An interoperable usage management framework

Abstract

In this paper, we describe a formal framework for usage management that provides a scaffolding upon which interoperable usage management systems can be built. We apply the principles of system design to standardize certain features of the framework, such as the operational semantics, and leave free of standards areas that necessitate choice and innovation. We demonstrate that such an approach enables us to achieve a balance of flexibility and usability for the purpose of interoperability in usage management systems. We provide a formal model that allows us to define formal semantics for interoperability.