Q: Are APIs available and documented?
(Please, note that this answer was updated 19.2.2025)
A: The ERIC Forum platform would like to use the ESFRI MOS (Monitoring system) as a data source. ESFRI has APIs that are not readily available but could be arranged in short time depending on decision of ESFRI and ERIC managers.
Q: Are there security protocols or other limitations we might face when scraping data?
A: This depends on each individual ERIC. We need to discuss if the data collection will be automated or if they will submit the information. A lot of the information is publicly available on the ERICs’ websites. ERIC annual reports and statutes are available for sure.
Q: How often do the updates for the main information occur?
A: Most information is updated once a year, there might be smaller updates along the way.
Q: Are there manual updates or is everything automated?
A: Both will probably come in question.
Q: Does every ERIC annual report follow the same format?
A: No, there is no set format – they do it individually.
Q: Should we include a hosting proposal in the offer?
A: Yes. The answer might come from the ERIC community, but an idea would help.
Q: Scraping data can be very tricky: if the structure of the website is changed by the 3rd party, it will break the structure of the portal. I think you should anticipate there probably will be some work to be anticipated to keep the platform functional and the content up to date.
A: We could create guidelines on what to include in the ERIC websites. This process has not happened yet, but the discussion is ongoing.
Q: Is your team developing a unified format with us?
A: This process is now starting with this dialogue. We have to discuss this with our ERIC partners. We could organize some standardization that would make gathering information easier. All ERICs fill in the ESFRI catalogue that gathers information from all ERICs in the same way. The ERIC Forum 2 Executive Board is happy to help in strategic planning.
Q: Do active directories or SSOs with a single sign on protocol exist?
A: At the ESFRI level there is a system in place.
Q: Is the platform separate from the ERIC Forum website?
A: ERIC Forum, the community, and ERIC Forum 2, the project, are two different things. The project supports the community in developing this platform. The long-term sustainability of this platform is carried out by the community. The idea is to make this platform last longer than the project.
Q: What does it mean that the platform needs to be integrated with the current ERIC Forum website?
A: The user should be able find their way to this platform through the existing ERIC Forum website. ERIC Forum website is here to stay, it will not be replaced just integrated. Using the email domain names could be used in defining access to the platform.
Q: Are there preferences to relational vs. non-relational databases
A: There is no requirement, just something that is easy to run.
Q: Should training happen in person or online?
A: Training should happen online; we are distributed all over Europe.
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