Software Tech News

Some of the most significant changes that have confronted DoD software acquisition efforts in the past few years are the result of using Commercial OffThe-Shelf (COTS) software. However, these changes are not unique to the DoD—virtually all segments of US Government and industry have been forced to deal with the implications of COTS software. These changes are the inevitable and irreversible consequence of increasing industrial and social reliance on computing technology. And if this assertion is not convincing to the DoD program manager, there is a range of Government and DoD acquisition policies, guidelines, and directives that provide more than ample motivation for using COTS software. The implications of COTS software on DoD software acquisition are many and varied, as suggested by the SEI monograph series on COTS software . This short article is focused more narrowly on the topic of COTS software on software architecture. To side step the issue of what is meant by “architecture,” this article examines how COTS software affects the strategies and tactics employed by the successful system architect or lead designer. Although this article focuses on the architect, DoD program managers and executives will find this information useful in understanding the issues faced by integration contractors, and in assessing how well integration contractors are responding to these issues. The DoD Source for Software Engineering Technology Information.