The development of ISO/IEC 20151 Information technology – Cloud computing and distributed platforms – Dataspace concepts and characteristics has reached an important step: the Draft International Standard (DIS) stage. This marks a shift from internal working drafts to a version that can be formally cited and referenced.
Once listed as DIS on the official ISO website, the standard becomes accessible for public purchase and use. This change signals that the content has matured through multiple rounds of input and is now stable enough to undergo international review.
Data space concepts and characteristics
ISO/IEC 20151 provides a clear and shared definition of what a data space is. It helps organizations distinguish genuine data spaces from concepts like data lakes, avoiding confusion in design and implementation. By setting out key characteristics and requirements, the standard supports clarity in procurement processes, ensuring that businesses understand what kind of solution or infrastructure they are engaging with. Most importantly, it establishes a baseline for interoperability, both within individual data spaces and across different data space implementations. This makes collaboration and data exchange more reliable and consistent.
The next phase involves ballot procedures and further coordination among National Bodies. While the timeline depends on various factors, such as preparation and translation speeds, it generally includes a period for formal comments and voting.
ISO/IEC 20151 is being developed as a reference framework for data space implementations. Its advancement reflects strong collaboration across expert communities and international stakeholders. As the process continues, feedback from National Bodies remains essential to refining and finalizing the document.
IDSA will continue to support and monitor progress and share further updates as the status evolves.
