Modes of Implementation of Interoperability

Abstract

Interoperability frameworks (IFs) recommend or prescribe the adoption of certain standards for networks, data, or workflows in the development of IT applications. When presenting our basic ideas for a re-conceptualization of what so far has been labeled organizational interoperability we emphasized that direct data exchanges between organizations was observably the exception rather than the rule (Fig. 3.6). While standards and interfaces have been adopted, still involvement of intermediaries and outsourcing of certain supporting functions might be viable avenue when implementing standards for interoperability. We have called these units intermediaries, or clearing centers, leaning on the term used in electronic funds transfer and in the EDI-/EDIFACT context. With regard to the electronic ordering and invoicing between retailers and manufacturers of branded goods these clearing centers provide services such as repackaging and routing of messages, adoption and translation of different data exchange formats or versions of EDI standards or directory services.