Toward an Interoperability Reference Model

Abstract : Every discussion of interoperability tends to require an enormous preamble having to do with finding the right layer of a nonexistent reference model. Are we talking about cognitive, doctrinal, data element standardization, networking ...? Or are we talking about elements of information technology that, at best, handle interoperability as a side effect (software portability is an example)? And when we get to prescriptive issues (architecture) are we talking about interoperability between systems or requirements analysis within a single system? The ISO Reference Model is universally used within the Internet community as a means of organizing the discourse. The Reference Model is properly described as a taxonomy. A means for organizing the discussion. This paper proposes an Interoperability Reference Model that is intended to perform the same function for interoperable information systems as the ISO Reference Model does for interoperable networks -- organize the discussion.