Distributed Networked Systems Theory and Practice

[frmoss]

I just finished a short paper on the subject of Network-Centric Warfare. As far as it being revolutionary, I doubt it. As far as I can see, it is mearly a way of further integrating C2ISR much like signal flags, mounted messengers, the telegraph, wireless communications, and the advent of the computer did in the past. So far, much of what I've read indicates that much of the superior performance attributed to networked organizations can be filtered away when you notice that they fought with superior weapons and after long periods of uninterrupted training.

So, I feel I have a good understanding of the networked stuff, but what I don't get is the comparison to "system-centric" organizations. As far as I can tell, we're still just acquiring new systems.

[selil]

I just finished a short paper on the subject of Network-Centric Warfare. As far as it being revolutionary, I doubt it. As far as I can see, it is mearly a way of further integrating C2ISR much like signal flags, mounted messengers, the telegraph, wireless communications, and the advent of the computer did in the past. So far, much of what I've read indicates that much of the superior performance attributed to networked organizations can be filtered away when you notice that they fought with superior weapons and after long periods of uninterrupted training.

So, I feel I have a good understanding of the networked stuff, but what I don't get is the comparison to "system-centric" organizations. As far as I can tell, we're still just acquiring new systems.

Good points. One thing about the technology factors of the network is that with increased reliability, speed, and scalability instead of communication conduits being parasitic on decision cycles the network becomes a force multiplier.

As an example. The World Trade Organization riots/demonstrations would not have been possible without highly trained technologists (and adaptive self interest in the users) integrating the social mechanisms (social networks) of the demonstrators into the technology networks (communication). The demonstrators uses C4IT/C4ISR so effectively it prolonged the demonstration (in Seattle) and nullified police attempts at ending the demonstration. That would be an example of a real world network centric insurgency using hybridized communications.