Page 118 - Trends in Telecommunication Reform 2016

4.2 Interop framework and use cases together, often relying upon technological tools,
can determine whether the most seamlessly
Defining interoperability is challenging because interoperable systems prove effective at their
there is no one-size-fits-all definition. How one given tasks. For example recent research on
defines interop is based largely on context and online learning tools has shown that the students
perspective. For example, in the context of who have both human and online instruction
electronic health records, patients may define get the most out of the experience. The human
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interoperability as seamless access to their instructors bridge the gap for students when
medical records. But the third-party operator software alone falls short of meeting their
of the hospital’s e-health records database may individual needs. In other words, it is not sufficient
define interoperability as the ability to technically simply to connect students with information
interconnect with the hospital’s computer systems without thinking about the other layers that affect
and integrate health records in a meaningful (and their comprehension of the material.
secure) way. In that regard, interop is not just one
type of transaction or relationship, it encompasses What, then, do each of these interop layers mean?
many forms of interaction, often occurring
simultaneously. A transaction as simple as sharing • Technological: The technological layer is the
electronic vaccination records with a new doctor hardware and code that allows one system
might require numerous and concurrent forms of to connect physically to another. Much like
interoperability in order to succeed. train tracks and roads allow cities to connect
and share commerce, the technological layer
Although interop can mean many things, it is allows systems to connect to one another and
fundamentally the ability to transfer and render share data, often through an explicit, agreed-
useful data and information across systems, upon interface.
applications, or components. But this definition
does not fully embrace the complex and • Data: The data layer is the ability of
varying layers of interop. In theoretical terms, interconnected systems to understand each
interoperability functions across four broad layers other. Technological interoperability is often
of complex systems, as shown in Figure 4.1. worthless without the data layer and the
ability of interconnected systems to make
Many people think of the exchange of data use of the transmitted bits. The data and
through technological means when they think technological layers often are considered
about interop. But case studies demonstrate together because they are inextricably linked
that the human and institutional aspects of in many ways. However, anyone who has
interoperability are often just as vital – and ever received an e-mail attachment that their
sometimes even more important -- than the computer could not open understands that
technological aspects. How individuals work simply having the technological capacity to
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Figure 4.1: Diagram of interop layers

TECHNOLOGICAL DATA
Hardware and code that Ability of interconnected systems
allows connection to understand each other
INTEROP

Effective engagement Ability to understand and
of societal systems act on data exchange
INSTITUTIONAL HUMAN

Source: ITU

100 Trends in Telecommunication Reform 2016