One of the prominent features of WICS that will reduce costs is that it will function with existing (in 2025) collection and communications systems. A partnership with the commercial space sector will give opportunities for cooperative relationships that have the potential to reduce costs. For example, a program similar to the Civil Reserve Aircraft Fleet (CRAF) can be used to augment military space capabilities, particularly in the area of communications satellites. Cost elements will include LEO Harvesters, interface costs associated with plugging the existing systems into WICS, data-processing hardware, communications infrastructure, and personal interface computers.

There is a high probability a system like WICS could be functioning in 30 years. The commercial sector is currently driving the market for advances in computing and communications technology because of the public's growing appetite for information access and mobile portable communications. Potential military applications cannot be ignored.

The layered implementation of WICS will serve several purposes and alleviate many concerns. First it will assure military campaigns are conducted under the principles of centralized control and decentralized execution. Second, it will maintain the compartmentalization (i.e., need to know) character of the information security. Third, it will avoid information overload by presenting only necessary information in a recognizable and usable format.

Another possible concern is the reliance on space systems for military command and control. Space is a difficult and hazardous place to do business. Reliance on the LEO collectors and GEO processors raises several concerns. For example, what if they fail or what if the space environment interferes? Two things can be done to counter this concern. First, develop a backup system that can be utilized in the event of satellite failure. Basically, the data could be processed on the ground instead of on-orbit. This will reduce the timeliness of the data. Second, push for micro (throw-away) satellites and cost-effective, responsive space lift. If satellites fail or if they are attacked, they can be easily replaced with a responsive launch system.

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