07:31 GMT, November 12, 2009 The Pilot phase for the Estonian Command and Control system 6 November 2009 marks the signing of an important agreement between the Estonian Ministry of Defence and Systematic Software Engineering Oy, based in Tampere, Finland.

After a rigorous process of competition, evaluation and selection, the Estonian Ministry of Defence has selected Systematic to deliver an extensive range of situation awareness products aimed at enabling units of the Estonian Defence Forces to deploy rapidly and effectively in both national and international operations.


Unique “Try before we buy” opportunity

The Command Control and Information System (CCIS) project will begin with a one-year trial period in which Systematic will provide the Estonian Defence Forces with a wide range of command and control products for trial and testing as an integral part of the normal exercise schedule. Building on the results of this pilot phase, Systematic and the Estonian Defence Forces will collaborate on configuring a highly effective command and control system based on these products. The primary focus will be on addressing Estonia’s specific needs in national as well as international operating environments and in meeting its NATO membership commitments.


Solid basis for future purchasing decisions

This configuration will then be tested thoroughly to verify that Estonia’s practical requirements and national and international performance expectations are met. This unique process will enable Estonia to establish the best possible basis for the application of selected products in its CCIS system. It also minimises risk, ensures significant value for money, and supports rapid roll-out of a highly effective system for Estonian command, control and communications. Crucially, this innovative approach also makes it possible for all the parties concerned to work together to determine an accurate, comprehensive and relevant set of specifications closely tailored to how Estonian Defence Forces use their systems and equipment in practice.


In-country support

With a view to providing ideal in-country support for the CCIS system, Systematic has signed a partner agreement with the Estonian company Webmedia – one of the largest software development companies in the Baltic states. The objective is to ensure a solid basis for training Estonian Defence Force personnel in how to use the many Systematic software products in the most effective and consistent ways.