Accelerated evolution of the system support paradigm

A number of trends, including growing prime system complexity, the more widespread use of COTS equipment, an inclination to extended contractor support, and the increasing importance of global diagnostic coverage, all portend changes in the current system support paradigm. These changes will affect support acquisition, development, design and operational practice insofar as they relate to generic diagnostic functions and their realization using modern enabling technologies. Beneficial changes can be accelerated through the coordinated insertion of these technologies within the framework of a systems engineering process.