interoperability

n. ability to work together; ability of two computers of different types to work together and communicate (Computers)

Interoperability is a property referring to the ability of diverse systems and organizations to work together (inter-operate). The term is often used in a technical systems engineering sense, or alternatively in a broad sense, taking into account social, political, and organizational factors that impact system to system performance.
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Noun
1. (computer science) the ability to exchange and use information (usually in a large heterogeneous network made up of several local area networks)
(hypernym) ability
(classification) computer science, computing

1. The ability of systems, units, or forces to provide services to and accept services from other systems, units or forces and to use the services so exchanged to enable them to operate effectively together. [JP1] 2. The condition achieved among communications-electronics systems or items of communications-electronics equipment when information or services can be exchanged directly and satisfactorily between them and/or their users. The degree of interoperability should be defined when referring to specific cases. [JP1] (188 )

The ability of software and hardware on multiple machines from multiple vendors to communicate.