Shared Information Space

In this paper, we describe the need, requirements and challenges for implementing a global information grid. The grid connects all participating elements in a military mission and provides them with all mission-relevant information in a timely and secure manner, independent of the used command and control information systems (C2IS), the available communication technologies, the degree of mobility, and the kind of communication networks. Furthermore, we provide an outline for a solution for a Shared Information Space, an implementation of a global information grid meeting these requirements. The proposed Shared Information Space is a concept for a distributed database with an efficient, secure and flexible replication mechanism that features a context-based filtering mechanism (depending on the role, mission, and device) and takes the bandwidth restrictions and disruptions of tactical networks into account. Furthermore, the Shared Information Space acts as a generic mediation service, converting between different interoperability standards. C2IS can connect to the Shared Information Space via a new lightweight Access API1 or via established military standards like NFFI2, NVG3 and MIP4.