This research investigates the varying discovery protocols available and abstracts common elements to provide an interoperable framework. We look into a variety of discovery domains and treating all discoverable items as resources. An analysis and abstraction of common elements is performed to provide a structured hierarchy of discovery semantics. Different network models were investigated to derive a dynamic discovery interface from all terminal types including servers, workstations and PDA's. As proof of concept, a security model has been implemented to provide an optimized and secure discovery framework that will integrate with the associated protocols' security models. This analysis motivates the design of a generic discovery framework that provides an open interface and integrates with existing and future discovery protocols.