¶ Interoperability Model
The eTag Fuse Interoperability Model defines the architectural and conceptual structure that powers collaboration across systems, domains, and workflows.
It distinguishes two critical constructs:
- Layers of Interoperability — how execution happens in Fuse
- Domains of Interoperability — what capabilities interoperate during that execution
Together, they form the foundation of governed, explainable, multi-domain orchestration — enabling intelligent, adaptive, and secure digital ecosystems.
¶ 1. Why a Model Is Needed
Interoperability is often misunderstood as simple integration or API connectivity.
In reality, true interoperability means:
- Systems collaborate with shared meaning and governed context
- People, AI, policies, and tools work together across domains
- Execution is traceable, explainable, and adaptable to change
This model helps:
- Architects design with the right conceptual building blocks
- Developers build workflows that span layers and domains
- Organizations evolve from siloed systems to orchestrated ecosystems
Interoperability is not a feature. It’s a system-wide capability — one that requires both architecture and intent.
¶ 2. The Layers of Interoperability
Fuse defines four execution layers that govern how logic runs and decisions are made:
| Layer | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Integration | Connect systems and move data | REST, SQL, Webhooks, EDI |
| Automation | React to events or rules with self-triggered behavior | Pipelines, triggers, time-based jobs |
| Orchestration | Coordinate multi-step flows across actors and systems | Approvals, retries, compensation logic |
| Interoperability | Enable shared context, policy enforcement, and collaboration | Tokens, identity mapping, domain federation |
Each layer builds on the one below it. All domains in Fuse execute through these layers — gaining visibility, resilience, and policy enforcement.
Learn more about the Layers of Interoperability
¶ 3. The Domains of Interoperability
Domains define what interoperates.
A domain is a modular scope of functionality — like AI, UI, Messaging, or Security, Governance & Trust — that can participate in workflows, policy enforcement, and runtime execution.
Every domain is:
- Composable — Used across workflows and environments
- Governed — Enforced with token scopes and runtime rules
- Observable — Logs, metrics, and audit coverage
- Extensible — Developer frameworks enable custom logic and providers
Domains are not passive modules. They are active, governed participants in orchestration.
Explore the Domains of Interoperability
Want to compare the layers side-by-side?
Interoperability Layer Comparison — See how each layer contributes uniquely to the Fuse execution model.
¶ 4. How Layers and Domains Work Together
In Fuse:
- Layers handle execution logic — how things run, how decisions are made
- Domains handle capability and purpose — what actions are possible, what services are involved
¶ Example
A fraud detection flow might involve:
- Integration layer receiving a webhook
- Automation layer triggering a pipeline
- Orchestration layer coordinating review + escalation
- Interoperability layer applying token-based access and policy
And the participating domains could include:
- AI domain — for model inference
- UI domain — to capture reviewer input
- Security, Governance & Trust domain — to enforce access scope, verify identity, and log the approval chain
Execution happens through layers. Purpose is fulfilled through domains.
¶ 5. Visualizing the Model
Figure: The Interoperability Model — Layers define how execution happens. Domains define what capabilities interoperate.
You can visualize this model as a grid:
- Horizontal Axis (Layers) — Execution flow
- Vertical Axis (Domains) — Capabilities available to interoperate
- Intersection — Orchestration that is secure, explainable, and composable
We recommend using this model as the foundation for system design and process architecture in Fuse.
¶ 6. Why This Model Enables Strategic Interoperability
Fuse does not enforce interoperability through glue code or manual logic.
It embeds it into the architecture — by requiring:
- All actions to pass through composable execution layers
- All capabilities to be defined in interoperable, governed domains
- All flows to be observable, traceable, and policy-aware
This makes Fuse ideal for:
- Federated systems
- Multi-role coordination
- AI + human collaboration
- Compliance-enforced workflows
- High-trust data ecosystems
¶ 7. Related Concepts
- Layers of Interoperability — How execution is governed
- Domains of Interoperability — What interoperates
- Interoperability Maturity Model — How to measure and evolve your capabilities
- Interoperability Roadmap — Phases for adoption and scale
“Systems don’t transform because you connect them.
They transform when they interoperate — with shared meaning, governance, and purpose.”
— eTag Fuse Interoperability Philosophy