Josh:

The concept is actually related to 'open architecture.' The purpose is to provide a standard where different software manufacturers (CMMS, CBM technology, etc.) products can inter-relate. Basically, information can be easily shared between applications.

The concept is good. But having been a CBM technology developer/vendor, it will end up having to be an end-user driven development. MIMOSA provides one of the first standards to push this concept, but meets with a fair amount of resistance from vendors who see it as having to possibly share or limit their development.