This paper explores the management decision to design and develop a new
software system for controlling and managing satellite ground station
equipment.

Areas to be examined include the old software architecture (old system), the
new software architecture (new system), areas that typically change once a
system has been fielded, the cost to modify the old system, the cost to
develop the new system, the cost to modify the new system, and estimated
payback projections for the new system.

An economic analysis of purchasing the I-Logix Rhapsody computer aided
software engineering tool will be performed to determine if it will assist
in lowering the overall development cost of the new system.

The old architecture is based on aging technology. This technology cannot
take full advantage of distributed computing and network devices. It is
complex to maintain and modify.

The new architecture is based on the latest technology. This technology
takes full advantage of distributed computing and can support network
devices. The new architecture will reduce the time to market, and it will
reduce the cost of deployment.

It appears to be a sound decision to develop and implement the new
architecture for both tangible and intangible reasons. The technologies
promote the company as mainstream and progressive. The projected payback
schedule shows the systems will be paid for in the early years of their
expected life. And, the new architecture provides greater flexibility to
gain market share.

Keywords:

Rhapsody
Java
CORBA
XML
IRR
economic analysis
management decision
distributed computing
cost effectiveness
software development