Interoperable Data Distribution Through Coalition Shared Data by Means of Standardization

Interoperability, especially when exchanging data, is an ongoing effort, as requirements and use cases change over time and technical innovations have to be considered. In the domain of military Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) a standard has been developed that supports the interoperable distribution of data in a heterogeneous network of organizations. The standard is maintained within a Custodian Support Team (CST).In regular meetings, chaired by a Custodian, aspects such as new technologies, requirements or security innovations are presented and discussed. If accepted by the team specifications are developed, prototyped by various partners and tested in interoperability exercises and trails. If the innovations prove useful the standard is updated accordingly.This paper discusses the use cases of STANAG 4559 and how such a complex interoperability standard can be developed and maintained through dedicated organizational means. It shows how the specific standard could be further enhanced to serve a wider audience in civil and military data distribution as Multi Domain Operations.