Digital sovereignty
Microsoft & Arvato Systems set standards
Digital sovereignty is becoming a key strategic issue for organizations. Microsoft strengthens control over cloud data with new Azure offerings. Arvato Systems adds D.A.T.A. - an AI solution for the intelligent control of sensitive information.
Digital sovereignty as a strategic goal
Current global developments mean that organizations - both companies and public-interest institutions - are grappling intensively with the demands placed on their digital sovereignty.
A key insight here is: Digital sovereignty is a relative term. In terms of their design, organizations move between the poles of self-sufficiency and heteronomy. Accordingly, specific architectures must be created that enable different degrees of sovereignty. In practice, it is often the case that different processes within an organization place different demands on digital sovereignty. Decision-makers are therefore required to establish corresponding capabilities in the organizational architecture in order to enable flexible and situation-appropriate control.
Microsoft strengthens the digital sovereignty of European customers
Ever since geopolitical tensions began to rise, European companies have been faced with the question: How can powerful US technology be used without losing control of data and processes?
Microsoft has recognized this challenge. In his commitments, Chairman Brad Smith reaffirmed the endeavor to take European requirements seriously. CEO Satya Nadella substantiated this course with new offerings to strengthen digital sovereignty in the Azure Public Cloud.
One focus of the Redmond-based company's announcements is on functionalities of the Azure Public Cloud. While national, sovereign cloud offerings based on Microsoft technology (e.g. Delos Cloud) are only available to a limited group of customers, organizations outside this group now also benefit from extended options.
Central innovations at a glance
Data Guardian - Transparency through EU monitoring
In future, support processes in the Azure Cloud will be monitored and comprehensively logged by EU personnel. This increases traceability and strengthens trust in global support structures.
Key On Premise - encryption keys in your own hands
In future, organizations will be able to operate their hardware security modules (HSM) in their own data center. The customer retains complete control over the keys used.
Regulated Environment Management - centralized control for regulated industries
A new management tool makes functions relevant to sovereignty visible and controllable - particularly relevant for regulated sectors such as finance or healthcare.
Microsoft 365 Local - local operating models for Exchange and SharePoint
In future, Exchange and SharePoint instances can be operated via Azure Local technology - either in the company's own data center or via certified partners.
Partner specialization
Microsoft Sovereign Cloud: With the new specialization "Sovereign Cloud" in the AI partner program, companies can specifically identify qualified service providers for sovereign AI projects. Arvato Systems is one of the first certified partners.
Our customers in regulated industries need AI that is powerful, privacy-compliant and transparent. With our expertise in sovereign AI, we enable them to use modern technologies without losing control of their data - in line with the new Microsoft initiatives.
D.A.T.A.: Intelligent data evaluation for more sovereignty
Arvato Systems has implemented numerous successful cloud migrations in a wide range of industries. Similar issues regularly arise - regardless of whether they involve SMEs, healthcare facilities or public authorities:
- What data is available?
- Where can they be processed?
- And how is control over this data maintained?
Arvato Systems provides the answer with the Data Assessment and Trust Agent (D.A.T.A.) - an AI-supported solution for the intelligent analysis and control of data flows.
How D.A.T.A. works
The special feature of the solution is that documents are not analyzed as a whole, but at the level of their components. For example, the AI recognizes in parallel whether a document contains classified information, health data or personal information. These findings control subsequent processes - such as the selection of a suitable storage location or access control.
Sovereign integration instead of hyperscaler dependency
All of D.A.T.A.'s data processing operations take place entirely outside of hyperscaler environments. The solution is integrated into existing IT infrastructures on a customer-specific basis - whether in the data center, in edge environments or on partner infrastructure.
D.A.T.A. as the basis for specific sovereignty in the cloud journey
Thanks to its open architecture and portability, D.A.T.A enables documents to be stored and processed exactly where they are needed. Through a rule-based approach, D.A.T.A supports the use of the functional advantages of Microsoft technologies - without compromising on control or transparency.
A typical deployment scenario:
D.A.T.A. is used temporarily in the data center to replace outdated file server landscapes. The system uses customer-specific rules to evaluate all existing documents. It analyzes both the need for protection and the operational requirements - e.g. whether a document is needed at a specific edge location. Thanks to integrated SharePoint functionality, relevant documents are then automatically transferred to the appropriate SharePoint environments.
Conclusion: Digital sovereignty as a strategic necessity
D.A.T.A is just one example of the practical possibilities for implementing digital sovereignty in line with requirements. The platform provides a sound basis for aligning complex document landscapes with specific requirements - securely, transparently and scalably.
The technology is developed entirely in Germany and continuously enhanced by local teams of experts. Contact us - we will accompany you on the path to digital sovereignty.
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