Creating a service-oriented architecture remains a top priority at the Defense Information Systems Agency, said Tony Montemarano, the agency's component acquisition executive at a July 15 AFCEA-NoVa event. He admitted that the agency isn't far along in the process, saying DISA is only about 30 percent of the way to full SOA adoption.

"I think we've got our lip service down pat," said Montemarano, adding that "there are a lot of solutions out there that are totally SOA-based. Network management, I know there are some pockets, but not many. But I just put it up there as a dream, still."

Montemarano said the momentum is building and SOA adoption is only fosterd by increasing frustrations with the current system. He said people are starting to realize that "I can't continue to do this stovepipe solution. I've got to start opening up."

Montemarano said he's working to create standards in the infrastructure model, which the acquisition model can evolve around. He also reiterated DISA's commitment to re-using technology rather than buying it.

"Adopt before you contract, I don't want to do a full competition unless I have to," said Montemarano. "GSA contracts, Army contracts, Air Force contracts, let's stop duplicating each other. We're supposed to be working together. So, absolutely more and more proposal alignment."

"No more big acquisition programs, certainly not at DISA," he added.

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