The aim of the NATO Software Policy is to improve the quality, cost effectiveness, Alliance-wide interoperability, national use and security of NATO acquired and operated software. Software should be highly re-usable, full life cycle supported for Alliance needs. The NATO Software Policy applies to software, specifically developed by NATO or acquired for NATO, that is either the property of NATO or where NATO has unlimited rights to use and distribute. Such software is referred to as NATO Software. For Alliance interoperability it is recommended that Nations apply this policy for multinational acquisitions.