"Open and challenging research issues in dependable distributed computing" A personal view from the Defence Industry

Network enabled capability (NEC) is the UK MoD´s response to the rapidly changing conflict environment in which its forces must operate. The armed forces must be flexible, ready and rapidly deployable, and must possess attributes that allow the application of controlled and precise force to achieve realisable effects as part of a wider scene that includes diplomatic and political aspects. The implications of this operational goal are immense and will stimulate significant organisational changes throughout the entire defence supply chain, with knock-on effects in other industrial sectors and civilian environments. Recognising that achievement of NEC requires co-evolution across many different development areas and demands innovation throughout the supply chain, it is apparent that multidisciplinary research that includes a clear understanding of the integration issues is required. This may be attempted through development and application of systems engineering approaches to the delivery of through-life capability for NEC