The concept of operations is shifting-from large static units with fixed missions to small groups operating independently, with shifting goals. These groups need to coordinate with respect to information, goals and resources. They need to predictably interact with each other and with autonomous, distributed sensors and operational equipment. Unpredictability regarding where, when, how, and with whom we need to interact creates the need for developing open (unbounded) systems that are both flexible and predictable. The habitats concept moves the locus of control and context sensitivity from the component (or agent) level to the habitat level-for features where the components in a habitat do have common elements of control, function, and accountability. It provides the ability to easily define and evolve habitats by expressing rules and constraints in system architecture and combining enforcement with adaptability by providing authorized services through controlled extensibility-enabling capabilities.