OPEN SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE
A Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)
OPEN SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE
A Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)
What is a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)?
A Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) is an integrated business and technical strategy to achieve competitive and affordable acquisition and sustainment over the system life cycle. In the development of Department of Defense (DoD) systems, MOSA is an acquisition and design strategy, consisting of a technical architectures, that adopts open standards and supports a modular, loosely coupled, and highly cohesive system structure. MOSA implies the use of a modular design, including system interfaces designed according to accepted standards with which conformance can be verified. MOSA can be employed in both defense and non-defense sectors by using a modular architecture and an open business model to add, modify, replace, and remove system components across the acquisition life cycle.
The Department of Defense (DoD) formally mandated the use of MOSA in 2019 to strengthen its ability to modify major weapons systems.
Why MOSA?
Allows for the sharing of information across all platforms and domains.
Interoperability and the rapid deployment of new technologies with little or no modification.
Scalability and the ability to grow with increased loads.
Portable, interchangeable, and modular components with an improved lifecycle.
Resource: Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) Reference Frameworks in Defense Acquisition Programs DDR&EAC.