14 DAY TRIAL // The implementation of Windows operating systems in military vessels of the Royal Navy has seen the platform go above and beyond the call of duty, and Bill Gates' initial vision that involved home desks beyond corporate infrastructures, which was nothing short of a stretch at the time. Royal Navy submarines are no longer the only crafts in the fleet upgraded to Windows OSes, as Type 23 frigates belonging to it will also start featuring Windows among the items in their arsenal. (via TheRegister)
At the end of December 2008, Royal Navy frigate HMS Montrose docked into Babcock, ready for £15 million upkeep operations that involved the implementation of an upgrade consistent with the Royal Navy's newest command system DNA(2).
"This is a comprehensive upgrade to both Montrose's operational systems and her self-defense capability, and represents a significant investment in the fleet. We work continually with industry to modernize equipment and provide the Front Line with the capabilities required," Quentin Davies, minister for Defence Equipment and Support, stated.
The Windows upgrade is part of the Fleet Wide Management Systems program worth £30 million and installed by BAE Systems. In addition to ensuring that the Royal Navy vessels benefit from a common command system across the fleet, BAE Systems was also responsible for upgrading 12 submarines to the Submarine Command System Next Generation (SMCS NG). The Command System is set up to centralize information from sensors and communications, in order to permit the crew to manage weapon engagements.
"This docking period is an important milestone in our program to develop a common command system across the fleet, starting with the Type 23 frigates. We have worked closely with the contractor, BAE systems, to develop DNA(2) and its sister systems, which will enable us to provide more efficient support to the fleet, simplify operator training, and deliver cost savings in the long term as servicing is required," Graham Peach, Defence Equipment & Support, director of Surface Combatants Commodore, revealed.