We propose a design for adding "universal translation" capabilities to Army Battle Command System (ABCS) 6.4 in order to support use by Embedded Coalition Forces (ECFs). Our design employs Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) principles to solve four key problems: text localization, graphics localization, free-text translation, and security. We rely primarily on COTS software solutions, adding only one full-custom software service. We exploit key properties of ABCS 6.4 to add ECF-facing services without modifying already-fielded ABCS software. In Phase I, we propose to select a few specific ABCS functions, study the success of the proposed design in providing those functions to ECFs, and iteratively refine the design in response to analysis.
Keywords: Service Oriented Architecture, Translation, Localization, Abcs, Internationalization, Army Battle Command System, Embedded Coalition Forces
