Analysis of the Defense Travel System
The military travels the world very often. They are likely to travel the world during mission requirements or even during training exercises. Due to the massive number of travels, there has been a need to create an efficient, easy to use military travel information system that can contain the amounts of travel requests. As a result, the military created a Defense Travel System. With the creation of this system, people do not have to call different offices to secure travel arrangements. A service member can easily access the system on their computer using the right web address. After logging in, there are numerous training aids and useful links that can assist military personnel in making necessary travel plans. Moreover, the military uses the system to plan, coordinate, and travel the world. Therefore, the system has made travel arrangements relaxed and user friendly.
Server-Side Hardware Requirements
For the System (DTS) to function correctly, it needs a variety of hardware requirements. However, since this is a military system, I do not know the exact hardware requirements it uses. However, there are basic hardware requirements that a system uses. Every information system has a web server. According to Rouse (2015), a web server is used to deliver files to a user after the user inserts the correct keys. More than likely, it uses a database server that stores the necessary data needed by the Defense Travel System. To secure the information system, it probably has a database management system with a separate database server. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
Furthermore, to avoid being hacked, they always use a private network that is detached from a direct link to the internet. The system has to be heavily protected and monitored because they contain private information about military personnel. Hence, the military does not broadcast their hardware configurations. I may have missed some equipment, but this is the most common requirement for most information systems.
Server-Side Software Requirements
In any information system, the hardware has to coordinate with other pieces of hardware for it to function appropriately. Therefore it needs software that can help in coordination between the hardware. The software that interprets files from a computer and relays them to a website is the most used type of server software. Moreover, most information systems use the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) software to transfer files within the internal network.
Given that every hardware system uses a database server, it also must have a database server. The database software that is commonly used by most information systems is the Oracle. In terms of the operating system, the DTS probably uses a windows operating system.
Client-Side Hardware Requirements
One can only access the (DTS) system through a website URL. The system is accessible through any computer include a laptop or a desktop computer. Still, you cannot access the system using a mobile phone. However, since it is not available at the moment, this does not mean that it will not exist in the future. Since this is a military system, service members must log in using a military Common Access Card with a certificate. Hence, you will only need a Common Access Card reader to login in as long as the CAC has certifications.
Client-Side Software Requirements
The military information system is compatible with most computer systems. However, since the government controls the system, just a few web browsers and operating systems are permitted. Currently, only windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 operating systems can are capable of accessing the system, and all of them run on internet Explorer. Also, the system uses Java software; therefore, the user needs to have installed before operating the computer. Moreover, the system requires “ods mil” to be included in the compatibility view settings. The setting requirement my look ordinary, but it is vital in order to provide top security for the system.
Competitive Analysis of the System
As indicated above, government associates often travel the world. Therefore due to such frequent motions, they require a system like this to schedule and coordinate their travel. Moreover, this system can do a variety of actions, including searching for available hotel reservations, flights, and also booking them. Furthermore, the system can be used to reserve a taxi or a rental car. Besides, this system comes with a pay module attached. The module can record the available credit military personnel can get, or the daily per Diem one is entitled to based on their location and the current circumstances. This system utilizes the module to determine what amount a service member should pay and is directly linked to the personal bank account of the service member and the government travel charge card. All these features make the information system essential when planning for military travels or official businesses.
Currently, the system is the only one that the US military uses. However, in this contemporary world, numerous competitors strive to swoop in and try to own the military business. What discourages most competitors is that the system is owned and managed by the government, thus difficult to make any changes. However, this comes with a lot of challenges. Given that this is the only travel system that the US military uses, there is a flaw in case the system is down. Due to this defect, other companies that operate similar processes are likely to try and own the government business since it will pay off well.
Recommendation for Improving the System
With the current technology, there is always a way to make the system better for the service members. Given how discrete this system is, it is difficult to come up with a solid recommendation for improvement. This is a handy and essential system that service members use and makes a significant impact on ensuring everything is done in the right manner. However, you cannot find a perfect information system. One of the main flaws that I have identified with the Defense Travel System is how it lacks a back plan in case the system is down. All information systems are subject to going down at one particular time. This can either be during upgrades or even when replacing a section of hardware. In such a scenario, there is no other option, rather than waiting for the system to restore. In my opinion, there should be another alternative for scheduling travel programs that can be applied whenever the system is down.
I recommend that they place a 24/7 standby coordinator applicable when the system is down. Since the military should always be alert and they often travel during the last minutes, I think the coordinator will be very helpful to the service members to at least book a flight. In case the military system goes down, and no one can book last minute flight for the military, then their mission will be in jeopardy.
I would also recommend they develop and initiate a mobile platform where military personnel can easily access the system remotely using their Smartphones. This will apply to those service members who want to make last-minute travel plans. However, according to militarycac.com (2016), an American company by the name Thursby has released software that can access the military system from an Ipad. However, it can only access through an Ipad. If one can access the system through an Ipad, then there must be a way they can create software than can access the system through a Smartphone. The software will require java to be installed and credentials verified.
Lastly, I think they should improve their training to serve members on how to use the Defense Travel System. It is common to hear service members complaining of how complex the system is to use. They should create various tutorials on how to create authorization and submit a voucher, thus reducing the complexity of the system. Yes, tutorials are available, but they are too generic and not very useful to most military personnel. However, if they correctly trained the service members on how to use the system, it would be more enjoyable and easy to understand.
Conclusion
The Defense Travel System is a brilliant travel system that strives to make military travel arrangements as efficient as possible. Scheduling travel plans can entail a lot of things, including hotel reservations and flight booking. Proper training of service members can make the system more effective and be very useful when scheduling military travels arrangements.
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