Simpl-Open offers a middleware software stack built upon well recognised protocols, 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. Check Simpl-Live for an overview of data initiatives across different sectors that are deploying Simpl-Open. 

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.

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

Simpl-Open: Is the open-source middleware solution itself. It enables collaboration among users and providers (data, infrastructure, and applications) within a decentralised system. Simpl-Open can be deployed depending on the needs of the data space initiative, 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 users and providers across sectors while ensuring that the control of data remains at its source.

Simpl-Labs: Is a playground environment for testing and 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 needs, of both public and private data initiatives, to enhancing compatibility and interoperability across diverse projects and initiatives, to identify gaps, and to explore functionalities they could gain from Simpl-Open.

Simpl-Live: is a service for selected European data initiatives. Simpl-Live represents real deployments of Simpl-Open tailored to specific data spaces. Through Simpl-Live, data initiatives undergo a series of feasibility studies to understand the fit between their needs and Simpl-Open, and to develop a roadmap for its implementation.

To summarise, Simpl-Open is the core software product of Simpl, Simpl-Labs allows users to easily test Simpl-Open, and Simpl-Live supports Simpl-Open implementation in selected data initiatives.

The first Contract for Simpl will run for three years, starting in January 2024. In January 2025 the Simpl-Open MVP (Minimum viable product) was released, alongside Simpl-Labs PoC (Proof of Concept) and the results of the first Simpl-Live feasibility studies. 

Since then, Simpl-Open has continuously made upgrades, following the Simpl-Open development roadmap, which describes the updates to be expected across the year (for more information visit the development status page). Simpl-Labs has entered it’s execution stage, which is expected to conclude in Q2 2027 (for more information visit the dedicated Simpl-Labs page). Meanwhile, Simpl-Live has started implementing Simpl-Open in the data initiatives from the first cohort and is currently developing the feasibility studies for the second cohort of Simpl-Live data initiatives (for more information visit the dedicated Simpl-Live page). 

Next on the horizon is the feasibility study for Simpl-Open AI enablement. 

Simpl is an open-source middleware. Its code is publicly available. Anyone can view, modify, and distribute its software. This open-source approach fundamentally changes how users and citizens can interact with Simpl. 

First, this transparency allows anyone to oversee and comment on Simpl’s development. Simpl-Open is a product for the European data sharing community, and by providing free access to resources such as the code, architecture and technical documentation; citizens are empowered to voice their questions and needs in a way that impacts and informs product development. 

To oversee Simpl’s development visit the requirements and the development status page. To access Simpl technical resources visit the repository. 

Second, users are encouraged to contribute to Simpl-Open evolution. Simpl-Open must grow beyond its initial scope, which covers the essential needs of data initiatives. By establishing open-source contribution routes this growth and development becomes open to all organisations in the European data sharing community. 

To learn more about the contributions process

Visit the how to contribute page.

Simpl-Open is constantly being improved and updated. For a detailed view of Simpl-Open current and upcoming capabilities visit the Simpl-Open development status page.

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

First read the installation guide, and pay special attention to the conditions and requirements for a successful installation. 

After you set-up the required environment, download Simpl-Open from the repository.  

Install and configure Simpl-Open based on the installation guide and the user guide.  If things are unclear, do the installation course in the academy. 

For step by step details of the process visit the installation guide page.  

There are many ways in which members of the data sharing landscape can participte in Simpl. Citizens can provide their prespective on strategic matters through out the website, and they can follow and evaluate the development approach behind simpl in the requirements. 

Most importantly, developers and architects are welcome to provide code contributions. For this, visit the repository and explore Simpl-Open architecture, technical documentation and code. There you will be able to submit code contributions. For more details visit the How to Contribute page.  

All data initiatives selected for Simpl-Live are part of Europe’s common data spaces. The data initiatives who participate from Simpl-Live I and II, have already been defined, however new opportunities to join Simpl-Live will be available in the future. If your data initiative is one of the common European data spaces and you are interested in using Simpl-Open and participating from the next batch of Simpl-Live data initiatives, do not hesitate to reach out at cnect-simpl@ec.europa.eu. 

Other data initiatives are welcome to use the publicly available material and courses, as well as the public forum to support them in their use of Simpl-Open. 

The Simpl Forum is open for everyone to make questions about all aspects of Simpl. Either technical or strategic. You can also reach out at cnect-simpl@ec.europa.eu.