FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the FAQ section. Got a question that does not fit into a specific category? No problem! Our general discussion Forum is open to all inquiries. Whether it is about installation, integration, or just a small question, we are here to help. 

What is Simpl and what is the difference between Simpl-Open, Simpl-Live and Simpl-Labs?

Simpl is a comprehensive middleware platform designed to support data access and interoperability among European data spaces. It is divided into three main products:

Simpl-Open: This is the open source middleware itself. It enables collaboration among users, data providers, infrastructure providers, and application providers within a decentralised system. Simpl-Open can be deployed in various ways, such as a gateway to the data space or as instances for individual actors. The primary function of Simpl-Open is to facilitate the flow of data between members and across sectors while ensuring that data remains at a national level rather than intergovernmental.

Simpl-Labs: This is a playground environment for experimenting with Simpl-Open software. It allows decision-makers to quickly prototype a data space and test interoperability before engaging with technical teams. Simpl-Labs helps users to assess their current level of interoperability with Simpl-Open, identify gaps, and explore functionalities they could gain from Simpl-Open. 

Simpl-Live: These are instances of Simpl-Open applied to six identified data spaces or data initiatives, including the European Health Data Space, European Open Science Cloud, Public Procurement Data Space, Destination Earth, Language Data Space, and Smart Communities Data Space. Simpl-Live represents real deployments of Simpl-Open tailored to these specific data spaces, which are currently undergoing feasibility studies to understand their needs and how Simpl-Open can address them.

Why and how is Simpl ‘open’?

Simpl is an open source, smart, and secure middleware platform that promotes data access and interoperability among European data spaces. Being open source means Simpl is publicly available, allowing anyone to view, modify, and distribute the software. This transparency provides insights into all parts of the architecture without proprietary restrictions, enabling simple deployment and customisation.  

What benefits does Simpl-Open offer to data spaces/initiatives?

Simpl-Open offers a middleware software stack built upon existing standards and components in the data space domain. The goal of Simpl is not to compete with current data space solutions, but to integrate existing work and complement the efforts of data initiatives.

By providing a free set of basic components, Simpl will reduce the initial time and resources required to start a new data space. The components will be open and modular, meaning that they can be modified according to the needs of each initiative, thereby expanding the set of solutions available for developing and running initiatives.

Additionally, by pursuing integration Simpl will foster community engagement and sharing, breaking down the silos that characterise current data space development. Simpl will become the common ground that enables interoperability not only within data spaces, but also between them; effectively unleashing the power of data to address cross-industry challenges. 

What does Simpl offer regarding the development of a data space?

Simpl-Open reduces efforts regarding the setup and operations of data spaces and initiatives by providing a robust set of capabilities and services based on well recognised protocols and standards. Harmonised services and standards across data spaces and initiatives are essential for interoperability.  

How does Simpl facilitate cross-data space interoperability (in standards, protocols, etc.)?

Simpl-Open promotes interoperability by adhering to recognised standards for data spaces. Collaboration with initiatives such as DSSC and Gaia-X is crucial in order to integrate relevant open source solutions into Simpl-Open. Discussions on interoperability across data spaces  will be subject to alignments in Simpl. 

Where can I learn and comment about the technical aspects of Simpl?

You can explore and comment on the technical aspects of Simpl through its open source repository. The repository contains the source code, detailed technical documentation, and other relevant resources, making it available to anyone interested in the technical details of Simpl. The repository is the place where developers can contribute , view the codebase, and find  detailed technical documentation about Simpl. The repository serves as a collaborative platform where developers, architects, and users can share insights, provide feedback, and participate in the ongoing development of Simpl.

What is the planned timeline for Simpl-Open?

Simpl-Open will run for three years, starting in January 2024.  The first milestone was the delivery of the PoC (Proof of Concept), which was shared at the beginning of July 2024. By the end of the year the MVP (Minimum viable product) will be released, although the official date is yet to be confirmed. 2025 and 2026 will continue with refinement sprints.  

What will the PoC include, what will the MVP include?

The PoC included two business processes (see the requirements page for a full list of business processes) the onboarding of participants and catalogue functionalities such as publishing.

The Minimum Viable Product (MVP) will stabilise the scope, including capabilities for onboarding participants, managing catalogues, defining access and usage policies, establishing contracts, and supporting secure communications. 

I have a different question, where can I ask?

While the discussion segment is enabled, please reach out to us at cnect-simpl@ec.europa.eu