The tool architecture is designed to allow the same tools to be instantiated in a variety of environments and via a variety of control mechanisms. The ASC design challenge is to balance the requirements of developing an Open Environment while integrating software from existing systems and diverse environments.
Flexibility allows the software to meet all needs of users and processing scenarios.
Extensibility allows the ASC system to fulfill functions beyond those currently required and allows users the ability to customize, extend and adapt the ASC functions. Economy allows the system to be developed in a cost-effective way in this era of shrinking NASA budgets. The ASC design must derive as much benefit as possible from previous systems, while evolving toward a next generation system with improved functionality. Software re-use achieves savings in money, development time, verification effort and maintenance costs. Software compatibility allows the ASC calibration system to easily ingest both the data and software that is delivered by the AXAF instrument teams.