What does interoperability in software refer to?

Interoperability in software fundamentally refers to the ability of different software systems to communicate and work together effectively. This means that systems can exchange data, utilize each other's services, and operate collaboratively without compatibility issues. In practice, interoperability allows software applications from various developers or built upon different platforms to function seamlessly, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.

The focus is on interactions with specified systems, which may include different operating systems, applications, or even hardware components. Achieving interoperability often requires adherence to standards and protocols that facilitate this communication.

Other aspects, such as reliability across different platforms or the capacity for updates, are important for software quality but do not encapsulate the essence of interoperability. Performance efficiency is also vital in evaluating software but does not directly relate to the ability of different systems to work together. Therefore, the most accurate representation of interoperability is indeed the ability of software to interact with specified systems.