Devices working together.
WHY IT MATTERS
Customers resist devices that work only with one vendor's system.
WHAT STANDARDS EXIST
Communication protocols Data models describing measurements Device description formats Application-layer standards for specific domains
WHAT DATA MODEL STANDARDS PROVIDE
Agreement on what a measurement means, not only how it is transmitted.
WHY THAT SECOND PART MATTERS
Two systems can exchange messages and still disagree about the content.
WHAT INTEROPERABILITY ACTUALLY REQUIRES
Common protocol Common data representation Common semantics Common security model
WHAT USUALLY FAILS
Semantics.
WHAT TO PUBLISH
Your data model and protocol, documented.
WHY
It makes integration possible without your involvement.
WHAT PROPRIETARY APPROACHES PROVIDE
Control, and easier evolution.
WHAT THEY COST
Customer resistance, and difficulty integrating.
WHAT TO PREFER
Standard protocols with documented extensions.
WHAT CERTIFICATION PROGRAMMES PROVIDE
Assurance of interoperability within an ecosystem.
WHAT THEY COST
Fees and testing.
WHAT TO ASSESS
Whether your customers require it.
