WEdge Briefing System

							                            Warfighter’s Edge
                WEdge Briefing System



The WEdge Briefing System is the next generation of Briefing Room Interactive (BRI)
systems designed to provide a real-time flow of mission, training and supplemental
information with minimal effort needed by the operator.

Created by warfighters who saw deficiencies in other existing briefing systems, the
WEdge Briefing System dynamically updates briefings with live data and can be used to
share briefings and information between units. It provides warfighters detailed, accurate
mission information, tailored to their needs. With this system, users are given a
dynamic, net-centric environment that helps them to plan their next briefing.

Accurate, detailed mission briefings are critical to flying operations. The most common
computer-based tool for creating these slides is Microsoft PowerPoint®.

The WEdge Briefing System takes a warfighter’s familiarity with PowerPoint and extends
its capabilities. The WEdge Briefing System accesses net-centric data sources and
transforms the data with the use of simple “data tags.” The process creates a
customizable, user-friendly format that dramatically reduces the time spent manually
retrieving, verifying and organizing mission information. The end result is a briefing that
is more efficient, valid and ultimately more effective.

Time Savings
One of the best features of the WEdge Briefing System, is how it centralizes briefing
information. Currently, local personnel gather data from a multitude of sources and
manually insert the information into a briefing. With the WEdge Briefing System, users
can connect directly to a database of information. The information can then be placed
directly into a presentation, saving hours of preparation time for every briefing, ensuring
accuracy.

Machine to Machine
When data is manually extracted, the danger of introducing transcription errors or
presenting outdated material in a changing mission environment becomes a threat to
data integrity. With The WEdge Briefing System, data is loaded directly from its source,
machine-to-machine, preventing inaccurate presentations. With the WEdge Briefing
System, users gain unprecedented data integrity and validation with mission products.
Automatic Updates
When connected to a WEdge network, warfighters receive automatic updates to all
subscribed briefings. But briefings do not depend on the network to function. If
connectivity is temporarily lost, briefings can still be presented with the last known
live data. Once the network is restored, the briefings are updated automatically.

Communication
Access to the latest and most accurate information is critical for Air Force personnel.
The WEdge Briefing System automatically synchronizes briefing materials to every
presentation computer. Providing briefing materials developed at one location can
be used by pilots at another location through the timely sharing of data. WEdge
allows the materials to be published to a central database or repository, where any
WEdge user can subscribe to documents and receive updates. WEdge is available on
the NIPRnet, SIPRnet and is authorized for use on JWICS. Briefings on the NIPRnet
are published manually twice daily to the SIPRnet.

Security
Briefings are shared between the user’s base and the central repository using secure,
encrypted communication channels. WEdge fully controls a unit’s briefing system
through managed user accounts. The ability gives WEdge managers the ability to
change briefings, while users can only run the briefings. WEdge also only allows
those with a registered CAC or username and password to login and access the
briefing material.

Minimal Training Costs
Because the WEdge Briefing System is based on PowerPoint ®, very little end-user
training is required. Briefing presenters and content editors are already familiar with
the presentation tools and only require instructions on using the WEdge functionality
and administering a WEdge system. The system functions are vast and training as a
primary POC or manager is highly recommended. WEdge offers a three day training
course at USAFA that covers all aspects of WEdge operation and maintenance.

_________________________________________________________________
The WEdge team can be reached by phone at DSN 333-2992 or COMM 719-333-2992. You can also con-
tact us by email at info@WEdge.hpc.mil. You can also visit the WEdge website for more information at
www.WEdge.hpc.mil.

History of WEdge
The Warfighter’s Edge Briefing System is a vastly improved follow-on to Briefing Room Interactive (BRI), where
the idea of linking PowerPoint shows with simplicity was developed. A growing interest in the program resulted
in further WEdge development at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. The program
has become such a success that the managers of the project received the 2007 Air Force Research and Develop-
ment Award for their efforts.

WEdge is a project of the Institute for Information Technology Applications. The Institute develops research
topics, selects researchers, administers sponsored research, publicizes results, and hosts conferences and work-
shops to facilitate the dissemination of research findings to a wide range of private and government organiza-
tions. In addition, IITA seeks to help prepare USAFA graduates for a high technology Air Force by involving ca-
dets in research projects as researchers.

It is now Air Combat Command’s Briefing System of Record and free for all USAF users.