Modernizing Applications and Systems: Key to Digital Transformation

January 29, 2024 – Defence Stories

Modernizing all Information Technology solutions, applications and systems that manage information and data at all levels in the Department of National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) is key to digital transformation.

Undertaking such large-scale transformation requires informed decision-making, and planning.

With the launch of the Application Portfolio Management Program Modernization (APMPM) Directive, The Digital Transformation Office (DTO) and the Chief Information Officer Group (CIO Group) have partnered to address the challenges and decisions associated with maintaining fragmented and outdated legacy systems, or investing in a modern, viable, digital application portfolio.

What is the goal of the APMPM? 

The goal of the APMPM is two-fold: 

• To help DND/CAF manage its data and information as strategic assets. 
• To gain a clearer picture of the technology being used for our data and information assets in support of our programs and operations.

Better data and information will facilitate strategic decision-making, improve our programs and services, and create a digital landscape that is receptive to innovation, and promotes interoperability with our allies.

Gaining insight into DND/CAFs portfolio of applications 

As a first step, DTO and the CIO Group will conduct an inventory of the applications that are currently in use or inactive across DND/CAF.

After this initial step, the Department will have a clearer picture of the number of applications that rely on aging infrastructure and legacy systems. Having this insight will provide evidence-based rationale for future investments in systems and applications.

Phased Approach

The APMPM initiative will roll out in four phases over a two-year period. Following the January 12, 2024 launch, DTO and the CIO Group will rely on the collaboration of the Defence team to assist them with APMPM modernization activities and future investments.

Team Effort

Addressing our digital challenges is a team effort. By maximizing the business and operational value of our data and information assets through programs such as APMPM, we will advance our digital posture across DND/CAF.