Engineering a Complex Information Enterprise: A Case Study Architecting the Department of Defense Hourglass
March 2007
Dr. R. Miller, The MITRE Corporation
Dr. R. Cherinka, The MITRE Corporation
ABSTRACT
Based on Complex Systems Theory, Net centric
operations for the US Department of Defense (DoD) can
be considered a complex adaptive system, representing a
shift from traditional system-based interactions toward
information-based web service transactions requiring
highly secure, reliable, and dynamic "on-demand"
information capabilities. This net centric environment
must accommodate unpredictable external factors that
demand rapid response and flexibility to change. Current
research suggests that typical "top-down" architecture
approaches are not suitable for modeling complex
enterprises, and suggests that new "middle-out"
approaches, focusing on simplistic information interfaces
should be considered. This paper presents an ongoing
case study in constructing middle-out or "hourglass"
enterprise information architectures to aid in modernizing
the DoD toward global net centric operations. We
discuss key principles of complex systems engineering to
consider, insight into the DoD Net Centric Enterprise
Data Strategy, and a middle-out architecture modeling
approach to on-demand information based on web
service and semantic web technologies. We also discuss
techniques for hands-on architecture assessment and
evolution, highlighting initial lessons learned using this
approach.
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