DOD (Department of Defense) Should Change Its Approach to Reducing Computer Software Proliferation

摘要

In this report GAO encourages DoD to reduce computer software proliferation and accompanying high costs by taking advantage of opportunities to use a standard programming language. In a January 1982 report, GAO recommended that DOD not implement a particular computer procurement instruction because it did not focus on making maximum use of a new programming language. However, DOD now appears to be proceeding to implement the instruction. This approach could (1) hinder DOD's ability to use advances in technology, (2) discourage beneficial compentition within the computer industry, and (3) duplicate, at government expense, the commercial investment in computer technology advances. The primary objective of the pending instruction is to reduce high costs resulting from computer software proliferation. gao believes that DOD could more effectively achieve this objective by evaluating opportunities to use its new programming language Ada and by using this lanugage when warranted. It is estimated that $1.5 billion in annual savings can be realized by adopting one DOD standard programming language.