Framework for Mobile Services

In an attempt to maximize software re-use and to lower overall development and life cycle combat system maintenance cost, the Navy is moving toward open architecture and a product line approach to building software for tactical systems. The concept of open architecture is to keep application software independent of the computer platform, languages, and operational environment such that advancements in the state of commercial technology can be taken advantage of. The concept of product lines is to design application software in a way that provides for maximum portability or re-use across multiple systems and multiple ship platforms. These two goals can be conflicting and difficult for the system developers to balance. New computer hardware can drive the need for new operating systems, new computer languages, and new middleware standards. This works contrary to maintaining a software product line that can survive multiple years of commercial upgrades. SimVentions, Inc. has developed a concept and preliminary technology that will assist in resolving this conflict. The Deployment and EXtraction Tool for sERvices (DEXTER) is a product that will automatically re-deploy application software from one operating environment to another, saving time and money by eliminating the need to re-design, re-code, and re-test.