Extrata® - frequently asked questions

Page last updated: Thursday, 21 September 2023 - 1:04pm

Please note: This content may be out of date and is currently under review.

This section answers some frequently asked questions about Extrata.

Q. What is Extrata?

A. Extrata is a new data sharing platform designed for primary producers to safely share and leverage their data to inform decision making.

Using end-to-end encryption, Extrata allows the user to retain complete control over their data and which third parties they choose to share it with. 

Q. What are some of the potential benefits of using Extrata?

A. Private, secure data transfer:
All data transferred via Extrata is automatically encrypted end-to-end. Extrata does not store nor analyse any data exchanged through the platform.

Data Bundling:
Extrata provides a central place to bring multiple data sets together from various cloud platforms through a process we call 'Data Bundling'. 

Control your own data:
By creating a Data Bundle in Extrata, you maintain control over your own ag data and can set your own parameters around data access.

Application benefits:
Extrata can help inform decision-making related to weather forecasting, irrigation system management, crop yield production, crop disease prediction, agricultural research and more.

Q. How do I register for an account on Extrata?

A. Visit our Early Adopter Program page and fill out the form to register your interest. A member of our team will be in touch to get you started.

Q. What is the Early Adopter Program?

A. The Program is open to WA primary producers who would like to start trialling the Extrata platform while it is in its pilot phase.
It is free to participate. To register your interest, visit our Early Adopter Program page.

Q. What is a Data Bundle?

A. Data Bundles are collections of resource links (data end points) that facilitate the secure sharing of primary producer data to agreed third parties. For example, a primary producer may create a Data Bundle to share temperature data from a specific weather station along with water tank levels for a particular tank.

Bundles can be private (default) or public. Private bundles are accessible by invite only, whereas public bundle details can be viewed by any Extrata user. In both cases, the data is not shared until both parties agree to an Extrata Participation Request.

Q. Can I keep my Data Bundle private?

A. Yes, you can keep a Data Bundle private. When you create your bundle in Extrata, you have the option to publish your bundle privately publicly. The only way for someone to access your Private Data Bundle is by invite-only.

Q. What is the Data Marketplace?

A. A listing of all publicly available Data Bundles are visible to Extrata users in the Data Marketplace. Details of these bundles can be reviewed and a Participation Request submitted to request access to the data.

Q. How do I access another user's Data Bundle?

A. Data Bundles are either Public or Private.

You can view available Public Data Bundles in the Data Marketplace and then send a Participation Request to the data owner to access the bundle.

Private Data Bundles are the same as Public Data Bundles. The only difference is that Private Data Bundles are not listed in the Data Marketplace. Private Data Bundles are useful for sharing sensitive information and are accessible via invite-only.

Q. What is a Participation Request?

A. This is a request from an Extrata user to have access to another user's Data Bundle. This includes a brief summary of what the data will be used for, terms of data usage, along with the duration they would like access to the Data Bundle.

Once the Participation Request has been accepted, the requesting user can start consuming the data via the Extrata API using their API key.

Q. What is a Data Sharing Agreement?

A. Before accepting a Participation Request, Extrata requires confirmation that a Data Sharing Agreement is in place. This agreement is a contract that outlines the terms and conditions of sharing particular Data Bundle/s and how the data will be used.

A Data Sharing Agreement ensures that data shared is used responsibly and securely, while protecting the interests of both parties.

Q. What security measures does Extrata use to protect my data?

A. Extrata's main consideration is privacy and security of primary producer data. Using Extrata, primary producers have full control over who can access their data, as well as when and how long third parties can access it. 

Extrata does not store any data. All data is transferred through the platform as needed and is automatically encrypted end-to-end. This means that the data shared is encrypted at the sender’s end and only the end recipient can access it. 

An Extrata API access key (or token) is used to securely retrieve any data via Extrata. These keys can be cycled or changed at any time to provide additional security.

Q. What is an Application Programming Interface (API)

A. An Application Programming Interface (API) allows two or more computer systems to communicate with each other, regardless of the programming languages or operating systems they use.

Extrata uses API technology to facilitate the secure transfer of data between users.

Q. How do I close my Extrata account?

A. Follow these steps:

1. Notify the Service Providers with whom you have an active Participation Request that you will be discontinuing use of their data bundles.

2. After informing the Service Providers, discuss and address any requirements outlined in the Data Sharing Agreements you have in place with them.

3. Once you have deactivated any active Participation Requests, you can proceed with closing your Extrata account.

4. As part of the account termination process, you can take advantage of the user-friendly features within the Extrata platform, which include the option to download your personal data (Account Settings > Download Personal Data).

5. Go to Account Settings > Close Account.

6. Alternatively, you can email Extrata@dpird.wa.gov.au to request the termination of your account. We will handle the account closure process and ensure that your personal data is emailed to you.

 

Author

Nikki Sinclair

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