// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Software Factory
A Software Factory is an organizational approach that applies manufacturing principles to software development, using standardized tools and automated processes to rapidly design, build, test, and deploy software applications. It aims to accelerate software delivery and improve quality within an enterprise.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A Software Factory in military and defense is a DevSecOps-enabled organizational and technical framework, leveraging automation, continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD), and standardized development environments to accelerate the secure development, deployment, and operationalization of mission-critical software and AI/ML capabilities for warfighters and DoD systems.
BACKGROUND
The United States Army Software Factory (ASWF) is a software development initiative of the United States Army Transformation and Training Command (T2COM) to teach, develop and employ developers from both the military ranks and civilian workforce. The concept is to allow the Army to create its own digital tools and platforms and in many case the tools are replacing decades old paper records and forms.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- DevSecOps pipeline
- Agile software hub
- Rapid software development unit
- Software assembly line
- Digital factory
USAGE NOTE
In military and defense, software factories are vital for modernizing legacy systems, developing new warfighting capabilities at speed, and integrating emerging technologies like AI/ML directly into operational environments.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Software Factory.
Kessel Run is a prominent US Air Force software factory focused on rapidly developing and deploying combat-ready software, while Platform One is a broader Department of Defense enterprise DevSecOps platform enabling secure, continuous software delivery across various military branches. Both embody the 'software factory' concept.
The US Army Software Factory trains soldiers as software developers and product managers, focusing on modern software development practices, DevSecOps, and delivering mission-critical applications to the field with speed and agility.
NIWC Atlantic, and similar centers within the Navy, are actively developing and implementing software factory approaches to modernize naval software systems, accelerate development cycles, and integrate cutting-edge capabilities for fleet operations.
The DIU accelerates the adoption of commercial technology for the US military. While not a software factory itself, it champions and facilitates the integration of modern software development practices, including those central to the software factory model, across the Department of Defense by partnering with commercial tech companies.
A leading management and technology consulting firm that provides extensive services to the military and defense sector, including implementing and operating software factories, DevSecOps pipelines, and modern software development environments for government clients.
A global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies company that is heavily investing in digital engineering and advanced software development methodologies, including aspects of software factories, to streamline the development and delivery of complex defense systems.
A global aerospace and defense technology company that develops and integrates advanced software solutions for its platforms and systems, adopting modern software development practices and environments akin to a software factory model to enhance speed and reliability.
An aerospace and defense company that utilizes advanced software development capabilities and approaches, including principles of a software factory, to create and maintain sophisticated defense systems, sensors, and electronic warfare solutions.