A Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) to Enable Technology Transition

Abstract

"Technology Transition is referred to as the “valley of death” due to commonly experienced lack of successful transition to the next phase of system development. The high risk of technology development can cause a delay or cancellation that can be mitigated by Modular Open Systems Approaches (MOSA) principles. MOSA enables technology transition by providing a framework for integrating, upgrading, and replacing components with minimal disruption. By addressing these MOSA principles early in the development cycle, technology transition is more predictable and manageable: (1) Modular Architecture: Focuses on modularity offer plug-and-play capability, where system components adhere to defined standards and interfaces. Modularity also supports incremental upgrades, enabling individual modules to be updated or replaced as technology evolves and parallel development for specified (potentially high-risk) components. (2) Interface Management with Consensus Based Open Standards: (a) Well-Defined Interfaces that rely on widely recognized, consensus-based open standards, ensuring that new technologies from different vendors integrate effectively, reducing development and integration challenges. (b) Open Standards facilitate component reuse, which reduces integration time and can also reduce lifecycle costs by increased competition. (3) Enabling Environment that promotes Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and processes with access to data to enhance interoperability and options in configuration."