Lack of net-centricity could cost IT programs

The Defense Department might cut funds of information technology programs that don't have network-centric attributes.Priscilla Guthrie said the department is evaluating IT programs for attributes such as using Internet protocol version 6, secure and available communications and trusted sharing of network resour-ces. Guthrie is deputy chief information officer in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Networks and Information Integration.Systems also should have attributes such as one-time handling of information that is posted by authoritative sources, data posted as it is created, and applications that encourage discovery of data when and where it is needed.Other attributes include keeping data separate from applications, applications posted for use and data that is timely, accurate, complete and easy to use. "We are reviewing programs against this list. If you do these things, you probably fit the net-centric mission," Guthrie said.