The Connector
The key component that enables the Valle de la Lengua Data Space to function as a federated, secure and reliable network.
What is the Connector?
The connector is the essential piece of technology that enables the Valle de la Lengua Data Space to function as a federated network. It is the ‘building block’ that connects the organisations within the ecosystem and acts as a secure gateway for the reliable exchange of linguistic resources.
It is a sovereign software solution based on the international EDC (Eclipse Dataspace Connector) standard, which each organisation integrates into its own infrastructure. Thanks to this, data is neither centralised nor transferred to a shared cloud: it always remains on the servers of its original owner.
In other words, the connector allows sharing without losing control, ensuring that every exchange takes place under clear governance rules and in strict compliance with the conditions defined by the resource provider.
Share data whilst always staying in control
How does the Connector work?
The connector operates on a Peer-to-Peer transfer model (directly between nodes) and is governed by the following technical principles:
Publication of metadata
Each participating organisation publishes metadata about its data assets in the federated catalogue of the data space, using the connector to describe the data that is available for sharing.
Asset discovery
Other participants can search for and discover the data assets available in the federated catalogue, using the metadata published by the participants.
Access negotiations
When a participant wishes to access a data asset, they send an access request to the asset owner via the connector.
Authorisation
If the owner grants access, the connector manages the authorisation and ensures that access to the data is granted in accordance with the conditions set by the owner.
Secure exchange
The connector facilitates the secure exchange of data.
Traceability
All data exchange activity via the connector is logged to ensure the transparency and traceability of transactions in the centralised space traceability service (Clearing House).
How can the Connector be deployed?
The connector can be deployed in two different ways:
On premise:
In this way, the connector is installed within the participating organisation’s infrastructure, allowing for complete control over the environment and the data.
Saas:
In this case, the connector is offered as a cloud service on the infrastructure of the National Centre for Spanish-Language Industries (CNIE), managed by the data space, which facilitates its adoption and reduces the administrative burden on participating organisations. Control of the connector remains with the participating organisation, although the infrastructure is managed by the data space. Recommended for SMEs, start-ups and organisations without the capacity to manage their own infrastructure.
Its role in the Valle de la Lengua Data Space
Within EDVAL, the connector is the guarantor of linguistic sovereignty.
Effective asset protection
High-value resources, such as the COE San Millán, are not copied or stored in uncontrolled shared repositories. Access to them is subject to clear and monitored conditions.
Transparency and traceability
Every operation is logged. This facilitates audits and provides assurance in processes such as the training of Artificial Intelligence models.
Connection with Europe
By aligning with initiatives such as GAIA-X, the connector enables the Valle de la Lengua Data Space to integrate into the European data market and future sectoral data spaces.
Trust Certification
Not just any technology can be used here. Connectors must undergo a certification process that verifies their safety and technical capabilities.