Use of COTS XML and Web technology for current and future C2 systems

The use of COTS (commercial off the shelf) standard XML (extensible markup language) and Web services technologies for current and future C2 (command and control) systems is showing great promise as a way of reducing the extensive number of military proprietary interfaces and data formats, as well as improving integration and interoperability. We discuss five items: (1) the XML family of technology including select elements of Web services; (2) COTS tools for XML and Web services including native XML databases; (3) the current application of this technology in several domains/mission areas including maneuver, intel, and MTI (moving target indicator) from Army ABCS (battle command system) and FCS (future combat system) as well as USAF TBMCS (theater battle management core systems) and joint message formats USMTF (message text format) and JVMF (variable message format); (4) the variety of existing interfaces and data exchange formats; and (5) the potential of XML to reduce these formats, achieve some data unification, and advance interoperability and integration for the joint forces via program insertions, developer networks, and e-gov/e-communities.