Command and control information systems semantic interoperability using a canonical messaging approach

Abstract

AbstractIn presence of rapid development of information and communications technology (ICT) able to increase data processing, much more data can be stored, used and/or mediated and disseminated. Today, information and knowledge become a resource of strategic importance in complex systems, both business and military. On the other hand the question of credibility of the collected data arises: complex systems have to deal with an increasing access to information with less knowledge about their origins and their quality. Due to this lack of information on information, contemporary organizations suffer from organizational indifference. In this paper the ways and means for ensuring semantic interoperability in order to achieve information superiority in complex systems are examined, with special emphasis to military systems using Command and Control Information Systems (C2IS). Canonical messages (canonical intermediaries) based on canonical forms (canonical data models and formats) reduce the number of transformation maps that system must create and manage. An approach based on canonical messaging within the military domain is presented: Multilateral Interoperability Programme (MIP). If implemented correctly and consistently it should lead to achievement of information superiority.