Secure Open Architecture Open System Technologies for Tactical Networks

Command and Control (C2) applications are currently provisioned through manual processes that must be tailored to the unique environment and configuration requirements of each individual installation site. The development of an automated application provisioning system would reduce the time and cost of deployment, leading to more rapid insertion of new capabilities. This research and development activity aims to develop a prototypical application publication and provisioning capability utilizing an Application Store model inspired the success of App Store / App Marketplace services in the commercial smart phone industry. The tactical network topology, open architecture environment, and application requirements, such as application architecture, configuration parameters, and data dependencies, will drive the architecture and implementation of the application provisioning system. Key characteristics of the application store architecture include dependency management; data dependencies, ingestion, identification, and search; application authorization; mission, task, and user application profiles; and over-the-air application installation. Prototyping activates will be supported by an Agile Software Development process. This effort is facilitated by the evolution of open architectures, open standards, and modular application development. The product of the Phase II will be C2 App Store supporting the publication, authorization, and automated installation / configuration of C2 Applications.