Interoperability: The Missing Link

When people think about what it takes for a technology to make it big, some of the first things that spring to mind are affordability, accessibility, reliability and a differentiating factor. But as we inch towards an ever-connected world, there’s one thing that sets the winners apart from the losers – interoperability.  What is Interoperability & Why is it Important? Interoperability is the ability of devices and technologies to seamlessly exchange information and, in the case of hardware, parts, without it hampering their performance. This is especially important in a world where technology is almost ubiquitous, and most organisations and households have heterogeneous computing environments.  When it is made a tenet of a product or service, interoperability can help shave off some of the time and money spent on data exchange, which could be better used elsewhere. In IT, it also helps increase efficiency and reduce errors in relaying and translating information. One of the biggest advantages for users is that they can pick the best product or service for each of their needs. For instance, functions like web design and development might be best-suited to a Mac OS X, but it might be more cost-effective for an organisation to provide the rest of its staff with Windows computers. If interoperability is built into technologies, each function of a business is able to get the most out of their devices, without having to compromise on the speed and cost of information exchange. This is perhaps the most crucial in mHealth, where it can reduce the time taken to relay potentially life-saving information between different healthcare providers. It also helps doctors make quicker decisions and provide the best possible care to their patients. One more area that will benefit from increased interoperability is the Internet of Things (IoT), which is a network of interconnected physical devices that communicate with each other in real time, without any human intervention. And while the sector is seeing unprecedented growth, IoT can only achieve its full potential when all physical devices and the systems behind them embrace interoperability. What’s Holding Us Back? Incorporating interoperability into one’s technology seems like a no-brainer. However, its penetration still leaves something to be desired. In today’s cutthroat, competitive landscape, many businesses have found it to be more lucrative to facilitate interoperability within their own ecosystems, instead of aligning with their industry. And where organisations have made provisions, it is usually only at a device or network level, instead of encompassing platforms, applications and services as well. This also leads to incomplete data collection, or collection of poor quality data, which poses the biggest obstacle to compatibility. What is the Solution? Governments and organisations across the globe have recognised the importance of standardisation in inclusive growth and development. As a result, most countries have established national standardisation bodies that put forth their suggestions at the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Just like its contemporaries in other nations, India’s national standards body, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), looks to experts from various organisations, educational institutions and laboratories, in addition to policymakers and consumers, to contribute their expertise and inputs to the process. As the information technology sector becomes more and more relevant to business and our lives at large, BIS works tirelessly to formulate national standards in the space, which ensure reliability, sustainability, accessibility and, of course, interoperability. Perhaps the most noteworthy example of the importance of an interoperability standard comes in the form of a simple device that almost everyone possesses – a mobile phone charger. Just a few years ago, each phone came with a different charger, causing inconvenience to customers across the board. However, the micro-USB charger was eventually chosen as the standard, which has made users’ lives much easier. How Can You Benefit from This? As illustrated by the example above, interoperability is a priority of BIS and other standardisation bodies. They ensure that no user or company is left out of technological, and subsequently, economic development. Adhering to these standards also comes in use when new tenders are floated, as the requirements tend to be in line with the national standards. But that’s not all. BIS’ greatest strength lies in the fact that it is an open forum, to which organisations, professionals and academics can contribute their time and knowledge. Partaking in the formulation of national standards gives brands a chance to stay ahead of the curve and ensure that these parameters are in line with their own requirements and abilities. Furthermore, BIS is a member body representing India at the ISO and IEC, which means that India’s needs, priorities, viewpoints and national standards are considered during the formulation of global guidelines. Increased participation of private organisations and experts ensures that India has a fighting chance at the global stage and that no Indian gets left behind in the journey to prosperity. Devising standards that are global-thinking but India-relevant is crucial to making interoperability a characteristic of future technology. And Indian technology professionals and organisations contributing to the standardisation process have found it to be the key that can unlock their success. This is a partnered post.