Digital sovereignty has rapidly emerged as a crucial issue for businesses and public institutions across Europe. As reported earlier this year, leaders like Mr. Schumann highlight the urgent need for control over digital infrastructure and data in an increasingly complex global landscape. This growing demand for independence is precisely what Schwarz Digits is addressing, particularly through its STACKIT cloud and colocation services.
Why Digital Sovereignty Matters Now
In today’s interconnected world, relying solely on infrastructure providers based outside Europe raises concerns about data protection, compliance with local laws, and potential international data access regulations. European organizations require certainty that their sensitive information remains under their jurisdiction and adheres strictly to European standards like GDPR. This strategic need for digital independence is driving the shift towards sovereign cloud solutions.
STACKIT: A European Answer to Cloud Sovereignty
Developed by Schwarz Digits, part of the major Schwarz Group (known for retailers like Lidl and Kaufland), STACKIT was born out of the group’s own extensive internal digital transformation needs starting in 2018. Facing the challenge of managing complex data and systems securely, the Schwarz Group built a robust, sovereign cloud platform for itself. Recognizing the broader market need, Schwarz IT refined STACKIT into a powerful, external offering.
STACKIT stands out by offering a cloud solution where data sovereignty is non-negotiable. Here’s how they ensure it:
Exclusive European Locations: All STACKIT data centers are located exclusively within Germany and Austria. This guarantees that customer data is subject only to strict European data protection laws and jurisdiction.
GDPR Compliance: The platform is designed from the ground up to ensure full compliance with GDPR and other relevant European regulations.
Advanced Security: Security is paramount, incorporating technologies like confidential computing to protect data even during processing. Regular, independent audits and certifications validate the platform’s security posture.
More Than Just Sovereignty: Performance and Flexibility
While sovereignty is the cornerstone, STACKIT also delivers a highly capable and flexible cloud platform:
Origins Driving Quality: Its development from the Schwarz Group’s own demanding internal use case means STACKIT is built for reliability, scalability, and real-world complexity.
Tailored Solutions: Offering everything from basic virtual machines and secure storage to sophisticated development environments like Cloud Foundry, STACKIT integrates seamlessly into existing IT landscapes and caters to diverse needs, from Mittelstand companies to large public administrations.
Future-Proof Architecture: Designed for high availability, data can be stored across multiple data centers within Germany and Austria. Robust recovery strategies ensure business continuity. A dedicated 24/7 support team maintains stability.
Open Standards: Based on open standards, STACKIT helps customers avoid vendor lock-in, making migration and integration smoother.
Dedicated Support: The STACKIT team provides individual support, assisting customers through their cloud migration journey and optimizing their solutions.
By combining uncompromising data sovereignty with robust performance, flexibility, and dedicated support, STACKIT enables European organizations to pursue their digital goals securely and independently. It represents a strategic step towards strengthening Europe’s digital infrastructure and competitiveness.
