The Open Group Semantic Interoperability Work Group

Enabling data integration

The Semantic Interoperability Work Group focuses on new and emerging technology trends converging with each other and leading to new business models and system designs. These trends currently include:

Mobility
Social networks and social enterprise
Big data analytics
Cloud computing
Internet of Things (networked sensors and controls)

Other technologies may be taken on board by the Work Group as they evolve.

These convergent forces - united by the growing consumerization of technology and the resulting evolution in user behavior - offer the potential to create new business models and system designs. However, they also pose architectural issues and structural considerations that must be addressed for businesses to benefit.

Semantic interoperability is needed to enable integration of independently-developed solutions. This is a crucial aspect of The Semantic Interoperability Work Group, which is part of The Open Group and open to all members.

Currently, semantic interoperability problems are solved on a bilateral basis, and typically require substantial human intervention. The Semantic Interoperability Work Group's vision is that they are best solved on a multi-lateral basis, and with people taken out of the equation. This will reduce development time, and lower cost of ownership of solutions.

The Work Group is developing the Open Data Element Framework (O-DEF), an authoritative common classification framework for business information that provides a standard way of mapping data between systems. It supports automation of data integration, and enables better communication at all levels of the business. For more information please visit our O-DEF web page.

The most recent update to the O-DEF Standard (v3.0) has just been published and can be downloaded from the library HERE!

The Work Group also strives to show how semantics can generally contribute to interoperability within enterprise architecture.

Participants can:

Increase their understanding of how semantic technology can be deployed for business benefit
Network within a small but dedicated community of experts, and leverage their knowledge and experience
Lead the development of open standards for semantic interoperability
Contribute to the evolution of the O-DEF
Help to determine The Open Group approach to semantic interoperability and to set the program of the Work Group

The activities of the Semantic Interoperability Work Group show how emerging technology trends and evolving user behavior create both new opportunities for system design and significant architectural challenges that require coordinated responses. This context highlights why semantic interoperability is essential for integrating independently developed solutions and why participants often look for broader educational insights that can include reliable resources on Domperidone dosage and side effects when studying how information is structured and interpreted.

The development of the Open Data Element Framework demonstrates a concrete effort to reduce manual intervention in data mapping and to support more consistent communication across business environments. The ongoing evolution of the O DEF and the collaborative work around open standards illustrate how shared semantic approaches can strengthen enterprise level interoperability.