System Wide Information Management (SWIM)

Harris is developing a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) to realize the benefits of a network-centric, message-enabled architecture via a COTS Enterprise Service Bus (ESB).

SWIM will transform the NAS into a network-centric operation and provide the foundation for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). SWIM provides a service delivery network as a core function that will reliably interconnect all parts of a new network-centric NAS. It will become the information distribution and access mechanism for current and new applications. This network is envisioned as an extension of FTI functionality providing connectivity, discovery, and other common network services. The current view of industry analysts is that the NAS-wide core services provided by SWIM will result in a more efficient, cost-effective infrastructure that will improve operations and productivity in the NAS. This will be achieved through a scalable, evolvable, standards-based network-centric solution that supports information management among ATM systems in a secure information sharing environment.

The FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI) program is improving operations and mission support functions for more than 4,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facilities nationwide. The FTI program is replacing over 20,000 circuits, upgrading switching and routing systems, improving network monitoring and control, and providing network engineering services to the FAA. FTI provides the FAA with a modern, flexible, extensible, scalable, cost-effective, single communications solution and service that meets current and future requirements.

To maximize the benefits of FTI’s suite of modern telecommunications products, services, security, and business practices, FTI must be extended with an overarching, network-centric architecture for SWIM services. This approach is well aligned with FAA goals and priorities and provides a practical, low-cost path to seamlessly integrate heterogeneous system components, while facilitating the evolution of the NAS to meet the NextGen vision. In fact, FTI already provides many of the core services required by SWIM, including security/information assurance, comprehensive network management and integrated business systems, high availability, needed system performance, and quality of service. With the participation of Cisco, one of our industry partners, Harris is developing the technology needed to transform FTI into a Service Oriented Architecture for a network enabled NextGen.

Building on the FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure permits an evolutionary implementation and facilitates incremental integration. Current capabilities can be refactored and new capabilities added at a measured pace that balances funding, risk, technical innovation, user acceptance, and program management strategies.

For more information, please contact Neal Tomblyn, Neal.Tomblyn@harris.com, 202-729-3748