The freshly disclosed Army Software Marketplace prototype has been upgraded for use by soldiers. This software is presently slated to deliver 12 mobile training applications meant to be downloaded onto handsets or tablets.
The publicly-facing facilities are part of the CSDA initiative that was developed by Army training schools. These apps have now received consent for access by soldiers. When the protocol reaches its conclusion, it is expected to deliver downloadable and web-based apps to all offerings approved for usability on the Army Network’s Common Operating Environment.
“The Apps Marketplace is at the center of Army efforts to radically reduce the time to deliver applications across the force. This prototype is a first step in establishing and exercising new submission and approval processes that will eventually enable Army members, organizations and third-party developers to release applications for Army-wide distribution,” commented Lt. Gen. Susan Lawrence, the chief information officer/G-6.
This prototype unites principal Army stakeholders for executing industry-proven responsive software-development practices. The efforts are aimed at increasing the collaborations between developers and end-users. This is done with the primary objective of providing software to the audience in brief release cycles.
At present, the publicly-facing apps can be accessed on personal iDevices. The virtual market is slated to be compatible with Android devices soon. Some of the apps included in the prototype are Army Social Media Handbook and Developing a Performance Work Statement along with The Soldiers Blue Book (initial entry training guide) and Army Values.
According to the Army, planning avenues and training tools available as apps in the Marketplace provide the data required at the moment. The Army Software Marketplace prototype can be downloaded via www.marketplace.army.mil.