Distribution of Software Changes for Battlefield Computer Systems: A Lingering Problem

Publisher Marketing: To meet the demands of the tactical commander to rapidly increase the flow of information on the battlefield, automated command and control systems are being developed; thereby creating the possibility of catastrophic software failures which can render a computer useless or, even worse, provide erroneous information to the commander. When problems occur, software support must be provided immediately. Current procedures for the distribution of urgent software changes are inadequate. Questionnaire responses from DOD software centers confirmed that procedures are neither quick nor efficient. The primary methods used, mail or hand carrying, create time delays of a few days to several weeks for the delivery of changes to OCONUS tactical units. The most effective, yet least used method, is electrical distribution via AUTODIN. AUTODIN allows for the rapid distribution of changes, but several factors severely limit its Army-wide application. The problem with employing AUTODIN is the limited media output capability at the Telecommunications Centers. Data receipt is restricted to a 7- or 9-track tape or 80 column cards, neither or which interface the majority of the media employed by command and control systems being fielded. To use AUTODIN for the distribution of software changes for battlefield computer systems, other terminal capabilities and/or interfaces must be developed to meet the multi-media requirements of the Army.