The US House Of Representatives is pushing for big tech platforms to allow other systems to connect with their tech more easily.
What does this mean for you?
In information technology, interoperability is defined as the ability of computer systems or software to exchange and make use of information.
You might have heard that one of the biggest features of Microsoft Windows 11 is the ability to operate Android applications.
That is a classic case of interoperability.
Some industry analysts have always advocated for interoperability. Others have argued that it was either impossible or unprofitable.
The argument for exclusivity and stand-alone hardware and software is one we are already familiar with.
You currently cannot run Windows software on Mac OS. Windows users, meanwhile, would give an arm and a leg to be able to use the Final Cut suite of software.
Sideloading Android applications on computers have been a way of getting around the lack of interoperability.
With this push, it is only a matter of time before you start seeing your favorite applications available across all operating systems.
Hopefully, a single purchase or subscription would be valid across different platforms. Else, that would defeat the point of the whole change.
For developers, what would be the impact of interoperability?
This would mean your applications and programs would either be universally operable across platforms. Alternatively, with a plugin or API, your users would be able to work cross-platform.
As the different platforms announce their next move in terms of interoperability, developers would know where they stand.
Changes across the industry would mean developers would have to learn a bit more to stay updated with the next trend.
The best-case scenario for developers right now would mean after creating a program, you don’t have to create another one from scratch for other platforms.
With just a bit of modification or a couple of extra lines of code, you should be ready to go on other platforms.
Another benefit of interoperability for developers is that it opens up more markets for you.
If your application can be used across different platforms, it almost guarantees that more people will be using your program.
That should leave you smiling at the bank.
As we witness more interoperability come into play, the tech industry’s future is more promising as new adopters, developing nations, hobbyists, and investors find multiple uses and cheaper solutions to problems.
It will also mean that manufacturers can explore new markets and hopefully cut down on duplications that often result in wastage and have a negative environmental impact.