| 2004 Technology
Symposium > Enterprise Arcitectures
Enterprise Architectures
The practice of Architecture involves planning, designing, integrating,
and managing complex systems of systems that can evolve to support changes
in business needs and advances in software and information technologies.
This area addresses the integration and interoperability of COTS components
with custom-developed and current operational ("legacy") components.
This area also seeks to define and measure the attributes of a good architecture.
The use and evaluation of application integration approaches such as Microsoft's
.Net, Sun's Java 2 Enterprise Edition, and the OMG Model-Driven Architecture
fall into this area.
Executable Architecture Methodology for Analysis
Tom Pawlowski, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problems
Current DoD and other federal architecture frameworks describe systems using static representations that limit the ability to analyze system capabilities, particularly performance and effectiveness in the system's operational environment. This limitation hinders the utility of the architecture to support key aspects of the systems acquisition process, such as requirements development, analysis of alternatives, systems engineering, and training with the system.
Objectives
We will develop a methodology to convert static architecture products into executable architectures, and create a federation of simulations that represent mission threads, communications networks, and the operational environment for the system being analyzed. We will generalize the methodology to work with multiple models and multiple modeling tools, and examine resource costs associated with execution of business processes. Activities
First, we will expand the methodology to address cases where the architecture dynamically changes when the combat situation changes. Second, we will address technical issues of using modeling tools other than those used in the first year. Third, we will add functionality to improve the handling of contextual information, and fourth, provide time and cost analysis methodologies for executable architectures. Impact
This project maintains MITRE's leading role in IT architectures. The methodology developed could significantly reduce the time of conducting dynamic analysis using architectures. It will also provide an easy way to translate operational requirements into technical system requirements, thus reducing acquisition costs. This project will help steer architecture development efforts toward more rigorous methodologies that support static and dynamic architecture assessments.
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Information Security Guidance for Enterprise Transformation
Vijaykumar Rachamadugu, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problems
Currently, government sponsors find it difficult to specify their enterprise-level security needs, policies, and functions, in part because their enterprise architecture methods and frameworks do not adequately address security. Current enterprise architecture (EA) methods and reference models do not specifically prescribe security architecture content for transformation. Objectives
This project will develop guidance targeted to government organizations that will help them specify their enterprise-level security needs, policies, and functions to modernization and/or acquisition programs. Activities
We will determine key requirements for security architectures, covering all enterprise concerns (policy, operations, organizations, physical facilities, user roles and access, and system infrastructure). We will leverage current research and best practices, and develop a concept of operations for establishing security-related EA requirements that will support acquisition of concurrent, integrated solutions and management of enterprise-wide information security architectures. Impact
This work will improve the state of the practice in enterprise-wide information security, and help MITRE sponsors to plan and manage their security operations and systems more effectively, reducing security risks as a whole. A pragmatic method of addressing information security architecture needs will benefit both government and the technical community, establishing a common vocabulary and approach to architecture development.
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Multiagency Enterprise Architecture Planning Framework
Ken Hoffman, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problems
The integration and allocation of information resources and physical assets of multiple agencies are critical problems in many national programs: homeland security, border control, trade, counter-narcotics, health and safety, and e-government services. The scope and complexity of this environment go well beyond those of single agencies and requires new approaches to modernization programs. Objectives
This project will identify the critical requirements of multi-agency modernization planning. It will also identify, evaluate, and improve the capabilities of planning tools and methods. Special attention will be directed at architectures, activity models, and other tools for application to multi-agency strategies and planning. Activities
Tasks include identifying multi-agency governance and technical complexities that impose unique requirements on architectures. A next-generation mission-centric architecture concept is under development to complement the enterprise architectures of agencies joined in mission or service activities, as are methods to support modernization. The results are being incorporated in a workbench and toolkit using activity-based planning and dynamic modeling in a geographic context. Impact
This research will enable MITRE to select the most appropriate tools and methods and apply them to the full spectrum of multi-agency mission and service programs. Research results may be applied to multi-agency program offices to help them focus on mission activities while drawing support from the participating agencies, and may also be incorporated in the Federal CIO Council Guidance (OMB).
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Multiagency Executable Architecture Case Study
Tom Pawlowski, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problems
As federal agencies develop architectures for information technology (IT) systems, dynamic analyses are needed to determine system performance and effectiveness. Agencies that must interoperate are unlikely to use the same tools and frameworks to capture their IT architectures. The challenges are to ensure satisfactory interoperability, determine that the mission will be accomplished, and eliminate critical gaps among the architectures. Objectives
We will examine the challenges and issues associated with interoperability and information sharing when multiple agencies, represented by different architectures built with different architecture frameworks, must function together to accomplish a mission. We will use a case study involving architectures from a DoD agency and a DHS agency executing a homeland security mission to address issues associated with multi-agency operations. Activities
The work will apply the products and techniques developed in two related research projects: Multi-Agency Planning Framework and Executable Architecture Methodology for Analysis. We will select a homeland security scenario and multi-agency mission to be accomplished by DoD and DHS organizations, capture the architectures in an executable form, run them as a federation of simulations, and extract appropriate measures of performance and effectiveness. Impact
We will improve the utility of architectures across the government by allowing them to be examined in an integrated and dynamic mode. Architectures will be assessed for connectivity, information flow, and performance in their operational environment. Cost factors can be examined to facilitate resource allocation. These capabilities will benefit agencies trying to justify their budgets and investments to OMB and Congress.
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Roadmap for Integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operations Routinely in Civil Airspace
Matt DeGarmo, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problems
Demand for UAV flights in civil airspace is expanding, yet current operational and regulatory environments are not structured to accommodate these flights routinely. To fly in civil airspace, UAV operators must apply for a special authorization which, in the United States, can take 60 days to process. There are currently no UAV standards concerning airworthiness, flight operations, or operator qualifications. Objectives
The objective is to focus and frame the issues associated with the integration of UAVs into civil airspace. The research will synthesize concepts associated with ongoing research, emerging technologies, and operational concepts to determine potential impacts on airspace usage and air traffic management. Activities
Initially, the research will entail engaging UAV stakeholders to frame the issues. Further activities will involve participation in the development of industry standards for UAVs, and exploration of UAV operational concepts. Simulations may be conducted in MITRE labs to aid in visualizing and communicating UAV operational concepts. Impact
This project will increase MITRE's visibility and expertise in UAV operations and technologies. It will strengthen government and industry efforts to integrate UAVs into civil airspace while minimizing the impact of UAV operations on airspace, air traffic flow, and system capacity.
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