An open system architecture framework for interoperability

The interoperability of systems is a critical factor for firms to make informed operational and strategic decisions and achieve a competitive edge in the marketplace. As a result, open systems that have a higher level of interoperability with secured and stable operations have significant relevance in today’s global economy. Interoperability is accomplished through appropriate system architecture and design. Thus, to achieve the open system interoperability, this paper proposes a framework that looks at the system architecture at various levels of abstraction/implementation and identifies the required attributes at each of these levels. This framework can be used as a reference to analyse and determine interoperability requirements at all levels and prioritise the required aspects of interoperability.