For data interchange the formats of the standard office automation tools will be used. PDF will be used for presentation for documents for which the supporting tool is not available. SGML is expected to be used in a later stage. Graphics services are only required within the GIS tools. For security services the US DoD Orange Book C2 assurance level is required for a number important components.
Assurance is warranted through a mixture of system architecture, integrity and security testing.
This is based on product availability. However, the main goals are interoperability, security, vendor neutrality and upgradability. Interoperability is required with a diverse user community, geographically spread over a large area and using different communication systems. Security is an almost obvious objective for a military organisation which bases its functioning on the authenticity and confidentiality of information. Vendor neutrality is almost dictated by the NATO international competitive acquisition procedures to allow vendors of all nations an equal opportunity.