The COTS Software Obsolescence Threat

Abstract

Software is the primary focus of integration efforts for development of open architected, scalable, adaptable solutions in today's defense systems of systems. Unfortunately, successful software vendors obsolete their own product versions to maintain the pace with the market, without regard for the military need for continued support or expandability. Recognized by many professionals as being of equal gravity as the hardware obsolescence issue, software obsolescence has to-date not enjoyed the same level of visibility. This paper reveals the obsolescence problem in development, integration, test, production, and program management environments; a different perspective compared to the typical focus on obsolescence risk management and mitigation in the end-user, operational environment. Despite the portfolio of methods implemented for the effective management of COTS hardware obsolescence on a growing number of military programs, the software obsolescence problem is not being managed or mitigated. Could software obsolescence become more overwhelming than the hardware obsolescence dilemma?.