UNDERSTANDING AND MODELING THE LIFE-CYCLE COST TRADEOFFS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROCUREMENT OF OPEN SYSTEMS
Abstract
System openness refers to the extent to which system components can be independently integrated, removed, managed, or replaced without adversely impacting the system. Current DoD policy calls for the use of modular, open systems design to the maximum extent possible. Generally, it is taken for granted that the use of open systems decreases the total life-cycle cost of a system. Leveraging existing open technology, including COTS components, avoids many costs associated with designing custom components, and reduces the time required for development or refresh of a system. The use of open systems helps mitigate the effects of obsolescence, lengthens the system’s support life, and allows for the incremental insertion of new technologies. Component design reuse also eliminates redundant components, thus reducing logistical costs. However, there are costs associated with openness that should be considered. Building a subsystem from open standards and commercially available components often relies on the use of generalized technology containing unnecessary additional functionality, increasing the system’s complexity and adding new failure paths. In other cases, it may be necessary to modify COTS components to meet performance requirements, thereby adding costs. In addition, the enterprise that manages the system often gives up supply-chain control of COTS components, which tend to be more volatile than proprietary components. In some cases, a relatively open system could be more expensive, in terms of total life-cycle cost, than a relatively “closed” one.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 29, 2021
- Source ID
- HQ00341910006
Entities
People
- Peter Sandborn
Organizations
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of Maryland
- Washington Headquarters Services