Towards software engineering process for C4I systems

Command Control, Communication Computer and Intelligence (C4I) systems enables modern military forces to achieve information superiority in the battlefield. C4I are complex System of systems (SOS) where individual systems interact locally to achieve global SOS behaviors. To build software for C4I systems conventional software engineering SwE process and practices have shortcomings and are not capable to support certain aspect of these systems. If C4I systems fail to operate as required due to the fact that SwE process was unable to fulfill its requirements, the consequences may not be tolerated because of the criticality of the mission of these systems in information warfare (IW). This paper highlights the distinguished characteristics and operational requirements of C4I systems which poses challenges to SwE process and practices. This paper also discuss the possible future research areas in order to enhance SwE process so that better software could drive these complex systems as required.