Real Time Software Upload/Download via Satellite

Delivery and installation of software onto Navy platforms typically requires that an installation team travels to the site and physically accesses the target computer system. In an environment of smaller budgets, this expensive and time-consuming process has become impractical. The Navy needs a system whereby a Software Support Agency (SSA) can transfer software directly from its offices to shipboard computers, regardless of the ship's location. SYNETICS proposes to satisfy this need by designing a General-purpose, Automated Delivery, Installation, and Validation (GADIVA) tool that will support the Configuration Management (CM) processes of both the SSA and the ship. SYNETICS will use an existing satellite link to the ship while targeting the more accessible Global Broadcasting System (GBS), available within the next couple of years. SSA-resident GADIVA will transmit an encrypted and verifiable software package that is archived by the shipboard GADIVA for installation under ship's control. Installation will be a cooperative effort between the target computer system and the shipboard GADIVA. SSA CM databases will be available through GADIVA using Relational Data Base Management System (RDBMS)-based Internet browser technology, allowing remote database queries, software requests, and delivery/installation status reporting. These capabilities will make GADIVA an effective delivery tool for diverse programs.