Information Architecture BOF: Report of the Fall 2003 Meeting October 28, 2003 Dan Crichton, NASA/JPL

Executive Summary The Charter of the BoF was reviewed, revised and is being submitted to the CESG for WG consideration. The Storybook on the Reference Architecture for Space Information Architecture was presented and reviewed and there was general agreement on the conceptual architecture presented. The MOIMS Packaging and Registries WG presented the packaging standard along with a set of class libraries, APIs and sample GUI JPL presented work on developing a product service within the Deep Space Mission System

Summary of Goals 1.Define a reference end-to-end space information architecture for interoperability and cross-support that encompasses both flight and ground data system operations and provides a common framework for use by standards and systems developers including a. standard functional components for information management b.definition of standard interfaces for information management c.standards in information representation d.standards in defining information processes 2.Define and leverage common methods for representing information architectural views; and 3.Address application layer information management issues including application protocols and data handling and ensure that they are dealt with in a clear and consistent way throughout the end-to-end system; and 4.Work with the SEA System Architecture WG to provide the Information Architecture elements for the Reference Architecture for Space Data Systems (RASDS) and with the MOIMS WGs to develop the specific standard interfaces & protocols. Make recommendations to the other Working Groups and BoFs about architectural choices and options.

Summary of Deliverables 1.Define how component and interface information standards within CCSDS fit into the Reference Architecture for Space Data Systems (RASDS); 2.Identify formal representation methods, tools and approaches that will permit design, modeling, and simulation of information architectural designs including collaboration with SAWG. 3.Write a CCSDS space information architecture recommendation that includes: a.a set of functional information infrastructure components; b.a set of information infrastructure interfaces for information management; c.a set of information descriptors that are capable of representing data across the mission lifecycle; d.a set of interfaces for cross support services, application program interfaces, and information management & access protocols.

Progress Achieved A charter for the Space Information Architecture BoF was finalized. It was agreed that the Storybook presented a foundation for a preliminary reference space information architecture and that a white book should be started based on the work. Identification of work areas between MOIMS Information Packaging and Registries and SEA Information Architecture was achieved including definition of a process of how to work together.

Near-Term Schedule DeliverableMilestoneDate Create WGDevelop a charterOctober 2003 Reference Information Architecture (Standard) Distribute a reference information architecture white book for general review April 2004 Best Practices Document Develop a best practices document for instantiation of the architecture October 2004

Open Issues There are few technical issues concerning the Space Information Architecture presented. Much of the issues relate to terminology and chartsmanship. Comments were captured and will be incorporated into an updated version. It was agreed that more issues may arise once the white book is developed. The packaging work that was presented needs to be validated by a prototype. Support by agencies considered a risk item to achieving the goals.

Action Items Submit charter to CESG for creation of WG –To: Shames, CESG –Due: End of October 2003 Develop white book based on Space Information Architecture Storybook –To: Info Arch BoF Members –Due: Preliminary version by December 2003 Validate packaging approach via JPL DSMS prototype –To: Shames –Due: March 2004

Resource Problems There may not be enough resource commitments from member agencies to achieve deliverables. ESA and CNES considered important stakeholders, but have made no formal commitments.

Risk Management Update Agencies and projects implementing their own architectures and do not choose to coordinate or adopt any interoperable standards or reference architectures for managing and sharing information. Standards for interfaces and protocols for distributed services are still under development. Languages and tools to be used in our work are still under development.

Cross Area WG / BOF Issues Need on-going coordination between MOIMS Information Packaging and Registries. Work with other WGs and BOFs to coordinate architectural choices Coordinate architectures within SEA groups (i.e. security architecture).

Resolutions to be Sent to CESG and Then to CMC The Information Architecture BoF resolves to establish an Information Architecture WG. Charter to be sent to CESG.

New Working Items, New BOFs, etc. It was identified that a best practices document on deploying a space information architecture would be highly useful.