Topics in Interoperability: Structural Programmatics in a System of Systems
• SEI Report
Publisher
Software Engineering Institute
CMU/SEI Report Number
CMU/SEI-2006-TN-037DOI (Digital Object Identifier)
10.1184/R1/6585341.v1Topic or Tag
Abstract
This technical note presents a case study on how choices of structural programmatics (e.g., hierarchical or peer-to-peer organization, centralized or decentralized execution) affect the ability to achieve programmatic interoperability in the context of large, complex systems of systems. Key systems-of-systems concepts and definitions are introduced and explored through the case study. In addition, this report illustrates the pitfalls of focusing on only one aspect of a problem and discusses the need to balance management's desires for control with the realities of systems-of-systems programmatics. This report also introduces an alternative to conventional program management practice that addresses the pitfalls previously identified.
Cite This SEI Report
Smith, J. (2006, October 1). Topics in Interoperability: Structural Programmatics in a System of Systems. (SEI Report CMU/SEI-2006-TN-037). Retrieved September 4, 2026, from https://doi.org/10.1184/R1/6585341.v1.
@techreport{smith_2006,
author={Smith, James},
title={Topics in Interoperability: Structural Programmatics in a System of Systems},
month={Oct},
year={2006},
number={{CMU/SEI-2006-TN-037},
institution={Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University},
doi={10.1184/R1/6585341.v1},
url={https://doi.org/10.1184/R1/6585341.v1},
note={Accessed: 2026-Sep-4}
}
Smith, James. "Topics in Interoperability: Structural Programmatics in a System of Systems." (CMU/SEI-2006-TN-037). Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, October 1, 2006. https://doi.org/10.1184/R1/6585341.v1.
J. Smith, "Topics in Interoperability: Structural Programmatics in a System of Systems," Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, SEI Report CMU/SEI-2006-TN-037, 1-Oct-2006 [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1184/R1/6585341.v1. [Accessed: 4-Sep-2026].
Smith, James. "Topics in Interoperability: Structural Programmatics in a System of Systems." (SEI Report CMU/SEI-2006-TN-037). Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Software Engineering Institute, 1 Oct. 2006. https://doi.org/10.1184/R1/6585341.v1. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.
Smith, James. Topics in Interoperability: Structural Programmatics in a System of Systems. CMU/SEI-2006-TN-037. Software Engineering Institute. 2006. DOI: 10.1184/R1/6585341.v1. https://doi.org/10.1184/R1/6585341.v1