The AppTech team is comprised of just 100 members. In light of this reality, the team is focused on maximizing efficiency. Physically monitoring systems for environmental conditions such as temperature, moisture and human tampering extends beyond the domain covered by traditional IT security and systems management product sets, yet it is critical for mission success for the center. Temperatures at Moffett Field fluctuate from 45 to 90 degrees on a daily basis. Often deployed in non-traditional IT environments, such as closets, systems are prone to overheat and malfunction. The failure of an air conditioning system or a water leak can negatively impact IT functionality.
Beyond environmental concerns, AppTech needs to monitor the use of IT systems to ensure that important components are only moved when authorized and that systems are kept plugged in. More than 1,000 NASA, contractor and visitor personnel move about the campus on a monthly basis. In the course of executing their regular duties, unauthorized personnel have unplugged systems and disconnected systems and networks. The AppTech team is very aware of the danger of IT interference from non-authorized users in a distributed campus and needs to closely monitor its IT assets. Further, the team needs to safeguard NASA’s equipment and intellectual property from theft.