German software firm SAP has started offering its sovereign cloud capabilities to customers in the United Kingdom.
The new offering equips public sector organizations, critical infrastructure operators and owners, and other highly regulated sectors with a secure, localized cloud solution.
“In today’s complex global environment, it is vital for our customers to understand that their data, as well as our solutions and services, are secure,” SAP UK & Ireland Managing Director Leila Romane said. “These are managed by security-cleared personnel in dedicated, local, secure facilities. Sovereignty is essential in protecting against unlawful data access, ensuring compliance and mitigating risk.”
SAP Sovereign Cloud’s entry into the U.K. market is backed by the company’s $1.8 billion investment in driving the nation’s digital transformation. The move aligns with the British Data Protection Act 2018 and the National Cyber Security Centre’s security principles.
Sovereign Cloud Capabilities
Martin Merz, president of sovereign services and delivery at SAP, emphasized the company’s offerings to the British public and its years of expertise in operating sovereign cloud solutions.
“At SAP, we are committed to protect the security and well-being of the societies we serve,” he said. “We are proud to commence SAP Sovereign Cloud capabilities in the U.K. and will support government and businesses alike to innovate, transform and harness the benefits of the cloud.”
Europe has been seeing a growth in interest in sovereign cloud services as governments look for solutions that allow them to own and protect their data. Amazon Web Services first announced plans for a European Sovereign Cloud in October 2023, and months earlier, Oracle established two EU sovereign cloud regions. This year, it plans to expand to a third cloud region and hire local talent in Morocco to support its growing operations there.