From vision to interoperability: an analysis of Department of Defense and service initiatives
Authors
Maiorana, Joseph M.
Subjects
Command
Control
Communications
Computers
Intelligence (C4I) Interoperability
Control
Communications
Computers
Intelligence (C4I) Interoperability
Advisors
Boger, Dan C.
Osmundson, John S.
Date of Issue
1996-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This paper is an assessment of Department of Defense (DoD) and service initiatives to ensure joint interoperability of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C41) systems. Using a consolidated initiative matrix, visions and actions are reviewed to identify intent, and existing documents used by C41 system planners, designers, and developers are assessed against essential system development criteria, required baseline actions, to achieve interoperability. Findings reveal that interoperability development guidance and tools do not address mission-specific parameters of C4I systems. Not all C4I systems are the same. Mission-specific requirements dictate whether a system is interoperable or not. The current interoperability definition is quite vague for mission-specific systems, and existing DoD and service initiatives only address general guidance to focus system development. Common mission-specific cases are provided and demonstrate that achieving interoperability is more than general guidance and more than the ability to pass data or information through seamless interfaces to ensure that systems are functional. Interoperability must be further defined by analyzing a C41 system's unique mission. Finally, to guide C41 system design, a framework to establish quantifiable thresholds is developed and presented using existing joint doctrine
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funding
Format
88 p.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.