Today, Microsoft has announced a significant expansion of its European Digital Commitment, unveiling the Microsoft Sovereign Cloud (MSC).This comprehensive suite of sovereignty solutions now features tools such as Data Guardian, which grants European personnel authority over access to local data, and External Key Management, enabling customers to manage their own encryption keys. Additionally, the MSC includes Regulated Environment Management for streamlined policy administration and Microsoft 365 Local to facilitate critical productivity services within private cloud settings.
The MSC initiative is Microsoft’s response to EU legal requirements, aimed at providing organizations within the European Union enhanced control over data privacy and increased digital resilience. This new strategy builds on the existing European Data Boundary framework, ensuring that customer data remains securely stored within EU borders.
Exploring Microsoft Sovereign Cloud Options
Microsoft’s Sovereign Cloud encompasses three distinct offerings: Sovereign Public Cloud, Sovereign Private Cloud, and National Partner Clouds. Currently, the Public and Private Cloud options are still in the preview phase, with a general rollout anticipated later this year.
The Sovereign Public Cloud represents an evolution of Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty, now accessible to all European customers across Microsoft’s network of data centers in Europe. This ensures that data stays within the continent and is governed by European laws, overseen by personnel located in the region. Notably, any existing workloads hosted in European data centers won’t require migration.
On the other hand, the Sovereign Private Cloud caters to hybrid or air-gapped environments, providing customers with complete control over their physical infrastructure. This solution supports workloads on Azure Local and includes Microsoft 365 Local, integrating comprehensive security measures.
Furthermore, National Partner Clouds are tailored for governmental agencies and critical infrastructure needs. These clouds are managed by government-sanctioned local operators operationally distinct from Microsoft itself. For instance, in France, partners such as Bleu with Orange and Capgemini for SecNumCloud, or Delos Cloud, a subsidiary of SAP, help meet specific requirements laid down by the German government.
Transformative Impact on European Organizations
Through the Microsoft Sovereign Cloud, the tech giant aspires to empower EU organizations, enabling them to thrive and compete on their terms while asserting greater control over their data management. To facilitate the integration of these advanced solutions, Microsoft has launched a preview of the new Microsoft Sovereign Cloud specialization within the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program.
This specialization is designed to assist European organizations in identifying partners proficient in fostering their “Sovereign Cloud aspirations utilizing Microsoft technologies.” The initial preview partners include established names such as Accenture, Arvato, Atos, Capgemini, Dell Technologies, IBM, Infosys, Lenovo, and Vodafone, among others.
By deploying these innovative solutions, businesses within the European Union can more efficiently comply with the stringent data protection regulations currently in place. In light of global uncertainties, these advancements are essential for ensuring the security of European data.
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