We are excited to announce the publication of “Interoperability is a Fundamental Requirement for the Open Metaverse,” in the proceedings of the 2024 IEEE International Symposium on Emerging Metaverse (ISEMV) held in conjunction with this year’s IEEE Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality (ISMAR).
The paper defines technological interoperability and makes the case that an open and inclusive metaverse must prioritize interoperability in order to integrate with past, present, and future IT components. The paper advocates for collaboration within and across industries to create standards that enable innovation and integration at scale.
In the paper, Forum board member Christine Perey explores how the rapid evolution of metaverse technologies hinges on the ability to connect and integrate diverse systems at scale. Risks posed by siloed, proprietary platforms include fragmentation and barriers to innovation. Without interoperability, developers and customers will suffer from “lock in” and be unable to easily choose and personalize their user experiences. Perey outlines three zones where the Forum’s members are advancing the development of interoperability but stresses that there are many more requirements that will need similar investment for success. By identifying requirements in Forum working groups, members are helping Standards Development Organizations to prioritize their metaverse standardization efforts. These efforts are crucial in enabling the full potential of immersive experiences and digital interactions.
By bringing together over 2,600 members, including technology providers, developers, and standards organizations, the Metaverse Standards Forum acts as a hub for pre-standardization discussions, the development of interoperability frameworks, and the promotion of existing and emerging standards. Its working groups are tackling vital areas such as 3D asset interoperability, real/virtual world integration, and identity management, ensuring that the foundational building blocks of the Metaverse are open and interoperable across platforms. This work paves the way for a more inclusive, scalable, and innovative Metaverse.
The Metaverse Standards Forum is actively working on interoperability initiatives shaping the future of the Metaverse. Join us in this mission!
Please read the full paper here, this is also available in the IEEE Xplore library. Please also explore the slides from the ISEMV presentation.
