The maintenance challenge of `CALS´

After noting the objectives and definition of CALS (computer aided acquisition and logistic support initiative), the author identifies seven issues impeding the adoption of CALS: exposure in data sharing: lack of standards; content of databases; weak data administration; communications network demand; lack of specialized CALS software: and burden of software maintenance. It is concluded that the resolution of the first six issues will significantly affect the nature and magnitude of the software maintenance needed by the majority of existing systems in order to implement CALS