IIG - Accelerating Modernization for the Mission

Original broadcast 6/4/25

Presented by Adobe & Carahsoft

James Hanson, Acceleration Team Manager at Adobe, connects the dots between DOD’s vision for a leaner, more agile force and the role of digital modernization in supporting that vision. With the DOD moving toward a "warrior ethos" centered around trust, strength, and speed, Hanson emphasizes that emerging technologies like AI and secure cloud platforms are critical enablers of mission success.

At the core of Adobe’s approach is the shift to digital-first operations. Hanson explains that this means replacing manual, paper-based workflows with automated, cloud-enabled solutions that deliver speed, accountability, and security. It’s a transformation that extends beyond IT—it touches acquisition, warfighter support, and public-facing communications. Adobe’s experience supporting DISA and other defense entities demonstrates how mission owners can quickly deploy these capabilities to great effect.

One of the standout examples Hanson shares is Adobe’s role in building a next-generation content platform for all DOD public websites. This centralized system enables consistency, security, and rapid communication across the defense community. Hanson points out that Adobe’s use of the Jellic contract vehicle, a common procurement path for digital tools, made it possible to move from pilot to deployment in less than a year—a process that traditionally could take two or more.

Speed is the consistent theme throughout Hanson’s vision. Whether it’s deploying secure digital platforms, consolidating duplicative tools, or modernizing acquisition processes, every improvement must move faster than the pace of the threat. Adobe’s long-standing relationship with DISA has enabled the development of centralized contract management strategies that harness the buying power of over 1.6 million users across DOD.

By unifying procurement and standardizing platforms, Adobe is also helping reduce costs. Hanson highlights that each service no longer needs to independently acquire or integrate platforms, eliminating redundancies and ensuring everyone is working from the same digital playbook. This is crucial not only for operational efficiency but also for maintaining message consistency across internal and public channels.

Another key point Hanson raises is alignment with the administration’s broader goals: cutting costs, eliminating legacy systems, and maximizing the use of secure cloud solutions. Adobe’s enterprise-grade platforms meet these objectives while also empowering DOD organizations to communicate with their audiences in a consistent and secure manner.

In the end, Hanson sees modernization not as a technology goal, but a strategic imperative that touches every element of mission delivery. By accelerating digital transformation, Adobe is helping DOD build trust, improve readiness, and strengthen its ability to respond quickly to emerging challenges in an increasingly complex global environment.

Key Takeaways:

• Adobe’s digital-first approach replaces outdated processes with automated, secure cloud platforms.

• Centralized procurement and content platforms are accelerating speed-to-deployment across DOD.

• Modernization efforts align with administration priorities and directly support the warrior ethos.

This interview was recorded on location at TechNet Cyber 2025 and included as part of the TV show Innovation in Government from TechNet Cyber.