New “IDS-RAM 4.0”

Sebastian Steinbuss, CTO of IDSA, pulls the fourth version of the “IDS-RAM” out of his hat at the IDSA stand at the Hanover Fair.

Standard for self-determination in data spaces – also in the educational data space MERLOT

Sebastian Steinbuss, CTO of the International Data Spaces Association (IDSA), pulls the fourth version of “IDS-RAM” out of his hat at the IDSA booth at the Hannover Messe. IDS-RAM – that stands for Reference Architecture Model for “International Data Spaces”. The RAM is the blueprint for data spaces in which companies and individuals can share their data in a self-determined manner. As data providers, they retain control; as data users, they benefit from new business models. 

The reference architecture is deliberately domain-independent. This is also how it is planned to be used in the MERLOT education data space project. For example, people who collect professional and educational data in the lifelong learning process can make it available for educational services or value-added services, but always determine for themselves who is allowed to do what with their data and for what purpose. 

What’s new about version 4.0 of IDS-RAM is that it considers the move toward cloud systems, which are important for decentrally designed data spaces. It also takes into account the new certification of technical components in a data space. Because also at the Hanover Fair, IDSA is introducing IDS certification, which ensures the most important resource in a data space- trust. 

Also new to IDS RAM 4.0 is the interactive concept. “In RAM 4.0, we have consolidated feedback and change requests we have received,” says Sebastian Steinbuss, who encourages participation: “Whether you have a question, request a change, or want to contribute to the RAM text: Join one of our working groups or GitHub repositories!”

IDS-RAM 4.0 on GitHub: https://github.com/International-Data-Spaces-Association/IDS-RAM_4_0