Commercial and scientific applications may include grids of a different nature, but the concept is similar. Speed may be a more important factor in a military environment. However, the key here is that the military architectural framework can emerge, as it is doing in the commercial environment. The framework must be centered on a highly collaborative, knowledge-sharing base, which the services can build at their own pace. Again open standards without vendor-proprietary restrictions are crucial.
Systems security is also paramount to both the industrial and military sectors.
System disruption can have very serious strategic effects. In fact, DOD operations are interdependent with industrial operations, as the military infrastructure depends on the same civilian infrastructure used by U.S. industry. Government leaders are recognizing these same advantages, tailored for their environment. Because IT has profound military consequences, DOD will have special needs to address in its implementation process. The world of information technology science is not standing still.