Cloud sovereignty is no longer just a public sector concern • The Register
Cloud Sovereignty: From Public Sector Mandate to Private Sector Reality
Cloud sovereignty, once largely a concern for public bodies driven by regulation and national policy, is rapidly gaining traction in the private sector. Traditionally cost-focused, private organizations are increasingly considering sovereignty as a key requirement, particularly in light of geopolitical shifts and vendor dependence. This shift is fueling demand for alternatives to US hyperscalers.
The Diverging Definitions of Sovereignty
A core challenge in the cloud sovereignty debate is the lack of a universally accepted definition. Ignacio Llorente, managing director of OpenNebula, highlights this discrepancy. While the public sector, particularly regarding defence, prioritizes sovereignty as a primary criterion for solution selection, the private sector often frames it within existing Request for Proposals (RFPs).
Geographical nuances further complicate the matter. In the US, sovereignty leans towards on-premises solutions and open source technologies, emphasizing customer control. The European Union, however, places greater emphasis on technology developed within the EU itself. This is reflected in increasing calls for EU firms to move away from US hyperscalers, a trend gaining momentum and regulatory support.
The Rise of Sovereign Cloud Solutions
Companies like OpenNebula, founded in 2008 and turning 18 in 2026, are positioned to capitalize on this growing demand. OpenNebula’s platform is designed to operate across diverse infrastructures, from on-premises environments to public clouds like Amazon Web Services and European providers such as Scaleway. The company has seen an “exponential number of requests” recently, though Llorente cautions that widespread adoption will take several years due to existing multi-year subscription licenses.
Other players are also entering the space. SUSE recently launched a framework to assess an organization’s alignment with the EU Cloud Sovereignty Framework. OpenNebula is now available on OVHcloud as a production-ready environment, offering another option for organizations seeking sovereign solutions.
Broadcom’s VMware Acquisition: An Unexpected Catalyst
Interestingly, the private sector’s embrace of sovereignty isn’t solely driven by geopolitical concerns or regulatory pressure. The acquisition of VMware by Broadcom is also playing a significant role. Organizations are re-evaluating their cloud strategies to avoid potential licensing cost increases and vendor lock-in, leading them to explore open, sovereign alternatives. Companies are keen to avoid repeating past mistakes and are prioritizing open solutions.
Llorente notes that the European Commission’s priority is to reduce dependence on a small number of foreign platforms. This, combined with the VMware situation, is accelerating the search for alternatives.
What Does Sovereignty Mean in practise?
OpenNebula defines sovereignty beyond simply the location of servers. It encompasses control over the platform, ownership of the technology stack, decision-making authority over the infrastructure, and even control over energy sources. This holistic view reflects a growing understanding that true sovereignty requires more than just geographical separation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cloud sovereignty? Cloud sovereignty refers to the idea that data and applications should be subject to the laws and governance structures of the region where they are located and operated.
Why is cloud sovereignty important? It’s important for organizations needing to comply with specific regulations, protect sensitive data, and maintain control over their IT infrastructure.
Is cloud sovereignty only a concern for the public sector? No, while initially a public sector focus, the private sector is increasingly prioritizing cloud sovereignty due to geopolitical factors and vendor concerns.
What are some alternatives to US hyperscalers? OpenNebula, SUSE, and OVHcloud are examples of companies offering sovereign cloud solutions.
When is the peak of interest in sovereign cloud solutions expected? Llorente predicts interest will peak around 2027.
Pro Tip: When evaluating cloud providers, carefully consider their data residency policies, security certifications, and ownership structure to ensure they align with your sovereignty requirements.
Did you know? The VMware acquisition by Broadcom is unexpectedly driving increased interest in open and sovereign cloud solutions within the private sector.
Explore further resources on cloud sovereignty and OpenNebula’s solutions here. Share your thoughts on the evolving landscape of cloud sovereignty in the comments below!