Modeling Software Engineering Challenges of C4I Systems Using Assurance Cases

Historically software engineering processes and methodologies have focused on development of system which operate in standalone fashion or had few interactions with other systems. Command Control, Communication Computer and Intelligence (C4I) systems are the backbone systems for information warfare (IW) which helps by presenting an integrated picture of the battlefield. C4I are complex System of systems (SOS) where individual systems interact locally to achieve global SOS behaviors. Engineering Complex software intensive systems is a challenge due to continuous growth, evolution and new set of operational requirements. Systems in SOS context introduce significant sources of risks and challenges. This paper highlights SOS challenges and risks that limit the scope of traditional software engineering (SE) practices and methodologies. Assurance cases are the modeling tool claim-argument and evidence structure. The paper also models SOS (SE) challenges through assurance cases in order to enhance (SE) practices and techniques to minimize risks and challenges associated with SOS based C4I systems