Promoting Digital Sovereignty with Microsoft
Commitments for digital independence
When Brad Smith, President of Microsoft, announced his >European Digital Commitments>> was more than just a PR statement. It was a clear message: Europe needs digital solutions that enable innovation - while maintaining data protection, resilience and digital sovereignty. This affirmation strengthens us in our actions. Because for us, digital sovereignty is not just an abstract concept. It is a design mandate that we carry out with our customers - on the basis of Microsoft's Digital Commitments and with a focus on sovereign cloud solutions and digital independence.
Microsoft offers platforms such as Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure Germany has a powerful foundation for modern digital working environments, which is constantly being developed further. This is exactly where we start - and build on this to create solutions that meet the specific legal and operational requirements of our clients. In doing so, we take sovereign digitalization a step further: we help our customers to use Microsoft technologies securely, in compliance with data protection regulations and with confidence. In addition to Microsoft, we can also rely on other hyperscalers, our own Virtual Private Cloud or even the customer's own data center - always with a view to a data-sovereign IT infrastructure. This enables you to implement multi-cloud scenarios in line with the Develop the German Administrative Cloud Strategy (DVS).
Our Arvato Systems cloud consultancy helps organizations to tap into these opportunities efficiently - in both the private and public sectors. For administrations in particular, the combination of Microsoft Azure Germany and sovereign cloud options such as Delos Cloud represents a powerful German cloud solution based on Microsoft technology.
If required, we extend existing Microsoft solutions to strengthen the digital sovereignty of our customers
The use of Microsoft 365 brings clear added value for many organizations - for example through modern collaboration, high availability and continuous development. At the same time, many organizations are faced with the question of how this modern workplace can be operated securely in accordance with legal regulations and internal requirements.
Our concept of the privacy-friendly workplace therefore pursues a clear goal: to configure Microsoft 365 in such a way that it is compliant with data protection regulations, traceable and secure to use - based on the specific framework conditions of the respective organization and as a secure cloud for public administrations.
To do this, we analyze legal requirements - such as the GDPR, BDSG or other industry-specific requirements - and combine these with company guidelines, information security requirements and coordination with the works council. On this basis, we develop a customized configuration: from the control of telemetry data and data flows to guidelines for Exchange, Teams and OneDrive to logging and visibility settings.
In this way, we enable organizations to use the digital workplace in a secure and legally compliant manner, which is also tailored to the individual needs of the organization - and is based on Microsoft technology.
Ability through technological expertise
Digital sovereignty means one thing above all: being able to act - technologically, strategically and operationally. This is precisely where our strength lies. We have in-depth expertise in all relevant cloud and infrastructure technologies - from Microsoft Azure Germany and Microsoft 365 to AWS and Google Cloud through to our virtual private cloud or traditional on-premises structures.
This broad technological positioning puts us in a position to protect our customers even in complex or dynamic situations - be it geopolitical risks, regulatory changes or technological upheavals. Our specialists do not think architecture within narrow boundaries, but with a view to what is feasible, what makes sense and what is most secure - always in the spirit of true digital sovereignty.
Microsoft technology often forms the basis for modern platform architectures. However, where necessary, we supplement this environment with additional components: for example, to increase data sovereignty, to meet specific regulatory requirements or to integrate existing systems. The result is not fragmentation, but a deliberately designed overall picture - a secure, controllable and future-proof IT landscape that enables true digital sovereignty.
Multi-cloud strategy as the key to digital independence
A structured multi-cloud strategy is an effective means of strengthening digital sovereignty in a targeted manner. By consciously using different cloud platforms, organizations not only gain flexibility and control over their data - they also create the basis for specifically counteracting vendor lock-in.
With our AVVIA Portfolio we support our customers in following exactly this path. We enable the creation of individual, cross-technology architectures - with common hyperscalers, superior special solutions such as Delos Cloud or our own virtual private cloud. We pay attention to clear governance, consistent identity management and transparent operating models - combining the best of multi-cloud strategy and data sovereign IT infrastructure.
The result is not a confusing landscape, but a well thought-out, controllable multi-cloud infrastructure that is geared towards the technical, regulatory and strategic requirements of our customers. The result: more independence, more freedom of choice - and a stable framework for genuine digital independence and digital sovereignty.
Industry expertise for confident digitalization in the public sector
Digital sovereignty starts with strategy. That's why we combine technological expertise with industry knowledge: whether public administration, energy suppliers, insurance companies or the healthcare sector - our experts know the specific requirements and help to realize individual digital visions of the future.
It's not just about choosing the right technology, but also about governance, security, data protection and co-determination. Whether a complete cloud shift, hybrid model or targeted use of special solutions: We always advise our customers with our technological understanding combined with our industry knowledge - and with the clear goal of digital sovereignty. Customers benefit from our Arvato Systems cloud consulting.
Special solutions for particularly critical environments
For particularly regulated environments, special solutions are needed that meet the high requirements for data protection, security and control. This is where sovereign cloud offerings such as Delos Cloud come into play: a cloud platform with a German operator that is based on Microsoft technology.
The Delos Cloud is the sovereign platform for the public sector in Germany. Azure hyperscale technology forms the basis of the offering. Operation by the German companies Arvato Systems and SAP and the data center locations in Germany guarantee both operational and data sovereignty. In addition, the updates continuously provided by Microsoft are constantly monitored by the BSI - a BSI-certified cloud that puts digital sovereignty into practice.
Conclusion: Our Contribution to Digital Sovereignty
With its Digital Commitments, Microsoft has sent an important signal for more digital independence in Europe. But clear principles alone are not enough - implementation partners are needed to translate these principles into tangible solutions. At Arvato Systems, we see ourselves in precisely this role: as a partner that enables organizations to act with digital sovereignty.
Whether through customized workplace solutions, structured multi-cloud architectures, superior platform models or strategic consulting: we support our customers in shaping their technological future independently, securely and sustainably - always in line with their individual requirements.
Our aim is to set up organizations in such a way that they can understand and control their digital infrastructures and develop them further in their own interests. Not as an end in itself, but as the basis for responsible digitalization - and true digital sovereignty.
You want to digitize with confidence? We support you - with an understanding of technology, strategic vision and concrete solutions.
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