At A Glance

1. At A Glance VMOC-CE is an application framework that facilitates real-time, remote cooperative work among geographically dispersed mission operations personnel. Virtual Mission Operations Center – Collaborative Environment (VMOC-CE) Product Overview The VMOC-CE is an application framework developed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) that provides centralized access to a collection of COTS tools and resources that support online, distributed, and remote collaboration. Using the VMOC-CE, operators located in geographically dispersed locations can share information and applications, and can collaborate via a variety of telecommunications methods, enabling project staff to efficiently and conveniently work together to investigate and resolve anomalies. Examples of collaboration tools available within the VMOC-CE include online chat, video conferencing, discussion boards, document repository, and remote application sharing. VMOC-CE has the potential to greatly increase project staff efficiency while reducing mission operations costs. • Features • Centralized access to a variety of collaboration tools, including: • Project Announcements • Discussion Board • Real-time file sharing • Remote Application Sharing • Document Repository • Audio/Video Conferencing • Support for remote, wireless access • Customizable user views into project data • Easy to use and includes online help • Benefits • Platform independent • Reduced mission operations costs • Increased efficiency of mission operations; operators can quickly access and share information from remote sites • Adaptable framework can be used by a variety of user groups/project staff The VMOC-CE Portal window showing user access to the “Action/Issue Management” function. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Advanced Architectures and Automations Branch, Code 588 Information Systems Research and Development http://aaa.gsfc.nasa.gov email: tso@pop500.gsfc.nasa.gov

2. Product Benefits • Platform Independent – VMOC-CE is written using the latest version of Java. • Cost Effective – Operators can quickly access anomaly information, and can determine the severity of the anomaly and/or resolve these anomalies without a trip to the control center. • Adaptable – Although the VMOC-CE is targeted towards the mission operations environment, it can be adapted to support other user groups, such as project scientists and project management staff. • Extensible – New tools can easily be added to the environment to suit the needs of a given group. • VMOC-CE– Feature Details • Announcements: Project managers/authorized users can enter/edit lists of project announcements, meeting notices, and/or special events. Users can access/view the list via the VMOC-CE portal. • Telecommunication Options: VMOC-CE offers a variety of options for telecommunicating with project team members, including online chat (using AOL Instant Messenger or Netmeeting Chat) and video conferencing (using Microsoft Exchange or Multipoint Software’s CU See Me). VMOC-CE can incorporate any compatible desktop camera/microphone or larger room systems like the Polycom Viewstations. Via the portal, users can view a list of project team members and the telecommunication options available to each user. Users select from this list and VMOC-CE will initiate the audio/video conference via the selected method. • Document Repository: The VMOC-CE document repository houses project documents and publications in electronic format, enabling users to easily access the project’s accumulated knowledge and information directly on the Internet. VMOC-CE currently uses Docushare, as well as a GOTs custom tool that allows easy file upload, to implement the repository. • Application Sharing: VMOC-CE uses Netmeeting to support application sharing, allowing selected participants to simultaneously run the same application. • Real-time File Sharing: VMOC-CE currently uses Netmeeting to share files in real-time • Action Item System: VMOC-CE includes a module for maintaining and tracking both group or individually assigned tasks. Users can also add attachments and forward actions to others for completion. • Site Directory: VMOC-CE maintains a list of common resource and application links within a project or group. • Portal Customization: Project teams can configure the VMOC-CE portal to display only those components that the mission operations or project team will be using. Individuals can also customize their own view of the portal. System Requirements --The VMOC-CE framework is developed entirely in Java and is accessed via an internet browser. Netscape 4.7 or higher, or Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher are the recommended browsers. Availability --Release 1.0 of the VMOC-CE is available via the web or by contacting the GSFC Code 588 Technology Support Office (TSO) at tso@pop500.gsfc.nasa.gov. Current Users --VMOC-CE is currently piloting with NASA’s Earth Science Mission Operations (ESMO) project.