An Excursion into Government Legacy IT Systems - V

5.     Goal State

GS-21 will almost certainly be characterized by a layered architecture, standardized interfaces, stable data models, clear system-engineering (SE) guidelines, and an Integration, Test, and Evaluation (ITE) Facility.

5.1     Layered architecture

The following principles and motivations of layered architectures apply to GS-21:

·         They enable transition through incremental updates (one layer at a time);

·         The International Standards Organization (ISO) Open Systems Integration (OSI) model has been around a long time – we know how to do this;

·         Low-level design decisions are hidden, reducing risk; and

·         Layering enables concurrent improvements and free-market updates.

o   The Internet serves as a prime example.

5.2     Interfaces

·         Stable inter-layer interfaces enable modularity, reducing technical risk;

·         Standardized, stable User Interface (UIs) minimize re-training and clarify functional requirements.

5.3     Data Models

Standardized data models, which in many cases reflect the formats of data regarding the public, enable

·         Single data entry across systems (where applicable)

·         A Person class, controlled by a single agency, has transformation potential

·         Cross checking (for validation, authentication, etc.)

5.4     SE Guidelines

·         Approved, object-oriented development languages

·         Approved DBMS languages

·         Documentation standards

5.5     Integration, Test, Evaluation (ITE) Facility

·         Integrate and test GS-21 Mod 0 using the ITE Facility

·         Immune to external hacking (disconnections)

·         Protected from internal threats (sample data only)

·         Requirements and interface standards are open

o   To promote innovate tech upgrades

·         Headquartered in mid-country, Denver? and remotely accessible.