D4.2: Set of requirements for interoperability of Identity Management Systems

FIDIS DEFINITION AND WHAT IS ENABLED

Definition and what is enabled

Robben used the same definition as proposed by the EU’s ATHENA project “The ability of two or more networks, systems, devices, applications or components to exchange information between them and to use the information so exchanged.”

For Neke, interoperability is more a question of technical standards, interfaces and gateways. She says that a central topic is the introduction of a new system for social security numbers in Germany, which have to be unique and valid for the lifetime of a patient. For Müller, an Identity Management System binds an identity in the network to a person and their role; an interoperable IMS also provides a general standard interface.

For Otter, interoperability of IMS figures as the ability to exchange information on identities correctly in a syntactical way by means of technical integration, with the goal of authentication and identification of physical and legal entities across different systems. An interoperable eCard system in the healthcare sector provides the citizen with the option to visit any doctor or hospital.