Telecom provider KPN is teaming up with the German tech company Schwarz Digits to launch a European sovereign cloud in the Netherlands. With this collaboration, the companies aim to offer a European alternative for secure data storage, reducing reliance on American cloud giants such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. According to KPN and Schwarz Digits, the solution is especially relevant for vital sectors such as government, finance, energy, and healthcare.
Demand
The sovereign cloud service is already operational in Germany and Austria. In the Dutch rollout, KPN will provide connectivity and IT services, while Schwarz Digits will supply the cloud infrastructure via its STACKIT platform. “There is a clear and growing demand for sovereign cloud solutions in the Netherlands and across Europe”, says KPN CEO Joost Farwerck. “Dutch companies and public organisations want more control over their data and a secure European cloud at scale”.
Digital autonomy
KPN already offers cloud services through its own data centres. STACKIT will install its platform within those centres, thereby linking KPN to a broader European cloud network.
Push for European alternatives
In April, KPN and six other Dutch IT companies launched the Open Cloud Alliance. They want to reduce the Netherlands’ dependence on non‑European cloud providers. According to the alliance, relying on foreign companies is unnecessary and can be risky. Also, critical data may fall under non‑European laws.
The new sovereign cloud aims to strengthen Europe’s digital resilience. It also gives organisations more certainty about where their data is stored and which laws apply to it.
@anp | NEWSBRAINPORT
