Shared Data Services in Support of Communications and Network Modeling, simulation, and Analysis

Recognized in the DoD net-centric data strategy (and the subsequent DoD Directive 8320.2 data sharing in a Net-Centric Department of Defense, together with the corresponding DoD 8320.02G Guidance for implementing net-centric data sharing) as an essential enabler of network-centric warfare, data is a key ingredient of modeling, simulation, and analysis. Due to the disparate sources of operational and authoritative data, data sharing is imperative. Shared data services can be conceptualized and ultimately implemented as Web services to support communications and network modeling, simulation, and analysis. As such, shared data services will reap the benefit of on-demand data transfers. Furthermore, loosely coupled architectures of Web services will allow greater ease and flexibility in development, reuse, and maintenance. This paper will present an architectural overview and summarize potentials, identify challenges, and recommend feasible options for implementing shared data services as Web services in support of communications and network modeling, simulation, and analysis. Furthermore, it will provide key aspects of shared data services to support modeling, simulation, and analysis in general