Wireless Cloud Computing on Guided Missile Destroyers: A Business Case Analysis

This is a Business Case Analysis of the cost and benefits of implementing a Wireless Cloud Computing Network WCCN onboard Guided Missile Destroyers DDGs utilizing tablet computers. It compares the life cycle costs of WCCNs utilizing tablet computers over a mixed network of thin clients and desktop computers. Currently, the Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services CANES program will install both thin clients and desktops on board new and old DDGs to implement the unclassified portion of its network. The main cost benefits of tablets will be realized through energy savings and an increase in productivity. The net present value of tablets is expected to be considerably better than the current CANES configuration with the initial investment required for tablets breakingeven in five years if each sailor saves 22 seconds a day by having a tablet. Alternatively, the tablet configuration also breaks even in less than 6 years just considering operational costs alone. Sensitivity analysis on the cost of deferent types of tablet devices and the range of different productivity gains shows very limited downside from investing in tablets compared to considerable upside depending on the productivity gains achieved in practice.