The world of cloud computing is evolving rapidly and terms like public cloud, private cloud, multicloud and poly cloud have become common these days. Well, there is another term that is less known to many. It is “sovereign cloud”. It is an emerging concept and is becoming increasingly relevant for businesses which are navigating complex regulatory environments.
What is a sovereign cloud? It is a cloud computing environment that is tailored to meet specific governmental regulations with respect to the place where data is stored. The concept is simple. It is tied to the idea of digital sovereignty. It emphasizes the ability of an organization to control its data and applications fully.
Now, the question arises as to why the sovereign clouds are gaining attention? Many businesses face stringent regulations dictating data residency. GDPR in Europe requires certain data to remain within national borders. Often public cloud platforms struggle to meet such requirements due to their generalized approach. Sovereign clouds offer assurances about data location. It helps the organizations to comply with the rules.
However, sovereign clouds come with some challenges too. One major drawback is its cost as it is comparatively more expensive. Moreover, the process to access sovereign clouds can be bureaucratic and can delay or complicate access. Sovereign clouds may also lack some of niche features which are offered in public clouds.
In short, it means that sovereign clouds offer a tailored solution for businesses which are looking for strict data control with respect to meeting regulatory requirements. One of the notable advantages offered is enhanced data residency controls. However, one major drawback is its higher costs. It also faces potential access barriers. Businesses navigating complex compliance landscapes may find it helpful and worth the payment made even if it is slightly expensive.
