Press release -
The Nordic Institute for Interoperability Solutions (NIIS) Releases Beta Version of X-Road 8 “Spaceship”
The Nordic Institute for Interoperability Solutions (NIIS) today announced the release of the beta version of X-Road 8 “Spaceship”, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the widely adopted X-Road® data exchange software. This release represents the transition from the research and proof-of-concept phase toward a production-ready version designed to interoperate seamlessly with emerging data spaces.
X-Road 8 “Spaceship” builds on the proven foundations of the X-Road concept while evolving it into a modern data space infrastructure. The new version introduces support for leading data space protocols and ensures alignment with the Gaia-X Trust Framework, strengthening X-Road’s role in data exchange in the age of data spaces.
Earlier stages of development included a proof-of-concept (PoC) demonstrating that X-Road can be backwards compatible while implementing the data space architecture and protocols. Building on those results, NIIS has progressed toward a production-grade implementation that maintains the reliability of X-Road 7 while adding new architectural flexibility and modernisation.
“With the beta release of X-Road 8, we enter a new era where X-Road is no longer just a data exchange layer but is evolving towards a fully capable data space infrastructure. In the beta version, we’ve focused on modularity and container-native architecture so that data sharing ecosystems can evolve smoothly,” says Petteri Kivimäki, CTO of NIIS.
According to the official X-Road 8 roadmap, the first stable production release is scheduled for Q4 2026. During the beta period, NIIS will collaborate closely with the X-Road user community to strengthen the product. Collaboration with beta testers will play a crucial role in gathering insights, feedback, and contributions that help shape the first production release.
“We expect beta testers in public and private sector digital services to play a key role in shaping the final form of X-Road 8. The modular architecture and container-first approach will enable new deployment models and greater scalability to different needs,” says Ville Sirviö, CEO of NIIS.
Related links
Topics
Categories
Nordic Institute for Interoperability Solutions (NIIS) ensures the development and strategic management of digital government solutions that allow its members to provide excellent digital public services.
NIIS is both a network and cooperation platform and executioner of IT developments in members’ common interests. The institute focuses on practical collaboration, sharing of experience and promoting innovation. The operating model of the institute is something unique in the world.
The republics of Estonia, Finland and Iceland are members of NIIS, and Ukraine, Schleswig-Holstein, Québec, the Faroe Islands, and the Government of Åland have entered into a partnership agreement with NIIS.
