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Benefits for Providers

Z# Benefits for Helmholtz Cloud Service Providers By providing a service in the Helmholtz Cloud, you enhance the value of your services and resources.

Seamless Login via Helmholtz ID

  • As a Service Provider, you don’t have to handle authentication and authorization issues for external users. The Helmholtz ID login enables the management of cross-institutional user groups while ensuring correct user authentication. It serves as a hub between the user institution’s identity provider (IdP) and the service, supporting a wide range of use cases.
  • From the user’s perspective, Helmholtz ID simplifies the login process using their home credentials.
  • With Helmholtz ID, you’re utilizing a proven, reliable service that meets international standards and is continuously developed and maintained.
  • The HIFIS team provides technical and procedural assistance during service integration and user support.

GDPR Compliance

  • The legal and GDPR aspects for service provisioning and use are covered by the Helmholtz AAI Policies and the Helmholtz Cloud Ruleset, establishing a compliance basis. For service-specific steps, the HIFIS team supports you in compiling necessary documents for GDPR compliance.

Good Practice: HIFIS Expertise and Experience

  • The network of Helmholtz-wide service admins and the HIFIS team support you during service onboarding and operation.
  • Experiences from the HIFIS context can simplify local service integration, such as complex user management for internal and external users. HIFIS has established processes for the complete service lifecycle (onboarding, operation, review, offboarding).
  • Enable your local scientists to create tailored digital workflows with seamless interfaces between Helmholtz Cloud services.

User Support

  • HIFIS offers a comprehensive ticket system for support, based on Zammad. This way, you don’t need to open your system to external users, while ensuring timely problem resolution.

Synergy Potentials

  • The increased number of active users and diverse use cases gained through the Helmholtz Cloud allows you to mature your service. This can improve your negotiation position with manufacturers or software developers.

Image and Competence Building

  • On a meta level, becoming a Helmholtz Cloud service provider demonstrates your experience and competence to a broader audience.
  • By providing a service in the Helmholtz Cloud, you can improve your standing for providing this service or service type. This way, you can co-create the Cloud environment and showcase your expertise and engagement to stakeholders.
  • Services in the Helmholtz Cloud must meet a good quality level as an entry requirement. This characteristic radiates to users and stakeholders: If your service is included in the Helmholtz Cloud, they can trust that it’s offered on a resilient level. This builds trust and fosters collaborations.
  • The Helmholtz-wide experience exchange among Service Providers and IT admins expands your horizon, easing the development of future workflows or services and helping you build a network.
  • Participating in the Helmholtz Cloud is not a one-way dedication of resources (time and effort) - you can use this as content for reports or business justifications for a center’s activities.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

  • Must a service be open to all Helmholtz users?
  • No, Helmholtz Cloud services may - but don’t have to - be open to every Helmholtz user. The service provider retains complete control over any necessary service limitations, such as duration, user number, resources, or availability.
  • Even with limited user groups, HIFIS will support your use case.
  • I’m concerned that the additional effort cannot be handled by my institution/project group. How can I handle the extra user support?
    • There are several possibilities for sharing the user support load. The HIFIS ticketing system can step in, and the first-level support might be covered by the using institution or project group.
    • In any case, the service provider must handle second-level support, as IT admins need to manage service configurations.
  • What happens if I can no longer maintain the service? Would HIFIS step in?
    • All Helmholtz Cloud services are reviewed regularly. If a service cannot be maintained, HIFIS will look for another service provider and handle service offboarding (and possibly support data migration).
  • The necessary work to make my service ready for the Helmholtz Cloud might be too complex or require too much effort. How can I estimate the work needed? Can HIFIS support me?
    • The HIFIS team will be pleased to support you in every step of service integration, such as connecting the Helmholtz AAI. However, HIFIS cannot handle your internal processes and regulations or implement internal technical changes.
  • If we provide the service in the Helmholtz Cloud, there will be additional effort/cost for a higher number of users without direct payment. Can this be compensated?
    • All Helmholtz Cloud services are provided free of charge. As mentioned, you are free to define limitations regarding users and service usage. Additional external costs, such as licenses, can be taken over by specifically defined user groups.