Satellite operators select hardware and software for a ground control system that they will rely on to monitor and control their spacecraft effectively throughout a 15+-year lifetime. However, evolving technology can render equipment provided at the beginning of the mission obsolete. Using a true COTS (Commercial Off-the-Shelf) software approach, ISI (Integral Systems, Inc.), addresses this issue by implementing and supporting a long-term product maintenance program and by providing the same software system to all users. For the satellite industry, this proven approach eliminates ground system obsolescence problems and enables operators to leverage the latest product improvements and enhancements. Therefore, operators are guaranteed a system that is fully supported and cost effective for the entire satellite lifetime. For this model to work, the ground system software must provide to a large customer base a comprehensive set of evolving COTS products, such as ISI's EPOCH IPS (Integrated Product Suite). Then, a maintenance program and new license sales can economically make advanced capabilities and new features available to all operators and manufacturers using the product suite. In addition, new hardware with the latest operating system version can be added to replace aging equipment without adding capital costs beyond the relatively low cost of standard COTS hardware. Under this program, existing and prospective customers benefit from the same enhancements and updates. Each release is tested and guaranteed to be compatible with each customer's satellite fleet. Thus, operators are never abandoned to rely on obsolete, unsupported systems.
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