This proposal addresses the Navys need for an Open Source Software (OSS) operating system that integrates a robust cybersecurity posture, supports containerized applications, and functions in austere environments to reduce/eliminate Portable Electronic Maintenance Aids (PEMAs) dependence on Microsoft Windows 10 as its host OS. In comparison with Windows 10, a viable OSS operating system architecture shall utilize fewer system resources, increase performance, and reduce patch file sizes and patch frequency. This operating system will function on ruggedized, clamshell form factor, 2-in-1 touchscreen/keyboard configuration (e.g. Panasonic Toughbook). For Phase I, SIMTRS will perform a Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) analysis to determine a feasible operating system architecture. For Phase II, SIMTRS will develop and demonstrate a 64-bit software architecture prototype that includes a boot loader, kernel, and operating system.
Benefit: The activities and results of this development effort will benefit the U.S. Navy and the Portable Electronic Maintenance Aids (PEMAs) Environment by providing a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach to design, develop, model and demonstrate a modular, scalable, and secure 64- bit open source software (OSS) operating system (OS) architecture to reduce or eliminate reliance on Microsoft Windows. A DoD OSS OS architecture utilizing containerized applications that requires less resources, improves performance, and reduces the size and frequency of OS patches is a win for the warfighter. This MBSE OSS OS architecture approach can be applied to similar U.S. Navy, DoD programs, Federal Agencies, and Private and Commercial Organizations to take advantage of model-driven approaches to migrate to open source software, test operating system and application integration without disturbing other operations, circumvent costly testing cycles, and detect quality of service before physical software implementation.
Keywords: Containers, Containers, reduced patch cadence, Open Source Software, security, Reliability, Model Based Systems Engineering
