1.4. Guidelines for Interoperability Profile Development

9. Due to the dynamic nature of NATO operations, the complex Command and Control structure, and the diversity of Nations and Communities of Interest (COI), interoperability must be anchored at critical points where information and data exchange between entities exists. The key drivers for defining a baseline set of interoperability profiles include:

  • Identify the Service Interoperability Points and define the Service Interface Profiles

  • Use standards consistent with the common overarching and reference architectures

  • Develop specifications that are service oriented and independent of the technology implemented in National systems where practical

  • Use mature technologies available within the NATO Information Enterprise

  • Develop modular profiles that are reusable in future missions or capability areas

  • Use an open system approach to embrace emerging technologies

10. The starting point for development of a profile is to clearly define the Service Interoperability Point where two entities will interface and the standards in use by the relevant systems.

11. The use of "shall" in this guidance document is intended to establish a minimum level of content for NATO and NATO candidate profiles, but is suggested-but-not-binding on non-NATO profiles (national, NGO, commercial and other entities).

12. The NISP is the governing authoritative reference for NATO interoperability profiles. Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and education, Personnel, Facilities and Interoperability (DOTMLPFI) capability analysis may result in a profile developer determining that some of the capability elements may not be relevant for a particular profile. In such cases, the "not applicable" sections may either be marked "not applicable" or omitted at the author's discretion.