Defence Technology Principles

Principle 5 — Build in futureproofing from the start

Futureproofing ensures the technology we use remains current, supported, secure and reliable

If you do not futureproof, our technology, data and systems may become out of date and open to security risks.

Suppliers, rather than Defence, are responsible for proactively managing the assets they provide and relevant documentation.

When we work with a supplier, contracts should have clauses to:

include requirements to keep assets up to date
ensure any software is a currently supported version
address the status and risk mitigation for current software and end of life software
ensure suppliers share data in open formats and provide documentation
enable tracking of all digital and data assets
create key performance indicators (KPIs)
use standard terminology

What you should do

To futureproof new and existing technology:

follow JSP 453 policy on Digital Operations
use agile ways of working within Defence, making iterative changes in a continuous development lifecycle
share and learn futureproofing best practice, from within and outside of Defence
track and manage all digital and data assets
use government technology and service standards
follow the guidance in the Common Technology Architecture

Updated 09 Sep 2024