Components should be able to operate together via standard, commonly accepted interfaces. Components operate on multiple hardware and software platforms. Dependencies on particular hardware or operating-system platforms will be minimized and localized as much as possible. Capacity can be added in reasonable increments, at reasonable cost. Functionality can be added.
Systems employ a simple and consistent user interface.
Systems support distributed data, applications, and processes. A comprehensive security policy should be uniform and flexible and should balance ease of use with adequate protection. Infrastructure should be designed using an object-oriented model and constructed with components that approximate this model. CIT should have a clear policy defining support levels.