Latest news with #SovereignPublicCloud
Mint
6 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Microsoft rolls out ‘Sovereign Public Cloud' amid EU pressure on data localisation
Microsoft has unveiled a range of new cloud computing services tailored specifically for European governments and organisations, in a move aimed at easing growing concerns over data sovereignty and compliance with strict EU regulations. The US-based tech firm announced its new 'Sovereign Public Cloud' offering on Monday, emphasising that the platform is designed to ensure European data remains within the bloc and under local control. The development comes amid ongoing unease in Europe over the dominance of American tech giants and the extraterritorial reach of US data laws. Under the new model, only personnel based in the European Union will have authority over remote access to cloud systems hosted in the region. Microsoft stated that 'all remote access by Microsoft engineers to the systems that store and process your data in Europe is approved and monitored by European resident personnel in real-time,' adding that these activities will be recorded in a tamper-proof ledger. The initiative also enables clients—particularly governments, critical infrastructure providers, and entities in regulated sectors—to run localised, isolated instances of Microsoft's productivity tools, such as Exchange and SharePoint. These systems can be deployed within a customer's own data centre, granting them full autonomy over data governance, security, and compliance. 'This solution is designed for those needing to meet the highest standards of data residency, operational autonomy, and disconnected access,' Microsoft said in a statement. The firm added that the services would be available by the end of 2025. The new offerings build on Microsoft's earlier commitment in April to invest in expanding its data centre footprint across 16 European countries, foster an AI innovation ecosystem in the region, and collaborate more closely with European cloud providers. Currently, US firms are estimated to control between 70 and 80 per cent of the European cloud services market, a situation that has prompted calls for stronger local alternatives. France, in particular, has advocated for greater European self-reliance in digital infrastructure, citing the risk of foreign access to sensitive data. European privacy advocates and governments have voiced concerns over provisions in US legislation that allow Washington to compel tech companies to hand over data, regardless of where it is stored. In a notable example of this growing resistance, the German state of Schleswig-Holstein announced last week that it would begin phasing out Microsoft products from its public administration systems later this year.
Malaysian Reserve
7 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Microsoft steps up cloud protections for data-conscious EU
PARIS — American tech giant Microsoft said Monday it was offering new cloud-computing products for European governments and organisations keen to control their data and ensure compliance with strict EU rules. Microsoft launched the offering in a statement strewn with the words 'sovereign' and 'sovereignty', reflecting anxiety among political and tech leaders outside the US about American dominance. The biggest change Microsoft announced was that only staff based in the EU will be able to control remote access to cloud computing systems — rented remote hardware for storing and processing data — located in the bloc. Its 'Sovereign Public Cloud' product 'ensures customer data stays in Europe, under European Law, with operations and access controlled by European personnel, and encryption is under full control of customers,' the company said. 'All remote access by Microsoft engineers to the systems that store and process your data in Europe is approved and monitored by European resident personnel in real-time and will be logged in a tamper-evident ledger,' it added. Microsoft also said that clients would be able to operate local, walled-off versions of its office software like Exchange and Sharepoint in their own data centres, offering them 'full control on security, compliance, and governance'. The option is 'designed for governments, critical industries, and regulated sectors that need to meet the highest standards of data residency, operational autonomy, and disconnected access,' Microsoft added. The Redmond-based company said its new products would be available by the end of the year. Microsoft's push to offer more 'sovereign' options follows up on an April promise to expand data centres in 16 European countries, contribute to building an artificial intelligence 'ecosystem' on the continent and work with the region's cloud operators. American companies account for between 70 and 80 percent of the European cloud-computing market. But France in particular has been pushing to build up European capabilities to keep data out of reach of the US government. American law includes provisions under which Washington can compel private companies to grant access to data stored on their servers — even outside US territory. Schleswig-Holstein, one of Germany's 16 states, said Thursday that it would eliminate Microsoft software from its systems starting from later this year. — AFP
Arabian Post
02-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
UAE's Sovereign Cloud Ambitions Strengthened by Microsoft-Core42 Alliance
Microsoft and Core42, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi-based G42, have formalised a multi-year agreement with the Abu Dhabi Government to implement a sovereign cloud infrastructure. This initiative aims to process over 11 million daily digital interactions across government entities, citizens, and businesses, aligning with the UAE's $3.54 billion digital strategy for 2025–2027. The collaboration leverages Core42's Sovereign Public Cloud, powered by Microsoft Azure and enhanced by the Insight platform, to ensure data sovereignty and regulatory compliance. This infrastructure is designed to support the UAE's goal of automating all government processes and deploying more than 200 AI-driven solutions to enhance public service efficiency. Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, emphasised the transformative potential of AI in government operations, stating that Abu Dhabi is setting a global standard for AI adoption in the public sector. Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, highlighted that the partnership goes beyond technological advancement, representing a commitment to building a resilient, future-ready digital infrastructure.
TECHx
19-03-2025
- Business
- TECHx
TECHx Media Abu Dhabi, Microsoft & G42 Partner on AI Cloud
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi (DGE) has signed a multi-year agreement with Microsoft and Core42, a G42 company specializing in sovereign cloud, AI infrastructure, and digital services. This strategic partnership aims to enhance government services through AI-driven digital transformation and the implementation of a sovereign cloud system. The agreement was formalized in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council, and Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority and member of the council. It was signed by Ahmed Tamim Hisham Al Kuttab, Chairman of DGE, Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, and Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42. The sovereign cloud system will process over 11 million daily digital interactions between Abu Dhabi Government entities, residents, businesses, and investors. This initiative is part of Abu Dhabi's vision to become the world's first fully AI-native government by 2027, reinforcing the emirate's leadership in AI adoption, cloud computing, and digital governance. The partnership aligns with the Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027, which includes an AED 13 billion (US$3.54 billion) investment in digital infrastructure to accelerate automation, streamline government processes, and improve public service efficiency. Ahmed Al Kuttab highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating that technology can redefine how governments serve people, making services more efficient, intuitive, and impactful. He emphasized that integrating Microsoft's cloud expertise, G42's AI capabilities, and the government's strategic vision will create a transformative platform for government services. Satya Nadella reaffirmed Microsoft's commitment to AI-driven governance, noting that AI will revolutionize government operations, and Abu Dhabi is setting a global benchmark for AI adoption in the public sector. As part of the digital transformation strategy, Abu Dhabi aims to automate 100% of its government processes, leveraging over 200 AI-driven solutions to enhance service delivery, increase operational productivity, and drive sustainability. Innovations like TAMM 3.0, the emirate's one-stop government services platform, have already reduced offline visits by 90% and enabled 73% of transactions to be completed instantly. The partnership will further accelerate the adoption of AI and cloud solutions, ensuring seamless, secure, and efficient interactions between the government and its stakeholders. Peng Xiao emphasized Core42's role in supporting Abu Dhabi's AI vision, stating that the company's Sovereign Public Cloud, powered by Azure and enhanced by the Insight platform, will enable government entities to maintain data sovereignty while harnessing hyperscale AI innovation. This initiative represents a significant milestone in AI-driven governance, setting a new standard for digital government transformation on a global scale. By integrating AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure, the Abu Dhabi Government, Microsoft, and Core42 are strengthening the emirate's position as a global leader in AI-powered governance. This collaboration underscores Abu Dhabi's commitment to leveraging advanced technology to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in government services, shaping the future of digital governance and public sector innovation.
