7.7.1 Cloud Infrastructure Integration #
Having Building Blocks that can be easily integrated into existing cloud infrastructures, regardless of the cloud provider, can heavily help the adoption of such Building Blocks. However, requirements are necessary to ensure the integration.
- Simple Integration: Building Blocks should integrate seamlessly with cloud technologies, enabling standardized data sharing while providing tools for data optimization.
- Agreements on Data Exchange: Data spaces rely on agreements between participants for data asset discovery and transfer
- Secure, Scalable and Reliable Connector: Cloud infrastructure should support secure, scalable and reliable data space connectors, along with data analysis capabilities.
- Extensibility: Building Blocks should be extensible, allowing parties to develop extensions and integrations to leverage cloud capabilities.
- Trusted Infrastructure: Cloud providers serve as trusted infrastructure and data services providers, contributing to building blocks for data space creation and management.
- Supporting Services: Cloud services like data processing, machine learning, and data exploration can enhance data space functionalities.
- Security Services: Implement robust security measures, including data encryption and fine-grained access control, while monitoring exchange activities.
- Customer Control: Empower customers with control over their data through identity and access management, as well as governance tools.
7.7.2 Building Blocks as a Service #
To further facilitate usage, onboarding and integration with data spaces, organizations (data intermediaries) can offer Building Blocks as a service. This approach simplifies access and adoption for businesses, allowing them to readily incorporate these essential components into their data space projects. Building Blocks as a service providers should prioritize seamless integration, user-friendly onboarding processes and comprehensive support to ensure the efficient utilization of these critical resources.
Examples and Parallels with Existing Solutions #
Consider the analogy of email services:
- Setting up your own email server: In the past, business had the option to set up their own email servers, which required significant technical expertise, infrastructure and ongoing maintenance. This parallel can be drawn to organizations building their data space components from scratch. While it offers complete control, it’s resource-intensive and often less efficient.
- Using an existing email service: On the other hand, businesses today commonly choose to use email services which are already on the market. These services provide ready-made solutions, offering email hosting, robust features, security and scalability. Similarly, “Building Blocks as a Service” providers offer pre-built, ready-to-use components that organizations can integrate seamlessly into their systems to be part of the data space. This approach saves time, resources, and effort while ensuring efficient access to essential functionalities.
Following are possible Building Blocks as a Service for Data Spaces
- Identity Verification Service: Similar to how companies can utilize identity verification services to confirm user identities securely, data space participants can access an identity verification service ensuring the identities of individuals and data providers/consumers to ensure their validity and trustworthiness.
Consent Management Platform: Just as businesses can leverage consent management platforms to handle user consents and compliance with data regulations, data spaces can offer a consent management platform that allows individuals to manage their consent preferences, while data providers can verify the legitimacy of consent before accessing personal data.
