COTS HERMETIC CONNECTORS

Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) is a term for software and/or hardware used for technology or computer products, that are ready-made and are available for sale, lease, or license to the general public.  COTS product strategy is an alternative to in-house development or one-off government-funded designs for Military and Aerospace program requirements.  Motivation for using COTS components include reduction of overall system development costs and reduced maintenance costs.  

The COTS Initiative was mandated in 1994 by Defense Secretary Perry and reinforced in 1997 by Defense Secretary Cohen.