The DSSC meets Simpl

Discover more about DSSC and Simpl and how the initiatives will work together going forward

On Friday 28 June, the Data Space Support Centre (DSSC) Insight Series Webinar explaining how DSSC and Simpl collaborate together. Two expert guest speakers from the two initiatives were invited for the session:  

• Manuel Mateo Goyet  – Acting Head of Unit for Cloud and Software at DG Connect at the European Commission; and 

• Gianfranco Cecconi Chief Solution Officer of the International Data Space Association and Executive Director of the DSSC. 

Data Space Support Centre

In the webinar, Gianfranco started by highlighting that many initiatives in the European Union (EU) focus on different data-related specialties. At DSSC, the focus is on the theoretical aspect: defining and guiding the functional requirements for data space interoperability and supporting EU-funded initiatives within the community of practice by providing practical examples such as the Toolbox and the Blueprint. These examples provide technical building blocks and components on which initiatives such as Simpl can build.

The Simpl programme

Manuel gave the audience a recap and summary of the key points on Simpl and an update on developments since the Data Space Symposium in Darmstadt in March 2024. This included:

• Simpl-Open: Requirements are being refined and the software development is underway. The Proof of Concept (PoC) was demonstrated during the SEMIC event in June 2024 and show the key steps for participants to join a data space, publish different data items, and perform searches in the catalogue. In addition, the scope of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) has been stabilised.
  Future enhancements to Simpl-Open are being considered, although not yet planned. These enhancements include access to high-performance computing resources, extension of Simpl-Open towards Artificial Intelligence, and connection to the Dome Marketplace.
• Simpl-Live: Currently in the feasibility study phase, with execution planned for early 2025. The Simpl programme currently supports six data spaces, with the potential for a second and possibly a third round of additional data spaces.
• Simpl-Labs: Currently in the feasibility study phase, with execution also planned to begin in early 2025. The Simpl-Labs PoC will be validated at the end of 2024.

Q&A Session: Collaboration between Simpl and DSSC

The Q&A session began with a question about how Simpl and DSSC will collaborate. There are five main areas of synchronisation. The first is the specification of best practices and requirements gathering. Second is the evaluation and selection of implementations. Third is community and stakeholder management, as both projects have significant overlaps. Fourth is communication, for example through events. Finally, there is strategic coordination, with both programmes supporting each other.

The session continued with both speakers exploring the relationship between Simpl as a project and the various open-source software components that can be used in the future. The conversation then turned to the project's sustainability, highlighting the role of the Commission and its intention to possibly hand over Simpl to the community.

The Q&A session concluded with both speakers emphasising that although Simpl is a European Commission initiative, it is not intended to be used only in the public sector. The aim is to extend its reach to the private sector and to promote collaboration with the industry.

Recording & Contact

Want to know more about DSSC and Simpl? Watch the full recording of the webinar on YouTube. Additionally, we invite you to subscribe to DSSC newsletter for the latest data insights.

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