A flexible approach to alliances of complex applications

Complex distributed environments contain thousands of workstations that can run hundreds of applications. Multiple networks are used to connect the workstations to dozens of behind-the-scenes servers, all of which are necessary for the user to perform even simple tasks. Such distributed environments are difficult to design and maintain, and current software engineering practices are not well adapted to deal with this inherent complexity. This paper describes the Single Glass Project in the Boeing Commercial Airplane Group. Single Glass expands the number of both internally developed and commercial-off-the-shelf applications a single user can access from any workstation. The result is in production use by over 6,000 people in both Puget Sound and Wichita. The key to success is a flexible and scaleable architecture that works within a complex, heterogeneous application and delivery system environment. Our work has focused on both computing technology (software and delivery systems) and general processes (primary technology, support, and organization). Agreements on both technology and process improvements are essential to project success. Single Glass is a work in progress, and we describe areas that require additional investigation. Our experience indicates that most technical problems can be addressed. However, significant improvement is needed in software engineering processes and practices to design and build applications and systems that can be tested, delivered, supported, and diagnosed when made available alongside other, independently developed applications and systems.