Automated Message Handling System
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Automated Message Handling System (AMHS) is an automated message handling system that can be used to process, store, and disseminate legacy AUTODIN messages as well as Defense Message System (DMS) messages. Fielded by Telos Corporation, the AMHS has been selected by all services as the message handling system to be used for organizational messaging throughout the United States Department of Defense. The Air Force completed transition to AMHS in November 2006. The Army has transitioned most of the CONUS organizations, the Coast Guard has completed the transition in 20??, the Navy has begun transitioning on May 2007, and the USMC selected the AMHS and got the contract in March 2007. In addition to the DoD organizations, other federal agencies, including the DEA and FAA, also use the AMHS. The benefits of using AMHS over older versions of DMS is that it consolidates and reduces the number of Fortezza cards that contain X.509 certificates for each recipient. AMHS can also use the Virtual Fortezza Cards, or VFCs, stored on a Type 2 Cryptographic Support Server board, or T2CSS. The T2CSS is located within the actual AMHS server, reducing the inconvenience placed upon the user to keep track of a Fortezza card.
In February 2008 The Joint Staff (J6) issued a statement that suggests a move away from DMS and proprietary Military Message Handling Systems. This statement casts some doubt on the future funding of systems such as AMHS. The statement is copied below.
"As of Friday, 15 Feb 08, a more aggressive approach regarding DMS End of Life was chosen by Joint Staff (J6); subsequently deciding to cease utilization of all military / organizational messaging, DMS and Legacy, within the period of FY09. It is understood that many conversations will need to take place with all involved. A formal statement will be forthcoming from Joint Staff(J6)/ OASD(NII), with higher-level Allied Interoperability liaison to occur from the OASD(NII) International Coordination office. "
