RAF Mildenhall gets instant messaging Dec. 19

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Eric Petosky
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  The Microsoft Office Communication Suite will be installed on all network computers at RAF Mildenhall after duty hours Dec. 19, allowing base users instant messaging, file sharing, and even video teleconferencing from their workstations. 

Users can log into OCS starting Dec. 20, and will be automatically signed in whenever they log into their computers from then on, according to Master Sgt. Robert Happ, 100th Communications Squadron Network Operations NCOIC. 

The program allows instant messaging similar to other chat programs to other enabled users within U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Each user can display a "presence status" that tells others whether they are available, out to lunch, on the phone, at a meeting or otherwise occupied. For active clients, in addition to chat, they can drag and drop files and transfer them. For those with web cameras installed, video teleconferencing is also an option. 

The OCS cannot be used to communicate with other computers outside the command, according to Tech. Sgt. William Paradiso, USAFE Computer System Squadron NCOIC of command applications. The capability to instant message outside of USAFE depends upon other commands installing the software and configuring a server to handle the message traffic. 

USAFE will monitor bandwidth usage before and after the installation, and depending on the results may reroute some geographically separated units through different networks. The redistribution should correct any identified bandwidth deficiencies. If not, Sergeant Paradiso said USAFE can "throttle down" the amount of data being sent, such as limiting video resolution or file sizes. 

"Instant messaging is convenient, but it still should only be used for official business," Sergeant Happ warned. "Using instant messaging to goof off is a big no-no. As with any other resource on the network, IM is monitored and audited for appropriate use and security."