ABSTRACT
Metcalfe’s Law quantified the Network Effect by stating that the value of a network is proportional to the square of the number of nodes connected to a network. As the unrestricted movement of data continues to provide a force multiplier on the modern battlespace, this presentation will examine how governments (in particular Defence) can leverage dual use technology to achieve a network effect by increasing the intrinsic military value of a network (including its data) while also reducing the risk of losing this critical asset. The presentation will explore issues associated with interoperability, security and sovereignty while leveraging dual use technology and provide examples of where the advantages outweigh any perceived risk. With the Governments recent announcement of the Defence Strategic Review, the presentation will also highlight examples of where dual use technology could be leveraged now to achieve the network effect and subsequent superiority for military users and conclude with predictions of where this approach, focussed on SATCOM, will lead.

BIOGRAPHY
Rob is the Managing Director of Viasat’s Government Systems business in Australia. Since leaving the Navy in 2012, Rob has held a number of senior executive positions in Defence Industry with roles in operations, strategy and business development. In his current role, Rob is responsible for our existing contracts with the Department of Defence as well as growing our business in SATCOM, integrated C4, secure networking and tactical data links. Rob holds an honours degree in Computer Systems Engineering from RMIT and is also a graduate of Cranfield University in the United Kingdom where he was awarded a Master’s of Science in Explosive Ordnance Engineering.