"15.3.2 Examples of Microservices in IEF
The concept of microservices is well understood in modern architecture, but examples specific to IEF would help clarify how IEF applies the concept. Right now, the section discusses microservices generally but does not give concrete examples of what an IEF microservice might look like.
Suggest: Add a brief example of how a microservice operates within IEF.
""For instance, within an IEF-RA deployment, a Policy Decision Point (PDP) microservice could process authorization requests independently of other components. A separate Policy Enforcement Point (PEP) microservice could apply these decisions at the data layer, ensuring modular, scalable, and independently evolving security services.”
Suggest: Add a sentence linking IEF-RA explicitly to its role as a Reference Architecture, such as:
""As a Reference Architecture (RA), IEF provides a structured framework for implementing
policy-driven security in a standardized, interoperable, and modular manner. This ensures organizations can leverage best practices while maintaining flexibility in their specific implementations.""
15.4 Suggestion
1.9.2 Adaptation during Design
The IEF-RA is built upon a microservice-based architecture, enabling each service to evolve independently while maintaining interoperability through a standardized message-based Application Programming Interface (API). This modular approach ensures that adaptability is
embedded at the architectural level, allowing developers and system integrators to extend, enhance, or replace individual services to meet evolving operational needs.
Interoperability as a Core Principle
Interoperability is a fundamental Non-Functional Requirement (NFR) of IEF-RA, ensuring that independently developed services can seamlessly communicate and integrate across different mission environments. This principle aligns with open standards and allows organizations to deploy best-of-breed solutions while maintaining compliance with security and policy-driven governance models. (See OMG DIDORA Interoperability for more details.)
Key Benefits of IEF-RA’s Adaptive Architecture
1. Modular Evolution: Each IEF service can be upgraded, replaced, or extended without disrupting the entire framework, allowing organizations to adopt emerging technologies while preserving existing investments.
2. Flexible Integration: Standardized APIs facilitate seamless plug-and-play integration with existing infrastructure, reducing vendor lock-in and improving cross-domain interoperability.
3. Agile & Continuous Development: The microservice-based approach supports DevSecOps principles, allowing for incremental updates, iterative improvements, and rapid deployment to address new threats, policies, and mission requirements.
4. Scalability & Customization: Implementors can tailor IEF-RA configurations to specific use cases, whether in enterprise environments, cloud-based deployments, or tactical mission networks.
Example of IEF-RA Microservices in Action
For example, within an IEF-RA deployment, a Policy Decision Point (PDP) microservice could independently process authorization requests based on policy rules, while a Policy Enforcement Point (PEP) microservice applies those decisions at the data layer. A separate Policy
Administration Point (PAP) service manages policy updates and distribution across mission-critical environments. This modular approach ensures each service can scale independently, allowing for dynamic policy enforcement and secure information sharing across
multiple domains.
By decoupling services from a monolithic architecture, IEF-RA enables organizations to future-proof their security and information-sharing frameworks, ensuring they can adapt to evolving operational and technical landscapes while maintaining security, compliance, and efficiency."