Systems engineering of computer-based systems

Advances in microprocessor and network technology have led to the proliferation of complex systems with distributed processing and databases, internal communication systems, and heterogeneous components. The processing components can by themselves comprise a system, or they can be embedded in a physical system such as an automobile aircraft, or medical diagnostic system. Both the encompassing system and the processing system are known as computer-based systems (CBSs). Developing large computer-based systems with complex dynamics and component interdependencies requires analysis of critical end-to-end processing flows to determine feasibility and proper allocation. Currently, no engineering discipline provides the knowledge base for the necessary trade-off studies concerning software, hardware and communication components; a new discipline is needed at the systems engineering level. The paper defines the need for a discipline devoted to engineering of computer based systems, identifies current practice and needed research, and suggests improvements that are achievable today