The objective of the Strategy for Information Management and Collaboration (SIM-C) is to build a service oriented architecture where simulators, analytical tools and decision support systems share information and collaborate to support the validation of future operational concepts. Most of SIM-C's requirements are derived from the two following documents: “National Airspace System Architecture” and “National Airspace System Concept of Operations”. The former considers the information exchange as service-oriented where systems are a set of information services distributed across the NAS and coordinated through a hierarchy of responsibilities. The latter eliminates the point-to-point service access in favor of an ATM virtual information pool.

Single connection point to access any tools

SIM-C simplifies the tools' connection process. As a consequence, a tool no longer connects to other tools but instead it makes a request for a particular service and SIM-C will manage to find it on its behalf.

Support of the service publication

Server applications (or Producers) will register its services with SIM-C. After registration, these services will be instantly available to any client applications (or Consumers).

Support of the service subscription (or service provider discovery)

Client applications (or Consumers) subscribe to registered services and SIM-C mediates in locating the requested service among the registered services.

Support for service execution

After a service is discovered, SIM-C hands the consumer a key to be used for subsequent call to the service.

Support of growth of decision points

The dynamic service discovery during runtime allows seamless proliferation of decision-making processes.

Data interoperability

SIM-C does not enforce a standard data when tools are collaborating but rather requires translating data whenever information is transferred from one tool to another.

Information sharing

All tools (Producers and consumers) share common information through the use of the Common ATM Information State Space (CAISS) system.