Shared logic and shared storage OA systems and printers must be capable of being accessible from any existing VHA information system. There will be no vendor-specific requirements included in OA justifications. Any requests for exceptions to policy must be specifically justified in PlanMan and all applicable acquisition requests. Interconnectivity is the ability of dissimilar computer systems to physically connect to each other. Interoperability involves the ability of dissimilar computer systems to fully interact with each other.
Interoperability implies a higher level of integration than interconnectivity.
OSI is a collection of international standards developed by the International Standards Organization for the promotion of interconnectivity and interoperability of multi-vendor computer environments. The PlanMan software package provides the process by which health care facilities can enter data for their 5-year ADP plans. OA planning will be conducted consistent with VHA policy for ADP planning. All VHA OA initiatives will be in the facility's ADP Plan. For complete instruction and implementation of planning, resource acquisition, and management, refer to M-11, Chapter 2.