1. Options for Copernicus Access and Services Platforms
Maximising the use of EO data and information in Europe

2. Copernicus – as an EU programme – should serve the general interest of the Union and all its Member States. The Programme is managed by the Commission and its implementation follows EU rules and regulations. Consequently, any future option solution should be fully compliant with the rules of the Internal Market and respect the principle of non-discrimination.

3. Guiding principles
Operational service accessible to all European and participating States
Builds on Copernicus solid Core GS & services performances
Provide critical mass in terms of data and computing power available
Lower barrier to access resources
Clearly defined perimeter for public service
Attractive for investment & competitive environment
Potential for data cross-fertilisation
Leverage pan-European resources & know-how
Compliance to applicable Regulation
European Facebook network

4. Options considered
Options which do not include any service obligation (or a very limited one) on the part of the industrial partners
Privileged access – partner free to store all or a subset of data and information
Privileged access – partner required to store all Copernicus data and information

5. Options considered
Options which include service obligations on the part of the industrial partners
Several platforms with a mandate to make Copernicus data and information accessible – procured from several different ICT companies/consortia
Platform for Copernicus with a mandate to support the EO industry – procured from one ICT company or a consortium
Platform for Copernicus – based on a federation of institutional (and private) ICT and EO platforms

6. Timing is critical
The feasibility is demonstrated by pilot activities in Europe and US players are actively preparing their entry to the market with Copernicus information
A European alternative needs to be operational in the shortest possible timeframe to create a level playing field
European EO industry is preparing to seize the opportunity
European IT industry must become part of the solution
Courtesy EARSC

7. Way forward
Target to provide fully operational platform service by end 2017
Select preferred option by spring 2016 based on:
Discussions in TF and Committee
Industry consultation with EO and IT sectors
Deepened legal, governance, technical and cost analysis
Prepare specifications in cooperation with EEs for autumn 2016 – technical working group
Should complement IGS dissemination elements
Requires close coordination & support by EE for implementation