The future capabilities of modem armed forces are often characterized by terms like "Network Centric Warefare" (NCW), "Network-Enabled Capabilities" (NEC) or "Network-Based Defence" (NBD). All of these approaches share the common idea that the application of modern communication and information processing technologies will result in a very efficient and effective utilization of resources available to commanders. By utilizing state of the art techniques from Electronics and Computer Science defence theorists hope to be able to create force structures that are more responsive, cost effective and agile than their opponents; if knowledge is power NCW seeks to translate battle field information into fighting power.
Many organizations, both commerical and governmental, are becoming acquires of software, systems, and IT. both worlds, companies acquire systems, software, and It that they cannot build or maintain themselves, especially within the required time frame. The constant pressure to deliver systems that meet cost, schedule, and quality objectives drives government program offices to contract with suppliers. Virtually all U.S. civil agencies and armed forces acquire systems. Often, the product to be delivered is unlike anything that has ever been built or even conceived of. |
