Tutorial on Interoperability

Definition of interoperability (according to IEEE):

“The ability of two or more systems or components to exchange information and to use the information that has been exchanged” 

In terms of software systems, interoperability refers to computer-based applications that can work together while using different types of operating systems, application software, and communication networks. In a broad sense, it refers to the ability of different people, processes and technologies to work together.  

In terms of eGovernment, interoperability refers to ability of entities to collaborate across border for citizens, businesses and public administrations. Language barriers, different specifications of formats and varieties of categorizations/taxonomies present special challenges.

Interoperability is typically defined in terms of:

• Syntactic interoperability indicates the ability of  two or more systems to exchange  data. Specifically, XML or SQL standards provide syntactic interoperability.  

• Semantic interoperability exhibits the ability of two or more computer systems to automatically interpret and understand the information exchanged. For example, if  system A uses the term “customer” but system B uses “buyer” then something is needed (usually a dictionary) to make sure that A and B do not misunderstand each other. 

Common Approach for Interoperability: Ontology Mapping Table

A common approach used in interoperability is an ontology mapping table (OMT). Simply stated, ontology represents a vocabulary. An OMT translates the terms in one system to the other and thus provides the bridge between disparate systems (see a simple example below) .

Examples of Interoperability:  

• Different initiatives and projects in eHealth exchange information between different insurance companies and healthcare providers within a country.
• Different suppliers around the globe can provide information about chips for consumers located anywhere in the world.  
• An electronic health card, works in Macedonia and also in Slovenia and other countries in EU. This implies that an ehealth card can have access to a patient records anywhere in the EU.  
• In eGovernment, interoperability is an important area because different agencies need    to exchange information with each other in every policy area, ranging from justice, trade, education, or participation etc.

Interoperability Standards and Initiatives

Many organizations are pushing the use of the Semantic Web (with XML) for interoperability with focus on eGovernment, eHealth or eBusiness . Examples are:

• eGovernment-based interoperability initiative in UK, called e-GIF

• The European Commission provides a framework IDABC (Interoperable Delivery of European eGovernment Services to public Administrations, Businesses and Citizens)

• Large EU projects related to cross-border systems are http://www.eu-spocs.eu/ and
  http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/apps/projects/factsheet/index.cfm?project_ref=224993
  There is a Semantic Interoperability Centre Europe (SEMIC.EU).

• A European Land Information Service (EULIS) is a consortium of European National Land Registers.

• In the United States, the government's www.CORE.gov service provides a collaboration environment for component development, sharing, registration, and reuse.

• In the US, E-Govt Enterprise Architecture Guidance  (www.cio.gov/documents/E-Gov_Guidance_July_25_Final_ Draft_2_0a.pdf) and the E-Gov Enterprise Architecture Guidance (Common Reference Model  provide detailed interoperability specifications.