Transition to an open system architecture [for weapon systems]

The DoD has directed that an open system approach be used, to the maximum extent practical, as one approach to achieving superior war fighting capability with reduced total operating costs. Open systems are expected to reduce development costs and, more importantly, the costs to maintain and upgrade weapons systems over ever increasing lifetimes. The acquisition requirements for open systems, however, are often expressed in broad and general terms that may not be specific enough to achieve the results desired. One problem is the lack of a clear and common understanding between the government and its supplier on just what open systems are and how they will be used. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding. In particular, different levels at which open system architectures can be implemented are described, and the alternatives available to system managers are outlined. Finally, the increased advantage of open system architectures when used in the coordinated acquisition of multiple systems is suggested.