Comparison with the IndieBox (UBOS)

[julianfoad]

The Databox project looks closely aligned with the goals of UBOS, formerly "IndieBox", and the goals of the IndieWeb folks at https://indieweb.org .

Have you looked at and talked to them? What are the similarities and differences?

[hamed]

Hi Julian,

many thanks for your thoughts and pointing the link. I had seen the
IndieBiox, but hadn't caught this transition..

at the most basic level, the Databox is not necessarily an "alternative" to
the current web ecosystem, i.e., we are not set to revolutionise the
current modus operandi of big players. In a way, we aim to enable
privacy-preserving analytics across datasources and datasets that are
currently held in isolation, perhaps even due to legislations that prevent
such "mixing" across the borders and continents (think medical data), while
at the user-end, this is technically collectable and legally
cross-analyzable (if that's a word) without privacy-concerns (well, we have
to prove that, but that's part of the objectives of the academic research
project rather than the platform)

so, in a way, databox is neither a silo, not a personal data store, rather
it is an ecosystem and sensor/data access mechanism to your
home/IoT/personal data like what Android/iOS are to the smartphone ..

There are, of course, my personal views expressed here, they do not present
the views of all the project team

happy to hear opinions and thoughts

Best wishes

[drdrmc]

Within databox we happen to have chosen an implementation route involving docker etc, although UBOS and its virtual hosting may well provide the similar functionality. Actually, critically, the databox components are all defined at the API level so offering the possibility of heterogeneous and more radical implementation, e.g. unikernels.

However, these are implementation choices to enable us to actually do the research which is about accountability in the use of personal data (including IoT stuff), some systemy issues around the API architecture and access control, work on the performance of the distributed processing architecture adopted, and, as Hamed says, the opportunities for data fusion across many information sources. Oh and then provide a UX that the average person can grok.

I also like the indieweb.org stuff as a way to manage and curate my content as that's a useful thing to do too, but that's not what the research goals are in databox project.

[julianfoad]

Thank you both for your responses.

I have since read two of your papers, which give me a better idea of what your project's specific directions may be. Previously I had read only your "about" page, which currently talks only vaguely about curating one's personal data. Would it be possible for you to add a link to a more detailed definition of the project, please?

I agree that the implementation architecture is merely an enabler, and will evolve. The "box" metaphor just happens to suit both (and only as a first approximation), but their physical similarity is incidental.

It is the potential cross-fertilisation of goals and exploration of ways to move forward from the increasing silo lock-in that motivates me. My goal here is just to help make sure any useful opportunities are not missed. (I am interested as someone who wants to use, and would like to participate in the development of, open web technology in general.)

While the focus of the IndieBox itself is largely on providing open alternatives to silo-dominated services, which I understand is not your goal, the IndieWeb group behind it is active in two areas that may be more relevant. First, creating and promoting the open protocols that support such services. Some of these are being formalized as standards, e.g. Microformats. It seems to me the databox project will require development of open protocols.

Secondly, promotion and outreach, including looking for ways to induce the big players to change their strategy. From what I have read, it appears you will be looking at incentives as one of the main themes. I imagine that will be hugely important.

Thank you, and best wishes for the presentation and activities at MozFest this weekend.