Analysis of Hardware and Software Storage and Retrieval Functions.

This report presents the results of an analysis of the information storage and retrieval ISAR functions of several Navy ISAR systems. The analysis was performed to provide further support to the Advanced Software Technology Division for Project 2175. In brief, the guiding philosophy of Project 2175 is to determine the feasibility of mechanizing storage and retrieval functions in modular building blocks by combinations of hardware, firmware and software. Recent studies have borne witness to the growing concern with a number of problems incident to the acquisition and operation of computer-based storage and retrieval systems. In essence, these problems include the following 1increasing system development costs 2 extensive time required to acquire new systems 3the variety of incompatible systems and components 4evolving requirements precipitated by the growing complexity of modern warfare 5increasing costs of maintaining multiple systems and components 6limited reliability of system software and 7the trend toward reduced funding resources. Of all these problems, the software aspect is one of the most vexing. In particular there is convincing evidence to indicate that software is the most expensive, least reliable element of contemporary computer-based systems.