In this presentation, we discuss lessons learned from using mission thread workshops (MTW) as an early architecture development step for a number of DoD systems of systems (SoS). The approach is based on defining a number of critical warfare vignettes, then developing some associated end-to-end mission threads that stress the envisioned capabilities of the SoS, and finally, augmenting these threads with quality attribute and capability considerations elicited from the SoS and system stakeholders in a facilitated workshop. The MTW explores these threads with the stakeholders in a number of half-day or full-day sessions to determine gaps in the functional and non-functional capabilities (e.g., performance, availability, usability, security) at each step. Architectural challenges are then derived from the resulting augmented threads, and these can be used to drive follow-on efforts, such as building the DoDAF views and products. We will also discuss integrating this type of approach into a program's architecting process and acquisition plan. 

This presentation was given at SATURN 2011 in Burlingame, CA.

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PRESENTATION