Browse Definitions :
Definition

compatibility

What is compatibility in IT?

In the world of IT, compatibility refers to the ability of software and hardware from different sources to work together without having to be altered to do so. This means that programs, devices and systems must interact with each other without issues arising.

For a system to be compatible, all components must agree on how they will exchange data and commands. Compatibility also includes compatibility with various operating systems so users can take advantage of features available in one OS but not another.

Compatibility can refer to interoperability between any two products: hardware and software, products of the same or different types, or different versions of the same product.

information technology components and functions
In IT, compatibility means programs, devices and systems interact with each other without issues arising.

Why is compatibility important?

Ultimately, compatibility ensures an optimal user experience by verifying computers, components and networks can all work together.

When compatibility is established between different pieces of technology, users are free to use any combination of software or hardware they choose, thus increasing productivity while decreasing costs.

Forward compatibility vs. backward compatibility

When compatibility is discussed, two terms are often used: forward compatibility and backward compatibility.

Forward compatibility refers to compatibility between different versions of the same product, while backward compatibility refers to compatibility between an older version of technology and a new version.

windows 10 vs. Windows 11
Forward compatibility refers to different versions of the same product.

Backward compatibility is usually more difficult as newer technology can use methods or protocols that were not supported in older devices. Nevertheless, it remains important for maintaining data integrity and ensuring customers' purchases remain valid over time. For example, newer 5G cellular-wireless devices are backwards compatible with older 4G devices, and the latest Wi-Fi standard, Wi-Fi 6 (or 802.11ax) is backward compatible with previous generations of Wi-Fi, such as Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) products.

Challenges with creating compatible software and hardware

It is important to recognize compatibility can be a challenge at times, and compatibility issues should be addressed as soon as possible.

Whether it is forward compatibility or backward compatibility, research should always be conducted before introducing new technology into an existing system to reduce compatibility issues. It also helps to check with the product manufacturer for compatibility advice.

Finally, there are many tools available that can help test components for compatibility before they are connected or installed (for example, for cross browser testing, hardware compatibility with an OS update, etc.). There are also third-party websites people can turn to as well, such as when building a PC from different components, that can tell if parts are compatible or not. User can also turn to vendor hardware compatibility lists as well. This ensures any potential compatibility problems can be identified and resolved quickly and efficiently.

What if two components are not compatible?

If two components are not compatible, users may need to find a way to bridge compatibility gaps or purchase technology that is fully compatible. For instance, there are also compatibility modes available in some operating systems which allow them to work with software written for older versions of the same OS.

compatibility modes in Windows
Example of Windows compatibility modes.

See five reasons software updates are important and learn how VSAN compatibility issues affect performance.

This was last updated in June 2013

Continue Reading About compatibility

Networking
  • CSU/DSU (Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit)

    A CSU/DSU (Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit) is a hardware device about the size of a modem. It converts a digital data ...

  • data streaming

    Data streaming is the continuous transfer of data from one or more sources at a steady, high speed for processing into specific ...

  • secure access service edge (SASE)

    Secure access service edge, also known as SASE and pronounced sassy, is a cloud architecture model that bundles network and ...

Security
  • application blacklisting (application blocklisting)

    Application blacklisting --increasingly called application blocklisting -- is a network or computer administration practice used ...

  • juice jacking

    Juice jacking is a security exploit in which an infected USB charging station is used to compromise devices that connect to it.

  • hypervisor security

    Hypervisor security is the process of ensuring the hypervisor -- the software that enables virtualization -- is secure throughout...

CIO
HRSoftware
  • recruitment process outsourcing (RPO)

    Recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) is when an employer turns the responsibility of finding potential job candidates over to a ...

  • human resources (HR) generalist

    A human resources generalist is an HR professional who handles the daily responsibilities of talent management, employee ...

  • employee lifecycle

    The employee lifecycle is a human resources model that identifies the different stages a worker advances through in an ...

Customer Experience
  • Adobe Experience Platform

    Adobe Experience Platform is a suite of customer experience management (CXM) solutions from Adobe.

  • virtual assistant (AI assistant)

    A virtual assistant, also called an AI assistant or digital assistant, is an application program that understands natural ...

  • inbound marketing

    Inbound marketing is a strategy that focuses on attracting customers, or leads, via company-created internet content, thereby ...

Close