Coalition Edge is a cross-company collaboration that delivers edgeless connectivity and mission‑ready intelligence. The integrated solution ensures a continuous flow of data, analytics and insights across dynamic operational conditions, enabling greater situational awareness and decision support without reliance on persistent networks or centralized infrastructure.

Coalition members and their contributions include:

GRVTY: Mission analytics and orchestration layer powered by Origin, GRVTY’s automated intelligence platform, transforming multi-INT edge and cloud outputs into prioritized, auditable, and releasable intelligence products that enable interoperability between intelligence and other warfighting functions across dynamic, bandwidth-limited operational environments.

DeNOVO Solutions: Coalition organizer and lead integrator, responsible for interoperability, analytics augmentation, and orchestration across distributed edge and cloud environments.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE): Tactical edge compute, providing ruggedized infrastructure for low-latency processing and sustained AI/ML performance at the edge.

NVIDIA: AI/ML acceleration, enabling real-time inference and standardized model deployment across edge and cloud environments.

Rancher Government Services: Infrastructure and application orchestration, managing containerized services and lifecycle operations across distributed environments.

T‑Mobile: Resilient connectivity backbone, supporting secure transport, priority routing, and continuity of operations across connected and degraded conditions.

Urban Sky: Stratospheric sensing and collection layer, providing EO and full‑motion video data from high-altitude balloon platforms to support interoperable, multi‑INT edge analytics.

The concept of edgeless connectivity captures and addresses an operational reality in which systems function across connected, intermittently connected and fully disconnected states, regardless of connectivity conditions.

“Coalition Edge is about turning distributed data into actionable intelligence, even in adverse conditions,” said Katie Selbe, chief executive officer at GRVTY. “Through our Origin platform, we’re demonstrating how multi‑INT data collected at the edge can be fused, orchestrated, and delivered as prioritized, auditable intelligence fast enough to support real mission decisions.”

Source: GRVTY

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In his expanded role, Durden will lead RGS’s solutions engineering organization and a growing distributed edge business unit, focusing on the design and delivery of integrated, turnkey platforms that support secure command and control (C2) operations in contested, disconnected, and resource-constrained environments. He will work closely with customers, partners, and internal engineering teams to ensure RGS solutions remain deployable, sustainable, and operationally relevant from the enterprise to the tactical edge.

This promotion reflects a continued and deliberate shift in RGS’s go-to-market and delivery model. Rather than offering individual technologies à la carte, RGS is increasingly delivering complete, mission-ready solutions, unified platforms that combine infrastructure, orchestration, security, and lifecycle management into systems customers can deploy and operate with confidence.

“RGS is evolving to meet our customers where they operate,” said Jason Motte, chief growth officer at RGS. “That means moving beyond products to deliver full solutions that reduce operator burden and stand up to real-world mission demands. Brian has been a driving force behind this effort, and his leadership will be critical as we continue expanding our edge and platform capabilities.”

Durden brings more than 20 years of experience spanning embedded systems, DevSecOps, and multi-cluster Kubernetes architectures. Prior to joining RGS, he held senior engineering and architecture roles at Pivotal and VMware, supporting large-scale federal modernization programs.

Under Durden’s leadership, RGS has advanced multiple generations of edge capabilities, culminating in platforms such as Harvester Government HCI and Harvester Customizer, which unify virtual machines and containers under a single Kubernetes-based control plane. These solutions are designed to deliver deployable, self-contained edge systems that support mission planning, sensor fusion, analytics, and decision-support workloads in degraded, disconnected, intermittent, and limited (DDIL) environments.

“This role reflects a broader evolution happening at RGS,” said Durden. “We’re moving from delivering individual products to delivering real solutions—platforms that customers can deploy, operate, and trust in the field. Instead of handing teams parts, we’re giving them the keys to the race car. I’m excited, and humbled to help lead this next phase as we continue building mission-ready edge capabilities alongside our customers.”

Source: RGS

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With IC Cloud Support, Intelligence Community teams can now provision and manage clusters faster and more securely, simplifying operations across the most restricted networks.

For mission owners across the Intelligence Community, secure modernization has long meant trade-offs: classified environments often lag behind commercial clouds in automation, speed, and usability. Rancher Government Solutions (RGS) helps close that gap.

RGS, a leader in secure, enterprise-grade Kubernetes management for the U.S. Government, has announced the General Availability (GA) of IC Cloud Support. This breakthrough capability brings full provisioning and lifecycle management to classified cloud environments without requiring access keys, custom software development kits (SDKs), or manual workarounds.

“Our customers in classified environments deserve the same operational simplicity and resiliency they get in commercial cloud,” said Adam Toy, Chief Technology Officer at RGS. “With IC Cloud Support, RGS brings that consistency to the most secure environments in government.”

The Challenge: Managing Kubernetes Behind the Airgap

Organizations operating in airgapped or restricted AWS and Azure regions face a radically different landscape from commercial cloud users. These classified environments are completely isolated by design, with no internet connectivity, external endpoints, or public resource exchange.

As a result, provisioning or managing Kubernetes infrastructure required manual, highly constrained processes:

• Physically moving software via burned discs or removable media into SCIFs
• Operating without identity access management (IAM) keys or secrets, since credential creation is prohibited
• Rewriting code to communicate with .gov API endpoints and custom certificate authorities
• Relying on imported clusters that limited access to Day-2 operations like scaling, shell access, or certificate rotation

This fragmentation left DevSecOps teams balancing compliance with complexity—manually managing infrastructure that, in commercial settings, takes minutes.

From Technical Preview to Full Operational Capability

When RGS first announced IC Cloud Support as a technical preview in March 2025, it was clear the capability filled a critical operational gap. The preview demonstrated that by leveraging a differentiated Rancher Government build, users could provision clusters in classified AWS regions by simply toggling the new “Carbide Instance Credential” option—removing the need for manually managed keys and secrets.

Since then, RGS engineers have expanded the feature set and hardened the integration for General Availability. The result: full RKE2 and EKS provisioning, native classified API endpoint compatibility, and seamless Day-2 lifecycle management—all inside the familiar Rancher Manager interface.

How It Works: Secure Automation Without Keys or Custom Code

At the core of IC Cloud Support is a Kubernetes-native approach that replaces manual access management with secure automation.

When IC Cloud Support is enabled, Rancher Manager uses the EC2 instance’s own IAM role (rather than user-managed credentials) to authorize access. This is powered by the Carbide Instance Credential, a hardened mechanism unique to RGS that uses instance metadata services to assume cloud permissions automatically.

This eliminates the need for:

• Handwritten SDKs or API scripts
• Local key storage or secrets rotation
• Custom certificate handling for classified domains

The outcome: a keyless, zero-trust-aligned provisioning workflow that meets the stringent security expectations of intelligence and defense networks.

Full Parity for Classified Cloud Operations

The General Availability release introduces a complete suite of enhancements designed for mission-critical continuity:

• Native provisioning for RKE2 and EKS clusters in classified AWS regions
• Instance-level authorization via Carbide Instance Credential
• Compatibility with classified API endpoints and certificates
• Expanded Day-2 operations including node scaling, certificate rotation, snapshot/restore, and encryption key rotation
• UI and UX parity across AWS Commercial, GovCloud, and classified regions

Together, these improvements eliminate operational gaps between environments, giving intelligence agencies feature parity and user experience consistency across classification levels.

Why It Matters for the Intelligence Community

For operators inside the Intelligence Community, the implications are significant.
Classified cloud environments support some of the nation’s most sensitive workloads—mission systems that demand both speed and assurance. IC Cloud Support means these systems can now be provisioned, scaled, and secured with the same simplicity and confidence found in commercial deployments.

Benefits include:

• Faster mission delivery: Full provisioning in minutes, not days
• Reduced human error: Eliminates manual configuration and scripting
• Operational continuity: Consistent Rancher UI across all classification levels
• Accelerated ATO cycles: Built-in compliance and evidence generation
• Improved security posture: No external keys or unmanaged secrets

This advancement directly supports the Intelligence Community’s goals of agile modernization, zero trust implementation, and mission-ready cloud operations.

Availability and Next Steps

IC Cloud Support is now available to all RGS customers through the Carbide Portal and Registry. After downloading the latest Rancher Government build for Rancher Manager, users can deploy directly in classified regions by toggling the Carbide Instance Credential option during cluster provisioning.

For more information or to schedule a technical consultation, contact info@ranchergovernment.com or visit us at ranchergovernment.com.

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As the architect behind many of RGS’s most critical platforms—including RKE2, Harvester Government, and Carbide—Toy has been a driving force in advancing secure, interoperable cloud-native infrastructure for mission-critical environments. His deep expertise in Kubernetes, edge computing, and DevSecOps has helped RGS become a trusted partner for agencies seeking modern, compliant, and resilient systems.

Throughout his career at RGS, Toy has led the development of hardened, government-ready platforms that are now widely deployed across air-gapped, classified, and tactical environments. His leadership was instrumental in launching Harvester Government, the first FIPS-aligned hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) solution designed specifically for U.S. government use. He has also helped agencies adopt secure Kubernetes through RKE2, built with a defense-first architecture that meets federal compliance mandates from day one.

A strong advocate for open-source interoperability and zero-trust security, Toy played a key role in integrating NeuVector into the RGS portfolio, enabling runtime container protection and secure software supply chain validation. His contributions to the development of Carbide have further empowered agencies to implement digitally signed SBOMs and enforce software integrity across the CI/CD pipeline, the company said.

“Adam’s technical vision and leadership has played a critical role in developing RGS’s foundational software products,” said Ryan Lewis, CEO of RGS. “His promotion to CTO reflects his outstanding track record and vision for the company. It also highlights our desire to build upon that foundation with new offerings designed to enhance the security, efficiency, interoperability and scalability supporting U.S. Government missions today.

As CTO, Toy will lead the strategic direction of RGS’s technology portfolio, overseeing platform engineering, architecture, and product development. He will focus on expanding RGS’s role in enabling secure modernization across the public sector, from hybrid cloud to the tactical edge.

“I’m honored to take on this new role and continue building solutions that help government teams operate with speed, security, and confidence,” said Toy. “At RGS, we believe that open-source software—when engineered with purpose and rigor—can give agencies the control and transparency they need to succeed in any environment.”

Source: RGS

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This partnership brings together RGS’s industry-leading open-source Kubernetes stack with Kasm Workspaces’ web-native VDI/CDI platform — offering a scalable, secure, and cost-effective alternative to legacy hypervisor-based solutions like VMware and Citrix.

“Government agencies can no longer afford to rely on legacy VDI platforms that are costly, complex, and vulnerable,” said Ryan Lewis, CEO of Rancher Government Solutions. “Our partnership with Kasm Technologies provides a modern, cloud-native solution that delivers operational simplicity, zero-trust security, and true multi-cloud flexibility.”

The RGS-Kasm solution redefines VDI/CDI for government use-cases, empowering agencies to securely deliver virtual desktops and applications across on-premises, hybrid, cloud, and air-gapped environments — without endpoint agents or proprietary hardware requirements.

“Together, we are transforming workspace delivery for federal agencies,” said Justin Travis, CEO of Kasm Technologies. “By combining our web-native VDI platform with Rancher’s secure Kubernetes stack, we are enabling government organizations to operate with greater agility, security, and cost efficiency — wherever their mission takes them.”

Source: Rancher Government Solutions

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Lewis brings a wealth of experience at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), national security, and tech innovation. Prior to joining RGS, he served as partner at SRI Ventures, where he led investments and development in early-stage enterprise IT and AI companies, with a focus on dual-use technologies for both government and commercial markets.

“Ryan is exactly the leader we need at this moment,” said Dale Meyerrose, chairman of the RGS board. “Securing someone of Ryan’s caliber to lead RGS is a powerful testament to the strength of our company, mission, the quality of our team, technology, and the opportunity ahead of us.”

Lewis previously served as senior practice manager for AI at Amazon Web Services (AWS) National Security and as a senior vice president at In-Q-Tell (IQT), where he founded and led an applied research lab focused on developing and open sourcing advanced AI capabilities.

“Ryan’s rare combination of technical and national security expertise make him uniquely qualified to lead RGS into its next phase of growth and impact,” said Heather McMahon, interim CEO. “He understands how open source, containerized infrastructure, and AI are reshaping the defense and intelligence communities—and he’s a proven builder who knows how to deliver value at mission speed.”

Lewis joins RGS during a period of significant growth for the company as government agencies increasingly look to Rancher for help modernizing their legacy IT infrastructures to break free from expensive, proprietary vertical stacks that limit innovation and transition to more modern, interoperable, open source, container and Kubernetes technologies.

“RGS sits at the nexus of open source innovation and national security impact,” Lewis said. “I’m honored to lead this exceptional team as we build the future of mission-ready infrastructure for the U.S. Government. The demand for secure, efficient, and open solutions has never been greater—and RGS is uniquely positioned to deliver them.”

Source: RGS

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The partnership will combine the best of RGS’s enterprise-grade Kubernetes management platform with Buoyant’s lightweight, high-performance service mesh, Linkerd, to provide enhanced security, reliability, and observability for mission-critical applications deployed in Kubernetes environments. Together the two companies will offer integrated solutions that address the unique compliance, security, and performance needs of government customers.

“Ensuring security, compliance and performance in containerized environments is crucial for federal agencies,” said Brandon Gulla, Chief Technology Officer at Rancher Government Solutions. “Our partnership with Buoyant strengthens our commitment to delivering highly secure Kubernetes solutions that empower federal organizations to achieve their modernization goals while maintaining compliance with stringent security standards.”

Buoyant’s Linkerd service mesh, known for its simplicity, security-first architecture, and lightweight design, complements RGS’s Kubernetes management offerings by providing end-to-end encryption, zero-trust networking, and enhanced observability. This integrated solution will enable government agencies to effectively manage their Kubernetes clusters, while ensuring secure service-to-service communications and maintaining high performance.

“We’re excited to partner with Rancher Government Solutions to bring Linkerd’s powerful service mesh capabilities to federal customers,” said William Morgan, CEO of Buoyant. “From FIPS-validated encryption of data in transit, to zero trust network security built on audited, memory safe foundations, Buoyant and RGS together are uniquely positioned to address critical needs around security, compliance, and optimization in the federal space.”

This partnership will provide government organizations with a secure and compliant Kubernetes stack that ensures high availability, resiliency, interoperability, and security for both on-premises and cloud-native environments. The combined solution is designed to meet the requirements of critical federal programs, empowering agencies to securely accelerate their digital transformation to meet tomorrow’s challenges today.

Source: Rancher Government

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The DoD ESI aims to streamline the acquisition process for software and services across the DoD, leading to significant cost savings and improved efficiency. Admittance into the ESI program is a validation of Rancher Government’s commitment to be a trusted partner to the DoD, delivering advanced infrastructure management solutions that meet their stringent compliance and security requirements.

“Being part of the ESI agreement allows us to further our mission of providing the DoD with powerful, flexible, and secure, cloud native Kubernetes and container solutions,” said Paul Smith, CEO of Rancher Government. “Our inclusion is not only a testament to the robustness of our offerings but also aligns with our strategic vision to support critical missions of the United States Government and Military.”

As an ESI SEWP Marketplace provider, Rancher Government will partner with five prime agreement holders to deliver on this vision. Those organizations include FCN IT, GovSmart, Thundercat Technologies, Carahsoft and DLT Solutions LLC.

“We are excited and honored to be given this opportunity to expand how we and our ecosystem partners support the DoD. At Rancher Government we believe that you must meet the customer at their mission and ESI enables us to do that more effectively when engagements move into the procurement phase,” said Dylan Miller, director of channels at Rancher Government. “And being SEWP based, the DevSecOps Phase II marketplace will provide an efficient, economical and familiar vehicle that will help our DoD customers accelerate the adoption and deployment of our cloud native technologies.”

Source: Rancher Government

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Simonelli joins Rancher Government during a period of significant growth for the company as government customers are increasingly looking to Rancher to help them modernize their legacy IT infrastructures to break free from expensive, proprietary vertical stacks that limit innovation and transition to more modern, interoperable, open source, container and Kubernetes technologies.

Simonelli is a proven technology leader with extensive experience in team building across ecosystem partners and government customers. Throughout his career, Simonelli has been responsible for overseeing the delivery of professional services, ensuring customer success, and driving strategic initiatives in the public sector.

He previously held the position of head of public sector enterprise success at UiPath, Inc., where he led teams of technical account managers, automation program advisors, and client delivery leads. His innovative leadership resulted in significant year-over-year growth and enhanced customer satisfaction.

He partnered closely with product owners to influence the product engineering team, ensuring FIPS 140-2 compliance within the Automation Suite product, enhancing its appeal to highly secure government clients. This allowed for the product to be widely adopted across the DoD and Civilian agencies.

Before UiPath, Simonelli spent 10 years at Red Hat, where he worked his way up to lead highly strategic technical teams within the public sector. He developed strategies to optimize pre-sales operations, led cross-functional collaboration, and provided direction to high-performing teams, driving significant revenue growth.

“We are firmly committed to providing the highest level of service and support to our government clients, and the addition of Jose to our leadership team underscores this commitment,” said Paul Smith, president and CEO of Rancher Government. “Jose’s proven track record in driving customer success and his deep understanding of the public sector make him the perfect fit for this role.”

“I am enthusiastic about joining the team at Rancher Government and combining my experience with the incredible talent here to drive success for our federal customers,” Simonelli said. “My commitment to developing highly technical teams, alongside Rancher’s innovative capabilities, will forge the continued success that our customers seek within their environments.”

Source: Rancher Government

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Working in collaboration, the two companies will bring Kubernetes to the tactical edge, extending the public, private, hybrid, and government cloud, from all leading cloud service providers, to disrupted, disconnected, intermittent and low-bandwidth (DDIL) environments while maintaining stringent U.S. government security regulations. This will, for the first time, provide warfighters at the edge with access to the enterprise-class cloud capabilities they have come to rely on, regardless of connectivity, and enable users to better manage critical workloads and more easily deploy applications from the cloud to the edge.

“Our warfighters have come to rely on cloud computing capabilities, but until now, connectivity issues have hindered their availability at the tactical edge. We are very excited to partner with Rancher Government Solutions to bring their secure enterprise-class cloud capabilities hosted on the PacStar 400-Series platform to the tactical edge for the first time,” said Brian Perry, senior vice president and general manager, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions Division. “We look forward to extending our relationship with Rancher Government Solutions to develop edge solutions for our customer base. Our plans include bringing their technology to additional Curtiss-Wright compute platforms, including the newly released size, weight, and power optimized PacStar 200-Series, the ultra-rugged Parvus DuraCOR product family and our broad range of 3U and 6U VPX form factor SOSA aligned solutions.”

“We are proud to be working with Curtiss-Wright to deliver transformational solutions focused on the U.S. government military and civilian use cases and tailored to the unique demands of the Tactical Edge,” said Ben Zifrony, VP of channels and alliances at Rancher Government Solutions. “Our combined solutions are not just about adapting to the edge but thriving in it, delivering a cloud-native platform that is secure, scalable, and sustainable, across Curtiss-Wright’s compute platforms and regardless of the operating environment.”

As a result of this collaboration, PacStar 400-Series tactical communications solutions, such as the PacStar 451 Server Module and PacStar MDC, will be able to host the Rancher Multi Cluster Manager (MCM) and Harvester hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) technologies, to support both container and virtual machine workloads at the tactical edge.

Source: Rancher Government Solutions

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