The International Data Spaces Association (IDSA) has developed a comprehensive Reference Architecture Model (RAM) to guide the design and implementation of data spaces. This model is an essential tool for anyone involved in creating, managing and participating in data spaces, providing clear and practical guidance on technical and operational aspects.
The RAM is structured to cater to both beginners and experienced practitioners. It starts with fundamental concepts, offering an introduction to a high-level software architecture specific to data spaces. The document details the core technical aspects and best practices necessary for building data space components.
One of the key features of the RAM is its layered approach. It breaks down the architecture into five layers, each addressing a different aspect of data spaces:
- The business layer defines and classifies the various roles that participants in a data space can take on. It also outlines the fundamental interaction patterns between these roles, supporting the creation of innovative business models and digital, data-driven services for participants in data spaces. Although the business layer offers an abstract representation of roles, it serves as a framework for the more technical layers. It can be used to validate the technical architecture and establishes the requirements to be met by the functional layer.
- The functional layer defines requirements for software functionality across six areas, such as trust, security, and data sovereignty. Key features include identity management, user certification, metadata brokering, usage policy enforcement, and trustworthy communication, with certification processes ensuring compliance. The IDS Connector facilitates data exchange, while Data Apps allow for value-adding data processing, and a data market enables the monetization of data with integrated clearing, billing, and governance mechanisms.
- The information layer focuses on the data model and semantics, describing how data should be structured, represented, and exchanged. It emphasizes the importance of a common understanding of the meaning of data among participants.
- In the system layer, the RAM addresses the technical architecture, including system components, communication protocols, and integration points. It provides a blueprint for designing the data and service architecture required to support a data space.
- The Process Layer specifies the interactions taking place between the different components of a data space. It provides a dynamic view of the Reference Architecture Model describing processes for onboarding, data offering, contract negotiation, exchanging data and data apps.
Cross-cutting all layers, the RAM covers the mechanisms for ensuring security, privacy, trust, and governance within a data space. It includes guidelines for authentication, authorization, data protection, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
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The IDSA continuously updates the RAM to reflect the latest technological advances and to adapt to industry needs. The current version, the fourth edition, is available in the IDSA Knowledge Base.
The development of the RAM is a collaborative effort within the IDSA community. The Architecture Working Group meets quarterly to review and approve updates, ensuring the model remains relevant and effective. The work, however, happens continuously between these meetings, with members engaging in workshops and discussions to develop new parts of the model.
The IDSA is currently working on the fifth edition of the RAM. This new version aims to address recent developments in data space technology and governance. It will also introduce more modular content, allowing users to focus on sections that are most relevant to their specific roles within a data space. This edition will place greater emphasis on decentralized and federated approaches, impacting governance models and trust frameworks.
To facilitate the creation of the new RAM version, the IDSA has set up a GitHub repository and project management tools. This infrastructure supports collaboration among members, ensuring a structured and efficient development process. Workshops and discussions are already underway, focusing on key topics such as trust, observability, and interoperability.
As we embark on this transformative endeavor, we invite IDSA members to join us in crafting Reference Architecture Model 5. Your insights, expertise, and contributions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of data spaces.
Not an IDSA member? Join IDSA today and be at the forefront of designing the technical standards for data spaces.
