MODELLING AND SIMULATION AS A SERVICE (MSaaS) - EVOLUTION OF THE ALLIED FRAMEWORK WITHIN NATO

Abstract

NATO Modelling and Simulation Group (NMSG), the Alliance's modelling and simulation body, has focused its efforts in recent years on developing the concept of Modelling and Simulation as a Service (MSaaS), which aims to solve the difficulties in terms of cost and interoperability between existing modelling and simulation systems within Member States. The concept is based on cloud computing and Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and its main objective is to assure improved flexibility, better accessibility and scalability, with lower costs for modelling and simulation applications. Advances in service-oriented architecture (SOA) and cloud computing are an opportunity to improve the use of modelling and simulation capabilities within NATO. MSaaS is based on the idea of being able to use a computer product without a major investment in hardware, software, staff and infrastructure. Thus, the military user can be situated in a central location, while the services offered can be available through the network. The research and development activities of MSaaS within NATO were undertaken by the NATO Modelling and Simulation Group (NMSG) on the basis of a multi-stage structured strategy, which started in 2013. At present, the implementation strategy is in MSaaS Specification and Validation phase, to be completed in 2022.