Innovative Operating Software - Open Architecture Software Using Middleware Isolation Layers

The history of computer technology has shown that future technology trends are impossible to predict. For example, CORBA may fall out of favor by 2020 or take on more functionality that changes its API. Unfortunately, MDA cannot control this evolution.There are many advanced research activities being conducted within academia, industry and the services that will mothball present middleware substrate technologies. However, MDA can control software reuse by defining an API abstraction layer that meetsthe needs of an embedded, real-time system application, using middleware substrates as the underlying implementations of this API. With this approach the underlying substrate can change (e.g. from CORBA to Java Remote Method Invocation) with no impact tothe application software. The MDA BMC3 Middleware Framework defines this domain-specific API.We offer to apply our innovated middleware layered architecture to MDA BMC3 processing systems to enable software reuse through middleware substrate technologyrefresh cycles (for example migrating from CORBA to MPI) and across systems, from data processors to real-time signal processing systems. This provides a tremendous cost savings as realized by our customers - we currently develop middleware for the USSVirginia Class Submarine systems and have a contract to provide a similar solution to JSF. The commercialization strategy is low risk because we will be able to apply components developed to our on-going projects, particularly, USS Virginia ClassSubmarine systems and Common Undersea Picture (CUP). We currently are building several subsystems for the submarine: Tomahawk Weapon Simulator; Multi-Sensor Active Intercept; and Information Insurance. Each of these can benefit from the middleware layerspotentially developed under this effort. Newly developed middleware substrate bindings can be applied as a technology refresh cycle at minimal cost because the application layer middleware implemented on these systems enable software reuse.The CUP programis a network-centric warfare application that has many disparate systems in which we need to integrate our common services for information exchange and quality of delivery. The developed middleware substrate bindings will enable new integrationopportunities.We plan to continue pursuit of opportunities within the Navy, Air Force and MDA. In addition, we plan to continue working with prime contractors such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Northrop Grumman. Our symbiotic relationship and ourreputation to perform have built strong relationships.We have several products that are showing interest within the private sector. Our approach thus far is to offer our products through Value Added Resellers (VAR). This provides us great visibilitythrough many different distribution channels. We plan to do the same here with Operating System (OS) companies like Mercury Computer Systems and Green Hills Software. We are currently working with Sonic Software to VAR our Universal Message Router - aInternet-based publication/subscription/query information system.