-Qadi, Alamoudi, and other suspected terrorists were protected from prosecution by high-ranking US officials, effectively preventing the FBI from stopping 9/11.

FBI Agent Robert Wright, who was in charge of pursuing al-Qadi and his associates during the 1990s, said the FBI "intentionally and repeatedly thwarted and obstructed" his attempts to arrest terrorists, seize assets, and expand his investigation into the financial network of which al-Qadi allegedly was a part.""

[ftr23532]

14. yeah, that 2004 article is the last reference to Ptech's government contracts...

...that I've ever seen. There's a few consulting companies here and there that refer to using GoAgile, but they don't seem to have any big clients.

If the ties between Ptech and Mitre Corp http://www.fromthewilderness.com/free/ww3/012705_ptech_pt2.shtml">are still ongoing, then this is kind of http://www-infosys.tx.ncsu.edu/wsc06/finalabstracts.asp?TID=Mil">interesting:

...
Monday 3:30:00 PM 5:00:00 PM
M&S Support to Future Combat Systems
Chair: Kent Pickett (Mitre Corporation)

Conceptual Linking of FCS C4ISR Systems Performance to Information Quality and Force Effectiveness Using the Castforem High Resolution Combat Model
H. Todd Minners and Doug Mackey (US Army TRADOC Analysis Center)

Abstract:
TRAC WSMR implemented several enhancements to the CASTFOREM high resolution combat model to enable analysis in support of DoD FCS Program acquisition decisions. The overall framework for FY06 FCS network analysis centers on the inherent linkage between the performance of components of the FCS C4ISR network and FCS force level outcomes. This framework suggests that the performance of the supporting C4ISR systems influences the quality of information available to the decision maker. That information drives the level of situation awareness that the decision maker achieves and the quality of the decisions published. Those decisions in turn enable the effective application of the elements of combat power and drive the observed force level outcomes. This paper describes major M&S enhancements and a methodology to assess the above linkage. We discuss CASTFOREM communications modeling and information flows, platform situational awareness (SA) databases and Common Operational Picture (COP), decision-making logic, and fusion algorithms.

An Accurate, Scalable Communication Effects Server for the FCS System of Systems Simulation Environment
Rajive Bagrodia and Ken Tang (Scalable Network Technologies) and Steve Goldman and Dilip Kumar (Integrated Defense Systems, Boeing Co.)

Abstract:
The Future Combat Systems (FCS) program is developing the FCS System of Systems Simulation Environment (FSE) to provide the “real world wraparound” to the FCS System of Systems Simulation Framework (S2F). A primary component of the FCS is the Communication Effects Server (CES) whose objective is to develop a flexible, scalable, and high-performance, packet-level, discrete-event simulator that will accurately portray the behavior of the FCS communications architecture to eventually support the live, constructive, and virtual simulations envisaged in the FSE. In particular, the CES is required to compute, in real-time, accurate end-end latency for every communication message sent over a wireless network in a FSE experiment. This paper provides an overview of the CES that has been developed using the QualNet network simulator. It presents results on the performance of the CES for the simulation of large on-the-move communication networks in real-time.

Design Approach to Implement Implicit Traffic in a Simulation Environment
Erica Lindy and Charles A. Brooks (The MITRE Corporation)

Abstract:
As the United States’ Army attempts to spiral future technologies into the current force, realistic representations of network-centric warfare become a priority for modeling and simulation (M&S). Specifically, future communications systems will provide different performance and capabilities than current systems, and these new capabilities need to be represented by Army M&S. In order to enable realistic analysis, the new communications systems models will need to be loaded by realistic representations of traffic flows to ensure the accuracy of the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (C4ISR) analysis results. This paper will present a design approach and a series of algorithms to implement implicit traffic in the Future Combat Systems (FCS) Simulation Environment (FSE). The paper will focus on a phased approach that will realistically load the modeled communications networks as the level of explicit traffic within the simulation environment increases from a small to large percentage of overall traffic.
...