"SDR architectures will enable wireless devices to break free of predefined functions and capabilities so that new features can be implemented in real time, including the ability to update and change modulation schemes, protocol standards and frequency bands," Hart adds.

SDR is a reconfigurable, software-driven communications architecture, and along with it is emerging a family of software programmable radios that will enhance communications capabilities and reduce the cost of ownership.

Unlike previous radio systems, SDR radios can interoperate with each other and can be upgraded via software to incorporate the latest communications technologies. Interoperability is so essential because in any mix of military organizations there will also be a mix of radios that operate on various frequencies and use different protocols. SDR is well endowed to fulfill these objectives. It also can help solve the interoperability issues that occur when different organizations attempt to communicate with each other.

The Joint Tactical Radio System Joint Program Office (JTRS JPO) is encouraging military equipment providers and to bring equipment to the marketplace. The program is divided into four sub-programs, know as 'clusters.' Contracts for Cluster 5 were awarded only recently.

Here in the United States recent contracts will help to further entrench traditional military players like General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. However, these awards will also fund several smaller SDR vendors, such as PrismTech and Vanu, as well as create new opportunities for many other emerging players who are not included in the current contract team.

As for military progress outside of the United States, there are reports of programs accelerating in Canada, Great Britain, Finland and Sweden and that may be just the tip of the foreign military JTRS iceberg.