Standardization of software application development and governance

Abstract

A number of Defense Department initiatives focus on how to engineer better systems that directly influence software architecture, including Open Architecture, Enterprise Architecture, and Joint Information Enterprise. Additionally, the Department of Defense (DOD) mandates moving applications to consolidated datacenters and cloud computing. When examined from an application development perspective, the DOD lacks a common approach for incorporating new technology or developing software-intensive systems that will be included in the proposed consolidated datacenters and cloud computing. This thesis will outline an architectural framework incorporating a common approach for software development based on a standard approach. The result of this research will be a high-level guide that defines a methodology that incorporates architectural frameworks, and aligns with high-level policies and guidance to ensure more commonality and structure for software programs. This thesis shows how a common methodology incorporating commercial technology into defense systems can establish a common framework for application and technology development. This is not a simple problem to solve, but, if not addressed, DOD application development will fall further behind the commercial market. Without clear direction to the acquisition community on how to build applications, there will be a lack of alignment between strategic goals and future technology implementation.