Engineering a Complex Information Enterprise: A Case Study Architecting the Department of Defense Hourglass

Based on Complex Systems Theory, Net centric operations for the US Department of Defense (DoD) can be considered a complex adaptive system, representing a shift from traditional system-based interactions toward information-based web service transactions requiring highly secure, reliable, and dynamic "on-demand" information capabilities. This net centric environment must accommodate unpredictable external factors that demand rapid response and flexibility to change. Current research suggests that typical "top-down" architecture approaches are not suitable for modeling complex enterprises, and suggests that new "middle-out" approaches, focusing on simplistic information interfaces should be considered. This paper presents an ongoing case study in constructing middle-out or "hourglass" enterprise information architectures to aid in modernizing the DoD toward global net centric operations. We discuss key principles of complex systems engineering to consider, insight into the DoD Net Centric Enterprise Data Strategy, and a middle-out architecture modeling approach to on-demand information based on web service and semantic web technologies. We also discuss techniques for hands-on architecture assessment and evolution, highlighting initial lessons learned using this approach.