Reconfigurable computing has been an active field of research for over 15 years. During this time, the field has focused on the use of hardware flexibility as a mechanism to achieve the end goals of performance and power optimization. Over this time, there have been some successes, but making a sustainable impact has been elusive. This paper will discuss a class of problems known as Long Life Cycle products (LLC) where flexibility in its own right is a first tier value along with cost, performance and power. In this product segment, future requirements volatility, enhanced reliability, and supply chain integrity are very significant concerns, and this paper will discuss the application of reconfigurable computing techniques to address these issues. The primary methodology consists of augmenting system level design techniques with fundamental elements of manufacturing, maintenance, and functional design centering. An interesting consequence of this methodology is the attractiveness of FPGAs because of their inherent flexibility as well as their enhanced properties for reliability/obsolescence. Finally, it should be noted that LLC products are likely to become a very significant part of the worldwide economy with the increased investments worldwide in areas such as medical devices, smart grid technologies, and smart homes. An illustrative example will be presented to demonstrate these critical concepts.