Building Resource Adaptive Software Systems (BRASS): Objectives and System Evaluation

TL;DR

This paper discusses the objectives and evaluation of the BRASS program, which aims to develop long-lived, resource-adaptive software systems capable of functioning over a century, addressing challenges of software obsolescence and maintenance.

Contribution

It introduces a new research initiative focused on creating adaptive software systems with long-term robustness, supported by a comprehensive evaluation framework.

Findings

Development of foundational principles for long-lived software

Design of adaptive algorithms for resource management

Evaluation framework for system robustness over 100 years

Abstract

As modern software systems continue inexorably to increase in complexity and capability, users have become accustomed to periodic cycles of updating and upgrading to avoid obsolescence -- if at some cost in terms of frustration. In the case of the U.S. military, having access to well-functioning software systems and underlying content is critical to national security, but updates are no less problematic than among civilian users and often demand considerable time and expense. To address these challenges, DARPA has announced a new four-year research project to investigate the fundamental computational and algorithmic requirements necessary for software systems and data to remain robust and functional in excess of 100 years. The Building Resource Adaptive Software Systems, or BRASS, program seeks to realize foundational advances in the design and implementation of long-lived software systems that can dynamically adapt to changes in the resources they depend upon and environments in which they operate. MIT Lincoln Laboratory will provide the test framework and evaluation of proposed software tools in support of this revolutionary vision.