Cursor On Target

(CoT)

The Future to Network Centric Warfare

Last Updated:  10 September, 2006

  The concept of Cursor on Target is to link systems together to pass information more efficiently.  CoT does this by using XML.  XML supports the DOD's vision of network-centric warfare, in which data is shared like that on the World Wide Web. XML allows users to define, validate, transmit, and interpret many types of data between many types of applications.

  With XML, users structure their data using a standardized set of rules, called a schema. Once a Multi Text Format (MTF) message is converted to an XML structure through the XML MTF Mapping and Schema specifications developed by MITRE, there are limitless ways any system can exploit the content of the message by using off-the-shelf XML software.  Vendor-implemented, internationally agreed upon XML-MTF Schema Generation Specifications are available today. These schemas collectively constitute more than 600 messages and 6,000 simple and complex data types defined, agreed upon, and implemented by more than 70 nations. In addition, the schemas are being incorporated into the DOD XML Registry and NATO XML Registry, which will make this valuable metadata available in a uniform, well-supported syntax, increasing the opportunities for reuse in DOD command, control, communications, computer, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems and programs.

  XML is non-proprietary, therefore it greatly reduces the cost of developing software.  The shift from custom programming which take many man hours to develop and test is now available off the shelf.  Creating a significant cost savings and allows the DOD to implement the capability immediately.  Separating the elements of representation, syntax, and semantics presents another benefit by allowing each facet to be managed independently, reducing the impact of change on operational systems.  And use of XML schemas reduces the resources required to sustain message families.  XML-MTF also provides more accuracy. Message content is validated against the schema to ensure adherence to allowable values, prescribed vocabulary, and proper relationships between message components. The use of XML tag attributes and validation against a schema can provide security markings and assist in enforcing releasability constraints.

Source:http://www.mitre.org/news/the_edge/summer_04/edge_summer_04.pdf