We propose to develop a tool that determines the correct partitioning of a common information space to minimize a composite cost function based on the organization's policies. Cost function components include storage limits or cost, transmission limits or cost, and information criticality. The proposed tool can gather usage statistics over a period of time to produce partitioning recommendations. In can also make real-time corrections based on changing usage patterns for systems that support dynamic filter changes.Anticipated Benefits/Commercial Applications: Incorrect partitioning of an information space produces great direct and indirect costs. Direct costs include excessive payments for storage or transmission capability. Indirect costs can include poor or slow performance when the required information for decision making is either unavailable or difficult or slow to retrieve. In a military environment incorrect partitioning can leave units without the information they need to function when communications are restricted due to hostile action. Currently, partitioning is performed by guesswork by high paid consultants, sometimes well, but often poorly. The proposed tool will make the partitioning process scientific and accurate leading to lower costs and better decision making.
