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Interoperability evaluation models: a systematic review
Rezaei R., Chiew T., Lee S., Shams Aliee Z. Computers in Industry65 (1):1-23,2014.Type:Article
Date Reviewed: Nov 7 2014

The use of information systems to transfer information has always been challenging. Meeting operational or customer goals of openness requires the ability to quantify, compare, and improve those exchanges. This paper provides an excellent review of models that have been developed to help classify system interoperability levels. One of the most popular models is called the levels of information systems interoperability (LISI). This extensive model breaks up into five levels starting with the least formalized called isolated or manual, and moving through connected (peer-to-peer), functional (distributed), domain (integrated), and then enterprise (universal).

Other models, like the military variant MCISI, vary in how they classify these levels. Even a simple stoplight method was identified that recognizes the difficulty in quantifying interoperability capabilities, and contrasts how well a system meets operational versus acquisition requirements. Once identified, an interoperability matrix can be used for assessments of how well two systems interoperate at each level. With a color-coding approach, the pairwise relationships can be seen at a glance to understand where work might be needed, or if a system won’t meet operational requirements.

The paper also introduces newer concepts of cloud and ecosystem interoperability, and because of their newness and novelty, they are not well represented in the models studied. The enterprise interoperability maturity model was identified as the most modern and complete as it addresses more levels. While many systems might scope interoperability issues at the interface and information exchange level, this paper further organizes the issues into four granularities. For example, level 1 shows data, process, rules, objects, software systems, and cultural. Level 2 expands into knowledge, services, social networks, and electronic identity. Cloud and ecosystem interoperability round out the levels.

Once introduced, the ten models are then evaluated across a number of interoperability characteristics. Their analysis shows that all of the existing models cover the technical interoperability level, but only a few contain the organizational interoperability level. They also believe that higher value could be achieved by focusing on syntactic and semantic interoperability. To do that, the authors say more insight into areas like cultural knowledge, social networks, and other ecosystem interoperability issues will be required. The value of this paper is as a single source for deep analysis of important interoperability models while looking at future challenges.

Reviewer:  Scott Moody Review #: CR142911 (1502-0159)
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