Understanding Simpl
The European Commission describes Simpl-Open as a “smart middleware” that brings together various components essential for operating data spaces. I think of it as a “distribution” of open-source software for data spaces, a bit like Ubuntu or Fedora are distributions of the Linux open-source operating system. As Ubuntu and Fedora do for Linux, the Simpl-Open project also validates that the many open-source components work well together as a consistent and coherent set and, occasionally, write the missing parts that really glue the others together.
Built on IDSA principles, Simpl-Open offers both the EU-funded data space and any other organization worldwide a practical path to implement data spaces without starting from scratch. Because it is open-source, you will be able to adopt the whole of it – say, if you are a data space operator – or just elements of it, say, if you are just a participant interested in re-using the connector maintained in the context of Simpl.
Simpl’s architecture, released in late 2024, prominently references IDSA’s concepts and components, particularly the connector specifications and architectural principles for sovereign data sharing. The platform has officially adopted the IDSA-developed Dataspace Protocol as its standard for connector implementations, demonstrating the protocol’s growing importance in the data space ecosystem.
Key features and capabilities
The wider Simpl program consists of three primary domains: Simpl-Open (the core middleware software stack), Simpl-Live (a platform running Simpl-Open “as a service” and offered to a selection of EU-funded data spaces), and Simpl-Labs (a sandbox and testing environment). Organizations can implement either the entire Simpl stack or select specific components that meet their needs.
One of Simpl’s most innovative features is its sophisticated provisioning system, which balances data accessibility with sovereignty. For example, organizations can create controlled environments where partners can analyze datasets without accessing the raw data directly. This approach enables collaborative data analysis while maintaining strict control over sensitive information. This is not strictly a functionality IDSA would expect from a data space, but a welcome value-added service.
The platform goes beyond traditional data sharing by incorporating both data and service components – and reflects a growing understanding that data spaces must support not just data sharing, but also data processing services.
Impact and future development
The January demo will show how IDSA’s theoretical framework translates into practical implementations. With twelve EU-funded projects aimed at being deployed using Simpl over the next two years, our standards and protocols will see significant real-world validation.
Simpl represents a major milestone in implementing the Dataspace Protocol. Its incorporation of IDSA concepts demonstrates the continued importance of standardized approaches in data space development. As more organizations adopt Simpl-Open, we expect to see accelerated innovation in secure, interoperable data sharing across industries.
I’ll be hosting a breakout workshop at the Simpl Annual Community Event at Autoworld Brussels on January 30, 2025. The event brings together innovation practitioners from across Europe. Let’s connect there – feel free to drop by my workshop or we can arrange to meet during one of the networking breaks.
Register for the Simpl Annual Community Event here.
