Through our strong and cohesive platform, Microsoft offers the ability to execute critical border and maritime security processes in unison as federal agencies develop mission-critical initiatives to achieve greater situational awareness, a national common operational picture (COP), and rapid response capabilities.

Challenges such as aging platforms and systems can present significant collaborative and interoperability constraints. These conditions can limit an organization's ability to achieve situational awareness needed to make informed and effective decisions. Data collection alone is not sufficient, it must be fused, shared, and analyzed to anticipate Homeland Security threats and act to prevent and deter them. Microsoft solutions facilitate getting the right information into the right hands at the right time—permitting government agencies to make the critical decisions affecting our Homeland Security.

Border security

The Microsoft Enterprise Project Management (EPM) solution is being deployed to assist project management of key border enforcement and cargo programs. The EPM solution helps organizations gain visibility and insight in all projects, which enhances decision-making, maximizes resource utilization, and makes it possible to measure and increase operational efficiency. Learn more>

Microsoft and Gold Certified Partner Unisys worked jointly on multi-national coordination initiatives, including the promotion of an interoperability solution for the member states of the European Union (EU) to create a technology framework for a cross-border system and to share law enforcement data among the member states of the EU. Learn more>

Maritime security

Microsoft infrastructure and database technologies are being deployed for the Marine Information for Safety and Law Enforcement (MISLE) System, an operational system that contains vast amounts of data, ranging from detailed vessel characteristics to data on bridges, facilities, and waterways, to records of U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) activities. The goals are to deliver a common operating picture to their command centers and to facilitate continued port security enhancements. MISLE information is a mission-essential application for many USCG programs, including the Nationwide Automatic Identification System (NAIS).

• U.S. Coast Guard Ship Arrival Notification System case study
• Royal National Lifeboat Institution case study

Cargo security

Microsoft collaboration, interoperability, and database technologies are being deployed for select U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) programs. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is a joint government/business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen overall supply-chain and border security. Developed on Microsoft technology, the C-TPAT business portal provides a secure platform for interaction and communication for C-TPAT applicants, trade partners, and CBP staff. In addition, it provides real-time access to C-TPAT information, tools, and databases for these stakeholders. Microsoft Consulting Services (MCS) supports the development and deployment of C-TPAT.