Network-Centric Operations Support: Lessons Learned, Status, and Way-Ahead

Abstract : For Network Centric Warfare (NCW), robust information-sharing services are an enabler for command and control (C2) agility.3 In other words, as stated within the broader context of the Information Sharing Environment (ISE)4, the maximum value of information sharing occurs when the right workers share the right information with the right recipients to use at the right time [1]. As illustrated in figure 1, agile NCW capabilities (e.g. agile C2) and supporting information-sharing services are based on interdependent standards and reference models (graphics from [2-4]). For example, figure 1 highlights the relationship between bottom-line NCW Warfighter operations-support services (i.e. business-services models [graphics from 4]) versus the systems engineering support models (e.g. Joint C2 Architecture [graphic from 2], DoDAF/DM2 [graphic from 3]). From a DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF/DM2)5 perspective, this is analogous to the DoDAF dichotomy of systems-versus-operational views. In terms of technology domains (e.g. systems engineering, business management), figure 1 highlights that families of models and standards are similarly developed and evolve within their respectively broader context (e.g. engineering versus business).