ESIP Testbed Crash Course

From Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP)

What is the ESIP Testbed?

The ESIP Testbed was developed as a framework for moving Earth science ideas and projects (software, data, etc…) through a development life cycle. The Testbed facilitates collaboration and innovation across all sectors of the ESIP Federation improving the availability, access, and mutual benefit of new technologies.

What resources are provided to Testbed projects?

ESIP supports Testbed projects at each stage of the development life cycle in accordance with established best practices including, but not limited to:

  • Technology assessment appropriate to each stage of the development life cycle;
  • Assessment of project value to Earth Science community;
  • Match-making with other projects/ESIP groups/opportunities;
  • Solicitation of feedback from the ESIP Community;
  • Breakout sessions at the twice-annual ESIP meetings for planning, feedback and presentation of your work, and other project-related meetings;
  • Cloud computing infrastructure (within budget constraints);
  • Access to the Testbed Portal (testbed.esipfed.org), a place for project documentation, content registration, and document sharing for your project; and
  • Development funds.

How does a project benefit from going through the Testbed?

ESIP provides Testbed projects with domain-specific expert input, visibility, and validation within the ESIP and Earth science communities.

What types of projects can enter the Testbed?

The Testbed is currently accepting projects in the Incubation stage of the development life cycle, i.e. projects in the realm of good ideas ready to move beyond the proof-of-concept stage. The Testbed will soon support projects at the Prototype stage.

How can a project enter the Testbed?

The ESIP Testbed is managed by the Products & Services (P&S) committee. The P&S committee will release periodic requests for proposals (RFP) for projects to enter the Testbed. The Testbed Configuration Board decides which projects will enter the Testbed and at what stage.