AEROSPACE REPORT NUMBER: TR-2001(8550)-1, COTS-BASED SYSTEMS - LESSONS LEARNED FROM EXPERIENCES WITH COTS SOFTWARE USE ON SPACE SYSTEMS (10-SEP-2001) [SMC-TR-01-19]

AEROSPACE REPORT NUMBER: TR-2001(8550)-1, COTS-BASED SYSTEMS - LESSONS LEARNED FROM EXPERIENCES WITH COTS SOFTWARE USE ON SPACE SYSTEMS (10-SEP-2001) [SMC-TR-01-19]., The incorporation of COTS software into software-intensive systems brings promises of reduced cost and schedule, along with higher reliability and maintainability by using \"proven\" software. However, the reality of using COTS software can be very different! This report presents the results of a survey of USAF Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) program experience with incorporating COTS software into their systems. Six major lessons learned derived from the survey are described, along with recommendations for improving the acquisition of COTS-based systems.