Comment Different Software Model (Score 1) 716
DoD software requirements have traditionally been built upon a different software model than is used by most Microsoft customers.
The expectation for DoD software is that it will have a minimum lifetime of 30 years. This makes the use of closed source software impossible in many cases. I know of no closed source software vendor who is willing to maintain its products for 30 years.
The result is that the DoD must own rights to the source(s) so that it can issue maintenance contracts to the lowest bidder. Closed source software simply prevents the DoD from doing its job.
The expectation for DoD software is that it will have a minimum lifetime of 30 years. This makes the use of closed source software impossible in many cases. I know of no closed source software vendor who is willing to maintain its products for 30 years.
The result is that the DoD must own rights to the source(s) so that it can issue maintenance contracts to the lowest bidder. Closed source software simply prevents the DoD from doing its job.
