Abstract: In the last 75 years computers have been based on the Von-Neumann architecture. It has been so entrenched that it has been proposed that the Von-Neumann architecture is in fact a naturalarchitecture. That is changing as we speak because of H/W technology. An example of H/W technology that did not affect computer architecture is the flat screen. In 2006, 82% of the computers in the world used CRTs for display. By 2012, there were no manufactures of CRTs in the world, and over 90% of the displays were flat screens. This remarkable change from factories producing CRTs across the world to none, happened in less than 6 years. However this H/W technology did not affect the computer architecture nor did it change the S/W architecture.
We are in the midst of two technologies that are changing both S/W and H/W architectures. Within 5 years, you will not have spinning hard drives produced in the world. The supposedly Von-Neumann natural architecture is in the process of being replaced.
System Engineering should be aware of the change and recognize how it may affect the System Engineering Processes.
Bio: Francis Thompson is a lead system engineer at Boulder, Colorado, Northrop Grumman Corporation. He has degrees in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, General Relativity, and an MBA. He has lead teams successfully putting, 9 space vehicles into orbit. Space Systems include Galaxy, Solidaridad, PanAmSat, Direct TV, and Milstar space systems, He has lead teams building ground stations which include STSS ground, GPS ground demonstrator and Missile Defense Agency systems. He is active in INCOSE, presently serving as the Technical Director Colorado Front Range Chapter. He has published papers on space systems system engineering, tracking algorithms, and space architectures. He has supported INCOSE since founding the Los Angeles Chapter, wrote many of the SE Management questions for the SE Certification, made significant contributions to the CMMI criteria, and a member of the Corporate Advisory Board for 6 years.
Francis worked 30 years in Los Angeles and moved to Colorado in 2011. He practices SE with his family of 12 children and 21 grandchildren.
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