Achieving Interoperability through Semantics-Based Technologies: The Instant Messaging Case

Abstract

Abstract. The success of pervasive computing depends on the ability to compose a multitude of networked applications dynamically in order to achieve user goals. However, applications from different providers are not able to interoperate due to incompatible interaction protocols or disparate data models. Instant messaging is a representative example of the current situation, where various competing applications keep emerging. To enforce interoperability at runtime and in a non-intrusive manner, mediators are used to perform the necessary translations and coordination between the heterogeneous applications. Nevertheless, the design of mediators requires considerable knowledge about each application as well as a substantial development effort. In this paper we present an approach based on ontology reasoning and model checking in order to generate correct-by-construction mediators automatically. We demonstrate the feasibility of our approach through a prototype tool and show that it synthesises mediators that achieve efficient interoperation of instant messaging applications.

Automated Synthesis of Mediators to Support Component Interoperability

“…In [41], we focus on the role of ontologies to support one-to-one mapping between heterogeneous IM applications. We started by defining an IM ontology and used it to annotate the interfaces of the IM components.…”

Composing Distributed Systems: Overcoming the Interoperability Challenge

“…Such mediation is especially appropriate for the middleware layer where heterogeneous middleware protocols may rather easily be mapped onto a common protocol when the middleware implement the same interaction paradigm. Application-layer reference protocols may also be considered for commonly encountered applications like messaging systems [7].…”

“…All these approaches tackle middleware interoperability assuming the use of the same application on top, while for components to be able to work together, differences at both application and middleware layers need to be addressed. Similar approaches may be applied for application-layer protocols and actually are, but this is restricted to specific applications that are commonly encountered nowadays, like messaging applications [7]. In general, interoperability solutions based on the implementation of mediators do not scale to the unbounded universe of applications.…”