The defense message system
Robert W. Shirey · ACM SIGCOMM Computer Communication Review · 1990
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) plans to modernize the Defense Message System (DMS) to reduce costs and improve services. DMS includes all hardware, software, procedures, standards, facilities, and personnel used to exchange messages electronically in DoD. DMS today has two separate parts. The AUTODIN system handles formal messages between organizations, and the Defense Data Network's electronic mail system handles other messages. The DMS plan has a target architecture, for the year 2008, that integrates those separate systems, uses CCITT X.400 message handling and X.500 directory services, and provides writer-to-reader security with the Secure Data Network System developed by the National Security Agency. The implementation strategy has three phases that extend over 20 years. The plan has an indirect but strong effect on the Internet outside DoD.