For the first time, the people who actually wrote and developed the system can maintain it as if they were at the location itself. This ability to troubleshoot the system even goes to the workstation level. In other words, if a component of the system, such as a specialized workstation, is not functioning properly, CA technicians can emulate that specific piece of equipment in Washington while it is performing at post and troubleshoot the overall situation. The CA initiative can be the beginning of remote management for all systems in State. Instead of attempting to make all people experts in all things, many of the more complex systems can be managed remotely in Washington.
Upgrades can take place thousands of miles away as can resolutions of system problems.
This can be the epitome of centralized management. If we want to give our users the best available, this is the only viable alternative. I believe the CA initiative is the future of system management. Experts are located centrally and can support a multitude of embassies throughout the world. The money saved in transportation, overseas labor costs, and downtime is enormous.