Reducing lifecycle costs through reuse in military software development

Military software development is under pressure to deliver more capability at lower cost. Defence platforms may remain in service for decades, but the software supporting them must evolve constantly. Too often, this leads to expensive redevelopment projects and duplicated effort. A better approach is to reduce lifecycle costs by reusing proven components and ensuring interoperability across systems.

Why reuse matters in defence

Defence organisations operate a mix of modern cloud platforms and deeply embedded legacy systems. Rebuilding or replacing these systems every time a new requirement emerges is unsustainable. Reuse allows teams to extend the life of existing applications, cut duplication, and avoid the spiralling costs of bespoke development.

This is where 2GoCloud’s universal mobile layer is directly relevant. Instead of creating separate mobile apps for each system, one secure, no‑code layer provides access to all enterprise applications — whether they are cloud‑based, bespoke, or legacy. That single layer is reusable across multiple projects, reducing the need for redevelopment and lowering total cost of ownership.

How does reuse reduce risk as well as cost?

Procurement teams often ask: “How do we know this solution won’t become obsolete in five years?” With 2GoCloud, the answer lies in its adaptability. Because the platform works across devices and operating systems, and doesn’t require code changes to underlying applications, it can be reused as systems evolve. This reduces vendor lock‑in and ensures investments made today continue to deliver value tomorrow.

What does interoperability look like in practice?

Interoperability means personnel can securely access multiple applications through one platform, regardless of vendor or age. For defence users, that might mean:

• Accessing logistics systems in the field.

• Updating maintenance records on deployment.

• Collaborating across units with real‑time data.

All of this is possible without rewriting code or retraining personnel. The Common User Platform reduces training burden, while the consistent interface ensures smoother adoption across services and agencies.

Measuring lifecycle savings

2GoCloud backs up its claims with hard numbers. The Mobile App Development Calculator allows defence organisations to compare traditional development costs with the 2GoCloud approach, while the Remote Operations Calculator focuses on operational efficiency and cost savings across remote deployments. Clients typically see savings of over 75% in total cost of ownership when using the Remote Operations Calculator, while the Mobile App Calculator can demonstrate even greater reductions compared to building and maintaining multiple bespoke apps. These calculators provide procurement teams with the evidence they need to justify reuse as a cost‑saving strategy.

Long‑term impact for defence operations

By embedding reuse into military software development, organisations can:

• Lower sustainment costs by maintaining fewer, standardised access layers.

• Reduce training time thanks to a consistent user interface.

• Improve operational efficiency by enabling secure access from any device, including BYOD.

• Enhance situational awareness with real‑time data flow across units.

The result is not just lower cost, but greater agility and resilience across the lifecycle of defence platforms.

Use the Remote Operations Calculator to see how much you could save, and book a demo to explore how 2GoCloud’s universal mobile layer reduces lifecycle costs in military software development.

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