Simpl Stakeholders Workshop

Discover what was discussed at the Simpl stakeholders workshop on 4 July 2024

Introduction 

On Thursday 4 July, DG Connect hosted a key stakeholder workshop in Brussels to discuss and gather feedback and recommendations for the development and implementation of Simpl (slide deck available here). At the workshop, we were joined by representatives from the Eclipse Foundation, EGI Foundation, GAIA-X, Data Space Support Centre, and several European Commission bodies including DG Connect, DIGIT and DG Sante. 

Simpl Stakeholder Workshop 

The workshop started with a presentation of the Simpl programme, the open-source smart middleware platform that enables cloud-to-edge federations and all major data initiatives funded by the European Commission​. The three products were then presented: Simpl-Open, the open-source smart middleware itself​; Simpl-Live, the instances of Simpl-Open for common European data spaces; and finally, Simpl-Labs, the playground environment for Simpl-Open, and interoperability test for existing data spaces​. An update on the current state and future expectations of the three products was then shared: 

• 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 the scope of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) has been stabilised.  
• 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 for early 2025. The Simpl-Labs PoC will be validated at the end of 2024.  

Improvements to Simpl-Open are being considered for the future. These enhancements include access to high-performance computing resources, extension of Simpl-Open towards Artificial Intelligence, and connection to the Dome Marketplace.  

The new visual identity of the Simpl programme was also presented, including three different sub-identities for each of the three products – Simpl-Open, Simpl-Live, and Simpl-Labs. A mock-up of the Simpl website was also presented, showcasing the transition from Futurium to Open Social. The morning session concluded with an announcement of the Simpl Annual Community Event, scheduled for Thursday 30 January in Autoworld, Brussels. 

The workshop covered a variety of topics, including: 

• A demonstration of the Simpl-Open PoC, focusing on provider onboarding and catalogue publishing. 
• The Simpl-Labs feasibility study and PoC demonstration. 
• A discussion of the next phases for the programme, including the follow-up on Simpl-Labs, five new studies for Simpl-Live, and the enablement of Artificial Intelligence for Simpl-Open. 
• Elicitation of Requirements and Architectural planning for Simpl-Open, together with information on how to contribute to the website. 
• Early technical decisions for Simpl-Open and the defined scope for the Minimal Viable Product. 
• A feasibility study for Simpl-Live, involving representatives from several data spaces. 

Concluding Note 

For more details, we invite you to read our article that delves into what was discussed during the workshop.  

In conclusion, the workshop was very enlightening. We would like to thank all participants for their engagement, interest, and valuable contributions, which are key to the development of Simpl.

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