Mr. Schidlack, in your opinion, what are the main differences between a traditional platform and a federated data room?

A classic platform is based on a central system that collects all data and is usually under the control of a single operator, in this case often a global hyperscaler. In contrast, a federated data room works differently: it does not store any data itself, but connects existing data sources using standardized rules and procedures. The data remains at its place of origin and thus under the control of its owners.

This approach has major advantages for the digital transformation of buildings. It promotes an open data landscape in which different systems and players can interact with each other without there being a central “data sovereignty”. This leads to improved adaptation to individual requirements and greater data security.

What do you see as the main advantages of a federated data room compared to traditional platform approaches?

A federated data room offers three major advantages in particular: Data sovereignty, security and interoperability. Companies retain complete control over their own data and can still collaborate securely and develop services across company boundaries. This strengthens trust, facilitates scaling and reduces integration costs. In addition, federated models take better account of security aspects, as data is not collected centrally, minimizing the risk of attack or misuse. Finally, interoperability between different systems and actors is much easier to achieve as the federated approach is based on open standards.

How is the federated data room actually used at SmartLivingNEXT and what advantages does it offer?

SmartLivingNEXT uses the federated data space as a technical and organizational basis for bringing together data from buildings. The data room can also integrate various cross-domain networks, for example in the energy, healthcare or municipal sectors. The benefits: secure data sharing, reduced complexity, faster integration and the creation of a market without isolated solutions.

What are the challenges associated with implementing a federated data room? How can these be overcome?

One of the biggest challenges when implementing a federated data space is standardization. As different players often use different technologies and data formats, interoperability standards must be defined and adhered to. Furthermore, uniform semantics are desirable. In addition, setting up a federated system requires close cooperation between the parties involved, which can entail organizational hurdles. These challenges can be overcome through standardized blueprints, clear governance structures, legally compliant role models and a simple, comprehensible onboarding model, which also enables cost-effective operation.

To what extent does a federated data room enable data sovereignty and security compared to centralized platform models?

A federated data space significantly strengthens data sovereignty, as the owners of the data can decide for themselves which information they share and which they do not. In contrast to centralized platforms, where the data converges at a single point, the federated approach offers a decentralized structure that increases the security of the data. Data access is regulated via certificates, which can also be limited in time. By controlling your own data space, trust between the players can be strengthened and risks minimized.

How do you see the role of interoperability and standards in a federated data space, especially in relation to different players and technologies?

Common standards are essential for the success of a federated data space. In an environment in which many different players with different technologies and systems work together, clear standards must be defined for the exchange of data. These standards not only ensure smooth communication between different systems, but also the security and integrity of the data. A federated data room can only be operated efficiently and securely if all parties involved follow the same rules. The following therefore applies: there is no functioning ecosystem without common standards. Uniform semantics, open interfaces and Gaia-X-compliant rules ensure that devices, services and industries can communicate with each other. This enables cross-manufacturer services, for example in the area of energy efficiency or digital assistance systems.

What technological and legal hurdles do companies have to overcome if they want to switch from a platform structure to a federated data room?

In terms of technology, companies need to harmonize interfaces, implement secure connectors and clearly classify data. Common semantics play a key role in ensuring that data from different systems can work together in a meaningful way. On the legal side, data protection, role models, contracts and governance rules are crucial. In our SmartLivingNEXT research project, we have already developed sample solutions, such as standardized blueprints, semantic models, technical connectors and governance building blocks, which make the transition to a federated data space much easier.

Could a federated data space change the way companies use their data strategically in the long term, especially with regard to smart living and smart building?

Yes, in the long term, a federated data space could change the way companies use their data. By decentralizing data sovereignty, companies gain more control and flexibility in how they use and share data. This enables them to develop new data-based business models and more efficient services based on the specific requirements of building technology and smart living. A federated data space could thus become a catalyst for digital transformation in the industry and deliver real added value in the building sector, for example through energy optimization or intelligent assistance and security services.

How important are partnerships and collaborations in the context of a federated data space? What role do they play in successful implementation?

Partnerships and collaborations are crucial in the context of a federated data space, as it thrives on the participation of different stakeholders. Partnerships create trust, enable critical mass and open up various use cases. SmartLivingNEXT builds a robust community and creates clear governance structures that enable reliable collaboration.

Finally, how do you see the future of the federated data room compared to centralized platforms in the digital transformation of buildings?

Federated data spaces are ideally suited to European values such as data protection, sovereignty and fair competition. They also correspond to the structure of many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe, which particularly benefit from a decentralized approach. In the building sector, federated models will prevail as they enable full interoperability, reduce dependencies and offer real, scalable smart living solutions. I am therefore convinced that the federated data room will play a central role in the digital transformation of buildings and, above all, in the use of AI. In the future, more and more companies will rely on federated models to fully exploit their innovation potential while ensuring the highest security standards.