Who is dropping in here to discuss interoperability?
At what level of detailed concern? The general level of the Interoperability Principles, the Document Interoperability Initiative, or some narrower or broader (industry level, even) focus.
Also, at what level of "system" is interoperability of interest? The kind of technical interoperability that programmers deal with when integrating software, the interoperability that IT infrastructure and systems integrators are concerned with, or the broad level of interoperability between individuals and groups within, across, and between enterprises and communities?
I'll start.
I've decided I'm a standards geek and a documents geek. I'm very much interested in the interoperability that allows individuals to create, share, and collaborate using standards-based tools of their preference. So heterogeneity is part of it, as is multiple platform support.
I itch at wanting to know how we can be sure our electronic documents can be accessed and used as intended into the indefinite future. I am also keen about seeing people using different software being able to collaborate and round-trip their electronic materials using programs from different producers on different platforms. This is hard to accomplish and I am interested in how it might be achievable.
I also want to build things that support those itches. But talking is good and makes room for unexpected thoughts and ideas.
So, what itches you about interoperability?
- Dennis E. Hamilton
[I know, this is a comment, even though the subject is a question. I just don't want someone worrying that they need to clear this post with an answer. This is a generic question. I'd be happy to see many responses.]
I waited with some anticipation for the Interoperability Forums to open up. I didn't have any expectation about the mechanism, although I was a little surprised to see it on MSDN Forums.
It was very quiet for a while and then a noticeable condition of quiet MSDN Forums showed up. Questions from people with problems started showing up on more-or-less random topics. I'm not sure how that happens but I am impressed by the graciousness with which people are being offered supporting responses along with direction to forums where subject-matter experts are more likely to notice and provide further assistance.
So, in the midst of the quiet, I had to ask myself, what are my questions? What conversation am I interested in. That's what this post is about.