RTI Demonstrates Latest Developments for Large-Scale Distributed Simulation System Design

First-ever demonstration of NEXTEL's SIMWARE using HLA and DDS middleware integration shows maximized real-time performance with standards-based data-centric designs

COLOGNE, GERMANY, ITEC 2007, April 23, 2007–Real-Time Innovations (RTI) and NEXTEL Engineering Systems, SL, will be demonstrating—for the first time at any public event—a working SIMWARE modeling and simulation (M&S) system showing integration between High-Level Architecture (HLA) and Data Distribution Service (DDS) real-time middleware nodes in a distributed missile-simulation application. The objective is to show the real-time performance boost gained by the use of the open-standard DDS middleware within a configuration that remains fully interoperable with existing HLA modules. This provides a completely commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) based environment supporting HLA-based legacy system architectures while enabling predictable, scalable real-time performance, particularly in large and complex distributed designs.

As M&S systems get larger and more distributed, overcoming performance latency issues, determinism and system bottlenecks is becoming increasingly important. Another issue is the critical need to ensure that investments in application software can be re-used effectively across multiple projects.

The resolution of these vital but difficult issues is addressed by the work NEXTEL has done with RTI to provide a seamless and fully COTS-based integration between HLA and DDS middleware solutions. RTI will also be presenting a conference paper at ITEC 2007 on the many benefits of data-centric design in the integration of simulated real-world elements in a large, widely distributed COTS-based real-time system.

“Simulators are an ideal application for the DDS standard,” commented David Barnett, VP of Product Management at RTI. “DDS was designed specifically to ease the development and integration of heterogeneous distributed systems such as simulators. Such complex systems have demanding real-time data distribution requirements and incorporate a mix of computing platforms. I am delighted that NEXTEL Engineering concluded that RTI was best able to meet the stringent performance requirements to support its innovative SIMWARE M&S solution.”

About RTI Data Distribution Service
RTI Data Distribution Service (formerly NDDS) is high-performance messaging middleware for the development and integration of applications that require low-latency, high-throughput, high-scalability, deterministic responses and minimal consumption of network, processor and memory resources. RTI Data Distribution Service is an open-architecture platform that complies with the Object Management Group’s (OMG’s) DDS for Real-Time Systems standard.

About NEXTEL SIMWARE
SIMWARE-Kernel is a simple real-time communication system based on the publish-subscribe paradigm, which makes it an ideal development environment for complex M&S applications. Unlike client/server architecture, the publish-subscribe paradigm used by both HLA and DDS offers full distribution of data as well as no single point of failure.

SIMWARE-Kernel unifies the use of both OMG DDS and IEEE HLA standards through a single, simple API, allowing fast, easy application integration. For more information about NEXTEL, please visit http://www.nexteleng.es.

About the SIMWARE Demonstration
The SIMWARE demonstration system, located in the ITEC 2007 stand 121, is based on a prototype developed jointly last year with the Spanish DoD Simulation Laboratory. The purpose of this prototype is to demonstrate that SIMWARE is an effective solution for the development of complex real-time simulators based on a distributed architecture and that it is possible to interoperate DDS and HLA nodes seamlessly under the control of the SIMWARE Middleware Kernel.

About RTI
Real-Time Innovations (RTI) works in partnership with its customers to develop and integrate the world's most demanding real-time applications. RTI takes the risk out of distributed application development and system integration by providing deep expertise in real-time communications coupled with the highest performance messaging middleware. The company's software and services have been leveraged in a broad range of industries including defense, intelligence, simulation, industrial control, transportation, finance, medical and communications. Founded in 1991, RTI is privately held and headquartered in Santa Clara, CA. For more information, please visit www.rti.com.