Towards Wholeness and Integrity of Distributed Dynamic Systems

In an addition to the variety of topics listed in the Aims and Scope of the Journal of Computer Science and Systems Biology, we want to offer here some more areas within its general orientation which could encourage extended research and paper submissions. These especially relate to efficient organization of large distributed dynamic systems of diverse natures which may require innovative, even revolutionary, solutions reflecting the growing world dynamics in the 21st century.

We are witnessing a dramatic change in the character of national and international activity, especially in crisis and conflict areas, with the use of asymmetric, unconventional, and hybrid solutions. They may simultaneously involve economy, ecology, international relations, ethnicity, culture, law, religion, etc., defense and military too, occupying both physical and virtual environments. These solutions may need to be holistic, multidimensional, and highly integral in order to succeed.

The aim of this message is not to present new research or implementation results in aparticular field but rather introduce and popularize some important directions which could extend the benefits of symbiosis between ideas of computer science and biology under the general banner of wholeness and integrity of large distributed systems, including new technologies for their effective management and control.

Current Management Philosophy: Interoperability

Interoperability  is a quality of a system with understood and clear interfaces to work with other systems without restrictions. There may be different kinds of interoperability. Syntactic interoperability means that two or more systems are just capable to communicate with each other. Semantic interoperability supposes that beyond the ability to exchange information, different systems are capable of interpreting the exchanged information. Cross-domain interoperability occurs is when different kinds of entities (which may be multiple social, organizational, political, legal, etc.) can work together for a common purpose.

Interoperability is the key principle at present for joint operations in both civil and military areas. For example, NATO has been based on interoperability since 1949 when it was founded. Interoperability allows organizations of different nationalities and armed services to conduct joint peacekeeping operations. Interoperability is also dominant in any international relief missions acting after natural or manmade disasters