Using web services architecture for information systems with self-configurating software and hardware complexes

Abstract

This paper investigates the application of web services architecture for building special-purpose information systems based on self-adaptive hardware and software complexes. The study is motivated by the rapid evolution of information technologies and their critical role in modern military operations, particularly within the framework of Network-Centric Warfare adopted by NATO. The paper analyzes the transformation of architectural approaches from Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) to web services architecture. The key differences between these paradigms are identified, including the transition to standardized web protocols, the use of open application programming interfaces (APIs), and the implementation of loosely coupled distributed services. It is shown that web services architecture provides enhanced interoperability, scalability, and flexibility compared to traditional SOA-based systems. A reference architecture for self-adaptive hardware and software complexes is proposed, consisting of four layers: communication, information, application, and presentation. The architecture allowed for the unification of technologies used in the creation of software and hardware complexes that take into account the usage of self-managed adapted networks and an information exchange platform. The necessity of developing self-configuring software and hardware complexes capable of adapting to changes in operating conditions and user roles has been substantiated. Such complexes facilitate automatic configuration changes based on operating conditions and ensure resilience to shifts in network structure and system composition. This approach enables the expansion of functional capabilities of standard hardware and software systems, allowing for the creation of various automated workstations that self-configure for specific user roles. It is demonstrated that the use of standardized and modular hardware and software complexes enables the dynamic formation of automated workstations within a unified information environment.

Keywords: web services architecture, service-oriented architecture, self-adaptive systems, hardware and software complex, network-centric warfare, microservices, distributed systems.