Dynamically Optimized Persistent Emulation of Legacy Systems Through Globally Adaptive Networks of Generic Resources

ABSTRACT: To address the U.S. Air Force (USAF) Space Surveillance Network need for software separation in hardware resources to support legacy system upgrades, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new DOPPELGANGER (Dynamically OPtimized Persistent Emulation of Legacy systems through Globally Adaptive Networks of GEneric Resources) system. DOPPELGANGER is based on stand-alone interface standardization hardware and a modular hardware emulator software application that employs POCs resource-centric load balancing software routines. The innovation in interface standardization eliminates implementation complications inherent in proprietary legacy interfaces. The unique modular emulator design employs plug-in system profiles that allow a single emulator to canvass a wide range of equipment. The unique load balancing software natively supports dynamic tasking as well as net-centric operations, thus directly meeting the major USAF SSN requirements. In Phase I, POC will fabricate a proof-of-concept interface standardization box that translates between a few SSN unique interfaces and a common, standard interface. We will code a proof-of-concept emulator that can directly emulate a small number of legacy hardware instructions, thus proving the feasibility of the proposed technology. In Phase II, POC plans to fully develop an emulator for one SSN legacy hardware system and refine our interface standardization hardware. BENEFIT: Successful development of the DOPPELGANGER technology will benefit the United States by providing a low cost and low logistical tail upgrade path for legacy technologies. Nearly half of all state information systems in the United States are classified as legacy systems, with half of those being deemed mission critical. This same problem is seen by commercial and military concerns. Upgrading these systems by rewriting software to current specifications is simply not feasible considering the necessary time and financial investments. DOPPELGANGER averts this problem by offering an emulation and standardization solution that allows legacy software to be ported to new hardware. This directly benefits both commercial and government customers by eliminating the time and financial costs inherent in upgrading legacy systems.