Defining requirements for a standard simulation environment

A simulation environment combines the many elements of simulation into one powerful tool. A standard based on a reference model would benefit users and researchers alike. We define a reference model for general-purpose discrete-event simulation environments, as well as the associated requirements for the model's functional layers, to be used as the basis for a future standard. We characterize environments by highlighting and grouping different tasks with common traits. Each group can then be related to the other groups in a logical, structured manner to create a model for a standard environment. Functionally, the standard environment would reside between the modeler (user) and the hardware platform's operating system