NCOIC Interoperability Framework
(NIF™)
and NCOIC Patterns Overview
NCOIC Interoperability
Framework (NIF™)
and NCOIC Patterns Overview
August 2008
Approved for Public Release
NCOIC-NIF™ Overview
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All rights reserved
Network Centric Operations
Industry Consortium
2
About NIF™
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
Resulting
Services
Customer
Goals Missions to
Achieve Goals
Mission
Needs
Solutions to
Needs
NCO Initiatives
Database
SCOPE Model
1. Analysis of Alternatives
2. Requirements Derivation
3. Requirements Validation
4. Design Synthesis
5. Design Verification
6. Deployment
7. Support
8. Upgrade/Disposal
Modeling/simulation
Test/evaluation
NIF NCOIC
Interoperability
Framework
BB NCAT Building
Blocks
Net Centric
Analysis
Tool
End-to-End
Quality of
Service
™ ™
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
Resulting
Services
Customer
Goals Missions to
Achieve Goals
Mission
Needs
Solutions to
Needs
NCO Initiatives
Database
SCOPE Model
1. Analysis of Alternatives
2. Requirements Derivation
3. Requirements Validation
4. Design Synthesis
5. Design Verification
6. Deployment
7. Support
8. Upgrade/Disposal
Modeling/simulation
Test/evaluation
NIF NCOIC
Interoperability
Framework
BB NCAT Building
Blocks
Net Centric
Analysis
Tool
End-to-End
Quality of
Service
™ ™
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
Resulting
Services
Customer
Goals Missions to
Achieve Goals
Mission
Needs
Solutions to
Needs
NCO Initiatives
Database
SCOPE Model
1. Analysis of Alternatives
2. Requirements Derivation
3. Requirements Validation
4. Design Synthesis
5. Design Verification
6. Deployment
7. Support
8. Upgrade/Disposal
Modeling/simulation
Test/evaluation
NIF NCOIC
Interoperability
Framework
BB NCAT Building
Blocks
Net Centric
Analysis
Tool
End-to-End
Quality of
Service
™ ™
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
NIF™
Provides enabling guidance
for net-ready solutions
Resulting
Services
Customer
Goals Missions to
Achieve Goals
Mission
Needs
Solutions to
Needs
NCO Initiatives
Database
SCOPE Model
1. Analysis of Alternatives
2. Requirements Derivation
3. Requirements Validation
4. Design Synthesis
5. Design Verification
6. Deployment
7. Support
8. Upgrade/Disposal
Modeling/simulation
Test/evaluation
NIF NCOIC
Interoperability
Framework
BB NCAT Building
Blocks
Net Centric
Analysis
Tool
End-to-End
Quality of
Service
™ ™
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
NIF™
Provides enabling guidance
for net-ready solutions
-Overarching framework
Resulting
Services
Customer
Goals Missions to
Achieve Goals
Mission
Needs
Solutions to
Needs
NCO Initiatives
Database
SCOPE Model
1. Analysis of Alternatives
2. Requirements Derivation
3. Requirements Validation
4. Design Synthesis
5. Design Verification
6. Deployment
7. Support
8. Upgrade/Disposal
Modeling/simulation
Test/evaluation
NIF NCOIC
Interoperability
Framework
BB NCAT Building
Blocks
Net Centric
Analysis
Tool
End-to-End
Quality of
Service
™ ™
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
NIF™
Provides enabling guidance
for net-ready solutions
-Overarching framework
- Specialized frameworks
Resulting
Services
Customer
Goals Missions to
Achieve Goals
Mission
Needs
Solutions to
Needs
NCO Initiatives
Database
SCOPE Model
1. Analysis of Alternatives
2. Requirements Derivation
3. Requirements Validation
4. Design Synthesis
5. Design Verification
6. Deployment
7. Support
8. Upgrade/Disposal
Modeling/simulation
Test/evaluation
NIF NCOIC
Interoperability
Framework
BB NCAT Building
Blocks
Net Centric
Analysis
Tool
End-to-End
Quality of
Service
™ ™
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
NIF™
Provides enabling guidance
for net-ready solutions
-Overarching framework
- Specialized frameworks
- Pattern template
3
Why Is a NIF™ Needed?
Most attempts at common architectures and
common standards have failed to achieve
interoperable systems
Why Is a NIF™ Needed?
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
The NIF™ is different because…
– Recommends standards plus guidance flexible enough to
be used in multiple architectures
– Derived by consensus across industry – not dictated by a
single organization
– Closer to Internet model (IETF methodology in the W3C)
than a prescriptive policy-based approach for a
department or ministry of defense
4
Standards Alone are not Sufficient–Need Guidance
Often the “BEST” Standard depends on the Mission
– Real-World Condition! Often no “One Size Fits All”
– Requires Guidance to select Consistent Standards by Class of Missions: very hard to do! (but a key goal of the NIF™)
Performance “A”
Performance “B”
Performance
“C”
Standard
“A”
Standard
“B” Standard
“C”
Standard
“D”
Standard
“E”
Standard
“F”
Standards Alone Are Not Sufficient–Need Guidance
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
5
Guidance re: Mission
Guidance re: Mission
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
Usually no one Standard can be general enough to meet all needs of all domains, as the SCOPE Model demonstrates
* Examples of SCOPE dimensions, actual dimensions are more comprehensive
QoS* Transfer Rate*
Security*
Service Orientation* Power*
Autonomy*
Net Awareness*
Cost*
Standard “A” attribute range For Technology X
Standard “B” attribute range For Technology X
Different Standards because Different Mission Domains have Different Needs!
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
6
Guidance re: Level of NCO
Guidance re: Level of NCO
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
What is the appropriate level of NetCentricity for a given
operational context? May impact selection of Standards!
Which is the “Best” Standard for this hypothetical operational context?
This example is time-based; many other perspectives!
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
What is the appropriate level of NetCentricity for a given
operational context? May impact selection of Standards!
Which is the “Best” Standard for this hypothetical operational context?
This example is time-based; many other perspectives!
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
What is the appropriate level of NetCentricity for a given
operational context? May impact selection of Standards!
Which is the “Best” Standard for this hypothetical operational context?
This example is time-based; many other perspectives!
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
No
tio
nal
Co
st
(or
Ris
k)
Notional Performance
What is the appropriate level of NetCentricity for a given
operational context? May impact selection of Standards!
Which is the “Best” Standard for this hypothetical operational context?
This example is time-based; many other perspectives!
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
No
tio
nal
Co
st
(or
Ris
k)
Notional Performance
Standard “A” For Technology X
Standard “B” For Technology X
What is the appropriate level of NetCentricity for a given
operational context? May impact selection of Standards!
Which is the “Best” Standard for this hypothetical operational context?
This example is time-based; many other perspectives!
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
No
tio
nal
Co
st
(or
Ris
k)
Notional Performance
Standard “A” For Technology X
Standard “B” For Technology X
Today’s Range of required performance
Future Range of required performance
7
Example: Notional Intended Span of Standard
Example: Notional Intended Span of Standard
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
“Bad” Standard, or “Bad” System Implementations?
– Real-World Condition!
– In a System-of-Systems, cannot force systems to not use highly-desirable features when operating independently
– Requires Guidance to operate in 100% Interoperability Regions
– Can only recommend use of 100% Interoperability Regions when Systems need to Interoperate
Notional Intended Span of Standard
SYSTEM “B” Extension: Added Highly-Desirable Feature
SYSTEM “A” Extension: Added Highly-Desirable Range
% A
-to
-B
Inte
rop
era
ble
100% Interoperable
100% Interoperable
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
8
Guidance re: Versions
Is Everyone Running the Same Version of a Standard?
– Real-World Condition!
– In a System-of-Systems, cannot force Legacy systems to update to newest standard
– Requires Guidance to operate in 100% Interoperability Regions
– Can only recommend use of 100% Interoperability Regions when Systems need to Interoperate
ORIGINAL Standard v1.0
% V
ers
ion
s
Inte
rop
era
ble
100% all 3 versions Interoperable
UPDATED Standard v1.1
NEW Standard v2.0: “Backward Compatible”
100% v1.1 & 2.0 Interoperable
V1.1 & v2.0
V1.0 & v2.0
Guidance re: Versions
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
9
Guidance re: Standards Interpretations
Does Everyone Understand the Standard the Same Way?
– Real-World Condition! (Not necessarily a bad Standard)
– Requires Guidance to achieve goal of common understanding
• Different Languages; different Cultural backgrounds
• Same Standard applied in different Operational Domains
• Same Standard implemented by designers with different levels of experience, different technical disciplines, different company rules
%
Inte
rop
era
ble
Interpretation “A” of Standard
Interpretation “B” of Standard
GUIDED Interpretation of Standard
Goal: 100% Interoperable with Guided Interpretation
Inconsistent Interoperability without Common Guidance
Guidance re: Standards Interpretations
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
10
Interdependency of Standards
Standards are Interdependent!
– Standards for a layer of Interoperability often dependent on standards for lower layers
Data/Object Model Interoperability
Connectivity & Network Interop.
Physical Interoperability
Semantic/Information Interoperability
Knowledge/Awareness of Actions
Aligned Procedures
Aligned Operations
Harmonized Strategy/Doctrines
Political or Business Objectives
La
ye
rs o
f In
tero
pe
rab
ilit
y
Network
Transport
Information
Services
People &
Processes & Applications
C2 Application
Standard
COI Standard
COP Standard
KM Standard
Web Services Standard
IPv6 Standard
Radio Standard
LAN Standard
Pub / Sub Standard
Interdependency of Standards
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
11
Guidance must be CLEAR and Straightforward!
Guidance must be CLEAR and Straightforward!
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
12
The Value of the NIF™ Approach
The Value of the NIF™ Approach
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
Addresses the problems listed on prior pages
– Focus is on Net-Centric / Net-Enabled aspects
Encourages users to use a common terminology and approach to achieving the guidelines
– Consistent terminology and repeatable patterns of solutions
Includes lessons learned from domain experts to keep future users from repeating common mistakes
– Addresses root causes of interoperability failures
Integrates guidance across critical specialties
– The “Specialized Frameworks” e.g., Information Assurance, Services, Semantics, Mobility, etc.
Includes guidance for verification that the standards and guidance have been “properly” followed
Designed to support all stages of the system life cycle
– Acquisition, initial design, upgrade design, training
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
Addresses the problems listed on prior pages
– Focus is on Net-Centric / Net-Enabled aspects
Encourages users to use a common terminology and approach to achieving the guidelines
– Consistent terminology and repeatable patterns of solutions
Includes lessons learned from domain experts to keep future users from repeating common mistakes
– Addresses root causes of interoperability failures
Integrates guidance across critical specialties
– The “Specialized Frameworks” e.g., Information Assurance, Services, Semantics, Mobility, etc.
Includes guidance for verification that the standards and guidance have been “properly” followed
Designed to support all stages of the system life cycle
– Acquisition, initial design, upgrade design, training
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
Addresses the problems listed on prior pages
– Focus is on Net-Centric / Net-Enabled aspects
Encourages users to use a common terminology and approach to achieving the guidelines
– Consistent terminology and repeatable patterns of solutions
Includes lessons learned from domain experts to keep future users from repeating common mistakes
– Addresses root causes of interoperability failures
Integrates guidance across critical specialties
– The “Specialized Frameworks” e.g., Information Assurance, Services, Semantics, Mobility, etc.
Includes guidance for verification that the standards and guidance have been “properly” followed
Designed to support all stages of the system life cycle
– Acquisition, initial design, upgrade design, training
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
Addresses the problems listed on prior pages
– Focus is on Net-Centric / Net-Enabled aspects
Encourages users to use a common terminology and approach to achieving the guidelines
– Consistent terminology and repeatable patterns of solutions
Includes lessons learned from domain experts to keep future users from repeating common mistakes
– Addresses root causes of interoperability failures
Integrates guidance across critical specialties
– The “Specialized Frameworks” e.g., Information Assurance, Services, Semantics, Mobility, etc.
Includes guidance for verification that the standards and guidance have been “properly” followed
Designed to support all stages of the system life cycle
– Acquisition, initial design, upgrade design, training
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
Addresses the problems listed on prior pages
– Focus is on Net-Centric / Net-Enabled aspects
Encourages users to use a common terminology and approach to achieving the guidelines
– Consistent terminology and repeatable patterns of solutions
Includes lessons learned from domain experts to keep future users from repeating common mistakes
– Addresses root causes of interoperability failures
Integrates guidance across critical specialties
– The “Specialized Frameworks” e.g., Information Assurance, Services, Semantics, Mobility, etc.
Includes guidance for verification that the standards and guidance have been “properly” followed
Designed to support all stages of the system life cycle
– Acquisition, initial design, upgrade design, training
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
Addresses the problems listed on prior pages
– Focus is on Net-Centric / Net-Enabled aspects
Encourages users to use a common terminology and approach to achieving the guidelines
– Consistent terminology and repeatable patterns of solutions
Includes lessons learned from domain experts to keep future users from repeating common mistakes
– Addresses root causes of interoperability failures
Integrates guidance across critical specialties
– The “Specialized Frameworks” e.g., Information Assurance, Services, Semantics, Mobility, etc.
Includes guidance for verification that the standards and guidance have been “properly” followed
Designed to support all stages of the system life cycle
– Acquisition, initial design, upgrade design, training
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
13
Intended Users of the NIF™
Oriented toward “Architects” (System, Enterprise, SoS)
as well as Design Engineers
– Useful for general industry and governments, not just NCOIC members
Intended Users of the NIF™
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
How does the NIF™ help the intended users?
– Acquisition community
• Generating better Request For Proposals / Tenders
• Evaluating proposals from a common perspective
– Industry
• Expands available markets (example: the Internet)
• Points architects in the right direction for interoperability
• Establishes infrastructure that allows a company to focus on value added enhancements rather than basic environment
14
The NIF™ Process in Four Documents
The NIF™ Process in Four Documents
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
NIF™ Solution Description (NSD)
• Reference Manual (NSD-RM) including
Overarching Information (meta)model
• User’s Guide (NSD-UG) with general user oriented
NIF™ guidelines & rules for architecting,
including Fully Documented Example
NIF™ Approach and Rationale (NAR)
• Examines alternatives for a particular solution
space
• Defines criteria for interoperability and net-centricity
• Makes recommendations for a solution set based
on the criteria
NIF™ Scope and Problem Statement
Deliverable (NSPS)
• Defines the Scope of the NIF™
• Defines the Interoperability Problem Space
• Defines top level requirements for interoperability
Requirements
Rationale
Solution & Guide
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
NIF™ Solution Description (NSD)
• Reference Manual (NSD-RM) including
Overarching Information (meta)model
• User’s Guide (NSD-UG) with general user oriented
NIF™ guidelines & rules for architecting,
including Fully Documented Example
NIF™ Approach and Rationale (NAR)
• Examines alternatives for a particular solution
space
• Defines criteria for interoperability and net-centricity
• Makes recommendations for a solution set based
on the criteria
NIF™ Scope and Problem Statement
Deliverable (NSPS)
• Defines the Scope of the NIF™
• Defines the Interoperability Problem Space
• Defines top level requirements for interoperability
Requirements
Rationale
Solution & Guide
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
NIF™ Solution Description (NSD)
• Reference Manual (NSD-RM) including
Overarching Information (meta)model
• User’s Guide (NSD-UG) with general user oriented
NIF™ guidelines & rules for architecting,
including Fully Documented Example
NIF™ Approach and Rationale (NAR)
• Examines alternatives for a particular solution
space
• Defines criteria for interoperability and net-centricity
• Makes recommendations for a solution set based
on the criteria
NIF™ Scope and Problem Statement
Deliverable (NSPS)
• Defines the Scope of the NIF™
• Defines the Interoperability Problem Space
• Defines top level requirements for interoperability
Requirements
Rationale
Solution & Guide
Main
Industry
and
Customer
Interest
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
15
The Process in Action
The Process in Action
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
Operational
Analysis
Architectural
Analysis
Technical
Analysis
IPTs, NIF™
OverArching
Framework
IPTs, Specialized
Frameworks
Integrated Project
Teams (IPTs)
SCOPE Model
Operational
Subject Matter
Expert
Enterprise/System
Architect
NCOIC
Focus: Net-Centric
Interoperability
NCOIC
Customer
NCO
Requirements
Overarching Architecture Specs
Technology
Guidance
Technical
Subject Matter
Expert
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
Operational
Analysis
Architectural
Analysis
Technical
Analysis
IPTs, NIF™
OverArching
Framework
IPTs, Specialized
Frameworks
Integrated Project
Teams (IPTs)
SCOPE Model
Operational
Subject Matter
Expert
Enterprise/System
Architect
NCOIC
Focus: Net-Centric
Interoperability
NCOIC
Customer
NCO
Requirements
Overarching Architecture Specs
Technology
Guidance
Technical
Subject Matter
Expert
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
Operational
Analysis
Architectural
Analysis
Technical
Analysis
IPTs, NIF™
OverArching
Framework
IPTs, Specialized
Frameworks
Integrated Project
Teams (IPTs)
SCOPE Model
Operational
Subject Matter
Expert
Enterprise/System
Architect
NCOIC
Focus: Net-Centric
Interoperability
NCOIC
Customer
NCO
Requirements
Overarching Architecture Specs
Technology
Guidance
Technical
Subject Matter
Expert
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
Operational
Analysis
Architectural
Analysis
Technical
Analysis
IPTs, NIF™
OverArching
Framework
IPTs, Specialized
Frameworks
Integrated Project
Teams (IPTs)
SCOPE Model
Operational
Subject Matter
Expert
Enterprise/System
Architect
NCOIC
Focus: Net-Centric
Interoperability
NCOIC
Customer
NCO
Requirements
Overarching Architecture Specs
Technology
Guidance
Technical
Subject Matter
Expert
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
Operational
Analysis
Architectural
Analysis
Technical
Analysis
IPTs, NIF™
OverArching
Framework
IPTs, Specialized
Frameworks
Integrated Project
Teams (IPTs)
SCOPE Model
Operational
Subject Matter
Expert
Enterprise/System
Architect
NCOIC
Focus: Net-Centric
Interoperability
NCOIC
Customer
NCO
Requirements
Overarching Architecture Specs
Technology
Guidance
Technical
Subject Matter
Expert
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
16
Operational Analysis
Operational
Analysis
IPTs, SCOPE
Operational SME
NCOIC
focus
NCOIC
Customer
Enterprise
Context,
Organization,
Assets &
Missions
Operational
Description SCOPE dimensions
NCO Scenarios & Use Cases
NCO Capabilities & KPPs
NCO Views and Patterns
Domain
(or Operational)
Patterns Operation
al
Standards
Operational Analysis
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
17
Architectural Analysis
Architectural
Analysis
IPTs using NIF™ OverArching Framework artifacts
NCOIC
focus
NCOIC
Customer
OverArching
Architecture
Description
Operational
Description NetCentric Services, Principles,
Tenets, Architecture Patterns,
Architecture Standards and
Technology Forecasts, Risks
Enterprise/System
Architect
Capability
Patterns
Architecture
Standards
“Generalization”
Architectural Analysis
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
18
Technical Analysis
Technical
Analysis
IPTs and Specialized Frameworks
(SF) using NIF™+SF artifacts
NCOIC
focus
NCOIC
Customer
Technical
Description
OverArching
Architecture
Description Technical Services
Principles, Tenets
Technical Standards &
Forecasts
Technical SME
Technical
Standards
Technical
Patterns
“Specialization”
Technical Analysis
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
19
Framework, Process, and Patterns
The Overarching Framework contains: – Concepts: necessary knowledge definitions, dictionaries,
ontologies, information models, etc.
– Processes: Top-down, Bottom-up, & Middle-out
– Principles: overall requirements, goals, tenets, and best practices that foster net-centricity
– A construct for developing guidance for solving Operational and Technical problems for a given context
The latter is a template for NCOIC Patterns – These Patterns are not contained in the NIF™
– Patterns are stored in an online Repository
– Patterns provide guidance for creating systems with the desired net-centric capabilities and mitigate specific net-centric interoperability problems
Framework, Process, and Patterns
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
20
Basis for Patterns
Christopher Alexander, Civil Engineering Architect – Described architecture patterns for civil engineering
“Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software” – Book by Erich Gamma, Richard Helm, Ralph Johnson,
and John M. Vlissides (the Gang of Four)
Successful pattern stories: – J2EE & Microsoft .NET Patterns (software)
– DIACAP-compliant Security Patterns (secure design)
Key foundation for NCOIC Patterns: – Systems Architecture Patterns (Cloutier & Verma)
Basis for Patterns
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
21
Characteristics of a Systems Architecture Pattern
A Systems Architecture Pattern is a high-level structure, appropriate for the major components of a system. It expresses the relationship between:
– The Context
– A Problem
– A Solution
A Systems Architecture Pattern Documents:
– Attributes
– Usage Guidance
Patterns are time-proven in solving problems similar in nature to the problem under consideration
Extracted from “Applying the Concept of Patterns to Systems Architecture” by Robert J. Cloutier and Dinesh Verma, Stevens Institute of Technology, Systems Engineering DOI 10.1002/sys
Characteristics of a Systems Architecture Pattern
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
22
NCOIC Patterns Focus on Net-Centric Interoperability
Finding a PATTERN of
Net-Centricity amongst
all of the apparent
conflict & noise
Subject Matter Experts
often independently
arrive at similar
solutions
(a painful process!)
NCOIC Patterns Focus on Net-Centric Interoperability
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
23
Three Major Categories of NCOIC Patterns
Operational (or Domain) Patterns – Top level approaches to addressing domain or Customer
Capability needs
• Identifies associated Capability Patterns
• Example: Sense & Respond Logistics Total Asset Visibility
Capability (or Composite or Application) Patterns
– One or more for each of the areas identified above
– Describe an approach to achieving a particular capability need in the context of the domain
• Identifies associated Technical Patterns
• Example: Legacy Systems Integration
Technical Patterns
– Specific approaches to solving a given technical need identified in the Capability Patterns
• Example: Web Services PA
TT
ER
NS
OF
NE
T-C
EN
TR
IC IN
TE
RO
PE
RA
BIL
ITY
Three Major Categories of NCOIC Patterns
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
24
Pattern Relationships
Pattern Relationships
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
OPERATIONAL
DOMAIN “A”
OPERATIONAL
DOMAIN “B”
CAPABILITY
PATTERN 1
CAPABILITY
PATTERN 2
CAPABILITY
PATTERN 3
CAPABILITY
PATTERN 4
TECHNICAL
PATTERN
“A”
TECHNICAL
PATTERN
“B”
TECHNICAL
PATTERN
“C”
TECHNICAL
PATTERN
“D”
TECHNICAL
PATTERN
“E”
TECHNICAL
PATTERN
“F”
TECHNICAL
PATTERN
“G”
Composite Pattern
NOTIONAL
EXAMPLE
*
NIF™ v1 Global Attribute
NIF™ v1 Operational Description
(OD)
NIF™ v1 PFC?
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
25
Anatomy of a NCOIC Pattern
Captures domain knowledge from Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
Not just about Standards – Includes mature solutions to a given domain problem
Includes best standards to apply to a problem – Goes beyond the standards to include practical guidance
as to how to implement the standards
– Guidance oriented toward obtaining consistent results
Flexible/Extensible solutions to a genre of problems – Not a specific recipe for a solution to a specific problem
Anatomy of a NCOIC Pattern
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
26
Anatomy of a NCOIC Pattern (Continued)
An NCOIC Pattern also contains: – Identity
– Purpose (context and applicable scenarios)
– Description
• Architectural implementation, interfaces, applicability, known uses, maturity metrics, etc.
• Relationships to other required/associated patterns
– Verification
• Showing that the Pattern complies with NIF™ (and Specialized Framework) guidance
– Conformance
• How to verify conformance of Building Block components to the Pattern
– Tailoring
• Guidance of how to apply/adjust to various domains
Anatomy of a NCOIC Pattern (Continued)
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
27
Relationship of the NIF™ to Other NCOIC Tools
Relationship of the NIF™ to Other NCOIC Tools
Resulting
Services
Customer
Goals Missions to
Achieve Goals
Mission
Needs
Solutions to
Needs
NCO Initiatives
Database
SCOPE Model
1. Analysis of Alternatives
2. Requirements Derivation
3. Requirements Validation
4. Design Synthesis
5. Design Verification
6. Deployment
7. Support
8. Upgrade/Disposal
Modeling/simulation
Test/evaluation
NIF NCOIC
Interoperability
Framework
BB NCAT Building
Blocks
Net Centric
Analysis
Tool
End-to-End
Quality of
Service
™ ™
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
28
Relationship of the NIF™ to Other NCOIC Activities
Relationship of the NIF™ to: – NCOIC Integrated Project Teams (IPTs)
• Provides process guidance for IPT development and update of NCOIC Patterns
– NCOIC Functional Teams (FTs) • Provides process guidance for FT development and
update of Technical Patterns
– External Standards-setting bodies • Potentially identifies gaps in existing Standards and
desirable enhancements to existing and new Standards
• Note: the NCOIC is not a standards-setting body!
Relationship of the NIF™ to Other NCOIC Activities
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
29
NIF™ Summary
Break through the
Technical Maze
Reach the Reward of
Interoperable Systems
NIF™ Summary
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
30
NCOIC Goals
© Copyright 2008 NCOIC - All Rights Reserved
assists customers in obtaining
interoperable solutions
NCOIC Goal