Ensuring data sovereignty: how OVHcloud helps European companies protect confidential information

For over 20 years, the company has used an integrated model that secures full control over the value chain – from developing its own servers, through building its own data centres, to orchestrating its own fibre-optic network.

This unique approach allows OVHcloud, fully independently, to cover entire application spectrum for 1.6 million customers in more than 140 countries. OVHcloud offers customers latest-generation solutions that combine high performance, transparent pricing and full data sovereignty to support their unhindered growth.

Thanks to its vision and continuous investment in its portfolio, OVHcloud was named the first globally operating European provider by IDC as a "Major Player" in the IDC MarketScape at the end of 2022.

OVHcloud operates its own data centres in Europe and relies on its own hardware infrastructure, setting the company apart from many other cloud providers. Customers can choose between various cloud services such as virtual private servers, public cloud, dedicated servers or managed Kubernetes.

Another important topic for OVHcloud is data security. Company relies on multi-level security procedures and has own Security Operations Centre (SOC), responsible for round-the-clock system monitoring. Company has also developed own anti-DDoS solutions to fend off attacks on infrastructure.

OVHcloud has grown in recent years into one of the largest European cloud providers and counts clients from various sectors such as e-commerce, financial services or gaming. Especially for companies valuing data sovereignty and data protection, OVHcloud is according to OVH an interesting option.

What does data sovereignty mean?

Data sovereignty means a company or a person has full control over their data and decides for themselves where it's stored and who may access it. OVHcloud promises its customers that their data is stored on European servers and that the company allows no access by government authorities outside Europe.

Data sovereignty is an important topic that many companies are dealing with. It is crucial so that companies can protect their data from possible external influence, particularly from abroad, and thus act independently. This affects the strategic areas of company development in particular. Certain EU regulations restrict the transfer of personal data outside the European Union. In particular, compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a guarantor of data sovereignty.

What does OVHcloud do for data sovereignty?

OVHcloud is a cloud provider headquartered in France and operates on European principles. It is subject to GDPR and commits to complying with this and other protective measures under various regulations.

OHVcloud has set itself high security principles and checks, for every action it takes, whether it's compatible with these principles, adjusting its plans where necessary.

For example, despite the goal of global operations and pressure from hyperscalers to avoid the CLOUD Act

• The subsidiary and servers in America separated from the servers in Europe

• Technical support for "follow-the-sun support" was relocated from America to Canada.

• Forgoes integration of major database providers where licence validation must be performed in America.

• Optionally creating the option of purely European technical support.

What measures are there for delivering on the data sovereignty promise? 

There are various measures a company can take to deliver on its data sovereignty promise and ensure it has full control over its data. Here are a few examples:

1. A company can ensure that the servers on which its data is stored are located in a specific geographic area. For example, a European company can ensure that its data is stored on servers in Europe, to ensure it is subject to European data protection law.

2. Companies can use data encryption to ensure that data cannot be intercepted by unauthorised third parties during transmission and storage. Here it is important that encryption is carried out end-to-end, i.e. from the moment the data is created until the point at which it is stored.

3. Companies can take various measures to ensure that only authorised individuals can access the data. This includes using passwords, two-factor authentication, biometrics, or restricting access to certain devices or IP addresses.

4. Companies should ensure they have full control over the processing of their data. This includes deciding how the data is processed and who has access to it. Companies should ensure they have the right to retrieve, delete or export their data at any time.

5. Ultimately, delivering on the promise of data sovereignty also depends on trust in the cloud provider. Companies should therefore research thoroughly before choosing a cloud provider and ensure the provider implements the necessary security measures and is capable of guaranteeing a high level of data sovereignty. Certifications such as ISO certifications can help here 

Conclusion

OVHcloud is the cloud of Europe and sets standards for data-sovereign operation. Through its scope of features, performance and stability, OVHcloud doesn't need to hide behind the hyperscalers and creates a strong alternative. Anyone demanding high protection for their data can't get around OVHcloud.

We're happy to support you with migration to OVHcloud. Take a look here: https://www.synaigy.com/details/cloud-migration-synaigy

Our sources:

https://www.synaigy.com/details/synaigy-partner-ovhcloud

https://corporate.ovhcloud.com/de/newsroom/news/2022-idc-marketscape/