Virtual Reuse Library: initial implementation through interoperability

This paper describes the initial implementation at CARDS (Central Archive for Reusable Defense Software) of the Department of Defense (DoD)´s Virtual Reuse Library, which connects heterogeneous reuse libraries via the Internet to allow library users to access software assets from the other member libraries. Three reuse libraries are participating in the initial implementation, based on a jointly developed interoperability mechanism. A Memorandum of Understanding provides the fundamental agreement between the libraries; it details the rights and responsibilities of each member library. Library-to-library communication is accomplished via a client/server architecture. Within CARDS, a second client/server architecture is used to support users at any location on the Internet