To share data, partners currently need to sign contracts on the use of the data. Those who receive the data also need to be trustworthy. These requirements limit the opportunities for data analysis, however, data spaces offer an alternative. They automate the shared use of data and allow suppliers to attach predefined guidelines to data transactions and therefore guarantee the sovereignty of the supplier.
Data warehouses were considered the optimal solution to unite structured data from heterogeneous sources for analysis in a central database. A data lake takes it one step further and saves both structured and unstructured data. The unformatted data are only processed for each given analysis. Data spaces dissolve this centrality and offer a decentralized solution where each participant can offer their own data. They stay with the supplier and are made available through secure peer-to-peer communication with common semantics and data sovereignty.
The data mesh concept also supports the decentralized approach to data use. It structures large volumes of data as a “meshed” network and makes it usable through a shared, domain-oriented architecture. From the source to applications, irrespective of the type and location of the source – even outside the company. Data can be used for self-service analysis across all departments, as well as being connected and combined as desired. Companies no longer rely on specialized data engineers to implement a data mesh solution.
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport has launched a data space initiative where data can be shared easily, transparently, and securely. Among other things, users can access real-time data from local public transport or bike rental locations. The Mobilithek is not an information system for travelers and road users, but provides a basis for new mobility services, as well as a digital space to develop data-based apps. The Telekom Data Intelligence Hub provides the components to facilitate the sovereign exchange of data.