Computing Systems Technology
Mathematics and Computing Technology's (M&CT) Computing Systems Technology (CST) unit investigates systems issues as part of their information technology effort. In particular, CST supports Boeing's role as a lead systems integrator by developing unique advanced technology and integrating, evaluating, and testing systems that will be used by Boeing and its customers. CST offers systems solutions in network technology, information assurance, advanced design, advanced manufacturing systems, and distributed software and systems integration. They also provide support to external customers through contract research and development activity. Customers for this include the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Office of Naval Research, Pacific Northwest National Laboratories, the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratories, and the U.S. Army.
Network Technology
CST's Network Technology group works on all aspects of networking, above the hardware and below the application. This includes network protocols, network management, network security, and networked sensors. This team provides concept development, prototypes, network modeling, simulation, and emulation, feasibility demonstrations, and systems engineering.
Information Assurance
The Information Assurance group investigates advanced techniques and technologies that augment existing network operations security. Research areas such as firewall intrusion detection, multi-level security, policy-based access control, integrated strong authentication and authorization, and autonomous software agent collaboration are pursued to ensure availability, authentication, confidentiality, and non-repudiation of information services.
Advanced Design Systems
With their valuable technology and computer science skills, the Advanced Design Systems team develops and applies software tools to manage complex design problems, systems engineering, and spatial integration challenges. They apply software and process modeling, prototyping, usability analysis, and architectural direction to assist engineers in providing information technology for the design of information systems or products.
Software tools and technology areas:
- Spatial integration
- Telepresence and robotics
- Simulation visualization (virtual mockup, battle space, and motion analysis)
- Computer graphics for 3D visualization
- System engineering tools (787 functional integration)
- Human computing interaction (cognitive task analysis and advanced usability evaluation)
- Mobile sensor platform integration
Advanced Manufacturing Systems
By inserting low-cost information technologies into the factory, the Advanced Manufacturing Systems group improves manufacturing efficiency. They focus on the following technologies:
- Handheld and embedded computing applications
- Wireless network communications and RFID
- Process monitoring and control
- Process capture technology for mechanic training
- Communication security and Smartcard authentication
They accomplish effective use of information technology in the factory by--
- Interacting closely with manufacturing customers to understand their processes and requirements
- Using rapid prototyping techniques to bring emerging information technologies into the factory
- Leveraging commercial-off-the-shelf components and solutions wherever possible
- Providing custom software, electronic, and mechanical development as needed
- Working closely with customer process councils and leadership teams to transition developed technologies into sustainable production products and tools
Distributed Software and Systems Integration
Distributed Software and Systems Integration focuses on the following areas:
- Applications
- Data
- Enterprise
- Middleware
- Networking
- Risk management/failure analysis
- Security
- Systems
The mission of the Distributed Software and Systems Integration team is to identify and incorporate new and emerging computing technologies that--
- Enable researchers and collaborators to solve applications efficiently
- Produce cost-saving measures without sacrificing performance in meeting the information technology needs of the company
- Push computing boundaries while leveraging, when possible, existing technologies that better enable the company to handle its operational and R&D needs
Areas of expertise include grid and cluster computing technologies, designing distributed computing environments, computing for high-availability and reliability requirements, web services, policy- and role-based access to resources (hardware, data, and information), failure analysis and risk management, and semantic grid technologies.