The Department of Defense reached a milestone on Tuesday when the one-millionth user was added to the department’s enterprise email system, making it one of the largest independent email systems in the world.
The department launched its enterprise email system two years ago. The system aims to leverage DOD’s massive buying power and reduce costs by consolidating system hardware requirements and maintenance, eliminating unnecessary and inefficient administration and resource allocation.
“For the warfighters, using DEE means wherever they are, they can use their email, whenever they need it. It is not necessary to start a new email account when you move or deploy. It is as mobile as the servicemember,” said Air Force Lt. Gen. Ronnie Hawkins, director of DISA, whose agency manages technology and communications services for the DOD.
The millionth user was added on Tuesday when a soldier at Fort Riley in Kansas received a new email account.
According to DISA, DEE also provides joint capabilities that are not available in service-unique or organization-specific email systems, such as being able to access the DOD Global Address List.
All common access card holders along with their professional contact information are automatically entered into the GAL, DISA said. Users can update and maintain their information using MilConnect.
The Army is in the final phase of its migration to DEE, and has migrated 967,000 user accounts to date, according to Army Deputy Chief Information Officer Mike Krieger.
Currently, DEE is the email service for the Joint Staff, EUCOM, AFRICOM, Army and DISA. With new organizations migrating to DEE, the system is expected to reach 1.5 million users by late summer.
“DEE incorporates built-in redundancies and support to prevent system-wide outages,” said Alfred Rivera, principal director, enterprise services for DISA. “DISA maintains absolute command and control of all enterprise email infrastructure assets.”
“We want our warfighters to know that they have the most reliable email system available,” said Rivera. “We’ve got their back. We are providing them with the key IT and communication tools they need to conduct their day-to-day mission.”
