Industry versus DoD

Software reuse is a longtime practiced method. The technical issues, such as how to link software repositories and programming for reuse, have been resolved. The problems faced by industry and the Department of Defense are of a non-technical nature and can be categorized into three broad categories: managerial, economic, and legal. This thesis compares industry and DoD reuse effort highlighting common problems and lessons learned. The comparison is between IBM, Hewlett-Packard, the Air Force's Central Archive for Reusable Defense Software (CARDS), and the Restructured Naval Tactical Data System (RNTDS). Each reuse effort is studied using personal interviews and written descriptions. Problems encountered by private industry and their solutions are analyzed and compared to DoD. Many of industry's problem are found to be prevalent in DoD. Industry recognizes these issues and is taking steps to rectify them. Legal issues are the least understood by industry and DoD, and need further research to overcome these hurdles. Some economic and managerial issues are recognized by DoD and are in process of being resolved. Industry is more advanced than DoD in their programs and understanding of reuse. DoD can alleviate some of its software reuse problems by employing the lessons learned from industry.