I think we all have made some huge projects for interoperability with such different technologies, like IBM, Microsoft, Sun, Oracle, MySql and Macromedia, putting them all together using several SDK's and core technologies as XML, EJB's, WCF, etcetera.

"So much fun"... so where's the challege?

Do you have any ideas of really difficult interoperability scenarios? or any "dreamed milestones" for interoperability?

Thanx 

Hi Adrian-

I am glad to hear that you are already proficient at using interoperable technologies.  I look forward to reviewing your Interop Award Challenge entry!   

I have worked with many developers over the years who are very myopic on specific technologies and don’t realize the opportunities that exist when you leverage interoperable technologies to improve a solution.  The purpose of the Imagine Cup Interoperability Challenge is to showcase that there are a number of opportunities to leverage interoperability to add value on top of the Microsoft platform using technology for other vendors or the Open Source community.

There are of course a number of areas where interoperability can be improved – a couple of examples include document formats, and identity (federation, single sign-on etc.).  There is a lot of great work going on in the community to address these (and many other) issues.  I am really looking forward to seeing the innovative projects the students have built to solve interoperability challenges, as well as those that demonstrate where interoperability is already working well and can be leveraged to maximize impact.