Untangling technology debates on information sharing and interoperability

Network centric warfare is a challenge that raises a number of interoperability problems. How many times have you heard? 1) "XML solves the interoperability problem". 2) "Web services solve the interoperability problem". 3) "Common data models solve the interoperability problem". If you are tired or confused by these unsubstantiated statements, join the crowd. If you believe there is no silver bullet for interoperability, you probably live in the real world of operations. The fact of the matter is that there are various ways to exchange and share information and all have pros and cons. This paper describes the various information sharing and exchange techniques currently used and discussed in the military and their relative differences. Knowledge is essential to any rational discussion on interoperability technologies and approaches. This paper attempts to provide that knowledge.