Collaboration with Simpl-Open to bring eDelivery closer to data spaces

In 2024. the eDelivery team had a first glance at the upcoming Simpl-Open middleware during a workshop organised by DG CNECT for the key stakeholders of Simpl. On that occasion, eDelivery proposed the integration of its secure AS4 protocol into the Simpl-Open middleware. The proposal aimed to help data spaces such as Once-Only Technical System (OOTS) and European Health Data Space (EHDS), already using eDelivery, gain access to the wider value proposition of Simpl. It also intended to extend Simpl-Open's multi-protocol approach with a well-established secure exchange protocol for greater resilience and adaptability. You can read more about it here.

2025: technical work starts

Following further contacts after the 2024 workshop, one of the activities initiated as part of the work for developing Simpl-Open in 2025 was to look into how eDelivery could be best included in the architecture or Simpl-Open. The joint work between the two teams will focus on the best technical approach to allow a Simpl-Open Agent to select the use eDelivery in its Control Plane and use in its Data Plane.

eDelivery experts will contribute to this work by co-developing a proof of concept (PoC) implementation together with the Simpl contractor to establish how eDelivery could be used within Simpl.

Simpl Annual Community Event

On 30 January 2025, eDelivery was invited to Simpl's first Annual Community Event, conceived to explore its role in enhancing data accessibility and interoperability within data spaces. The event featured a demo of the Simpl-Open Minimum Viable Product (MVP), showcasing the core middleware and its features, and a demonstration of the Simpl-Labs Proof of Concept, which tested Simpl components and data space interoperability. Additionally, there was a discussion on the Simpl-Live Feasibility Study, which is progressing towards Simpl-Open instances for data spaces, and updates on EU Data Strategy Milestones from EU data strategy experts, Simpl's core team, and other stakeholders.

Data spaces and Simpl

With the emergence of new European data initiatives, particularly the new European data spaces, Simpl aims to support interoperability by providing an open-source, secure middleware platform that facilitates seamless data access. Simpl is instrumental in the development of the Common European Data Spaces, offering multiple compatible components at no cost that adhere to a common standard of data quality and data sharing.

Simpl's goal is to enhance data sharing across various industries by ensuring all components meet a uniform standard of data quality. It offers several compatible components, free to use, adhering to these standards. Additionally, it provides the necessary tools to build a data space, including governance and legal infrastructure.

Simpl consists of three core products:

• Simpl-Open: an open-source software stack that promotes collaboration and adaptability for creating interoperable data environments.
• Simpl-Live: represents specific instances of the Simpl-Open software stack deployed for sectoral data spaces where the European Commission actively manages them.
• Simpl-Labs: offers a sandbox environment for testing interoperability with Simpl.

eDelivery Building Block

eDelivery is a Building Block provided by the European Commission, offering technical specifications, installable software and services for secure digital data exchange across a network of nodes.

Stay tuned for the latest updates on eDelivery services by checking the Building Block's X and web page. For more information, do not hesitate to register for personalised news or contact us via our portal or by email: EC-EDELIVERY-SUPPORT@ec.europa.eu.