When your software absolutely cannot fail

"Software" is a broad category. The calculator on your phone operates very differently from global, complex systems like online maps, cloud computing, or malware defense. If the calculator stops working or gives a wrong result, it's unlikely to spell disaster or cost lives. Many modern systems are not only complex but also central to civilization as we know it.

Modern software development across governments requires a rapid, dynamic, and robust approach—continuous Authority to Operate (cATO) solves that. Done correctly, cATO leverages an ongoing authorization tailored for the swift and continuous delivery of higher-quality, secure software. As citizens rely increasingly on digital services, even something as innocuous as a tax filing platform going offline can cripple a nation and send stock spiraling.

People often think resiliency and security come at the expense of speed and cost, with approvals and extra layers adding to the time and expense of service delivery. Bryon provides a different perspective. An ongoing authorization tailored for continuous delivery (cATO) represents a dynamic and continuous approach to identifying, mitigating, and managing risk over time. In these three case studies from military, public, and private sector, and drawing on his experience launching Kessel Run, Bryon talks about the rise of the software factory, continuous delivery, and the future of digital-first government services.