DOD Instruction 5000.SX, Standard Instruction Set Architectures For Embedded Computers (MASAD-82-16)
Abstract
On July 30, 1981, you requested that we review the Department of Defense (DOD) plans to implement proposed DOD Instruction 5000.5x. Your request raised a number of questions about the potential impact of implementing the proposed instruction. We have responded to your five specific questions in enclosure I. As we understand it, the primary objective of Instruction 5000.5X is curtailment of high costs resulting from hardware and software proliferation, and in particular, logistics support costs in the field. To accomplish this, DOD has chosen to limit the number of architectures that could be used for the design and development of computer hardware and software for the tactical environment. Moreover, DOD would require ownership of standard architectures for military-embedded computers. Although this proposed instruction has merit when considered in context of the hardware/software environment that existed during the mid 197Os, our evaluation raises some serious issues that challenge its validity in the time frame of the 1980s.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 27, 1982
- Accession Number
- AD1178359
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office