Amazon unveils AWS European Sovereign Cloud – A game changer for Europe’s data residency needs?

Amazon Web Services (AWS), an integral segment of Amazon, has made a significant announcement: the introduction of the AWS European Sovereign Cloud. This is a new, autonomous cloud specifically tailored for Europe, intended to cater to the needs of public sector clients and industries with stringent regulations. This initiative aims to adhere to the strictest data residency and operational mandates.

AWS European Sovereign Cloud – What’s New?

This state-of-the-art cloud, situated and managed within Europe’s borders, promises to be distinct from the current AWS Regions, yet with the consistent security, performance, and accessibility that AWS is celebrated for. Initially launching in Germany, this cloud service is open to all European clientele.

Emphasis on Data Control and Residency

Maintaining their stance on data confidentiality, AWS assures that customer data won’t be accessed or utilized without client consent. Unique to this cloud is the stipulation that only EU-based AWS staff, stationed within the EU, will have operational and support control. Moreover, for clients prioritizing data residency, this cloud will facilitate the retention of all metadata within the EU.

Expert Voices on AWS’s New Venture

Max Peterson, VP of Sovereign Cloud at AWS, shared, “The AWS European Sovereign Cloud reinforces our commitment to offering AWS customers the most advanced set of sovereignty controls, privacy safeguards, and security features available in the cloud.” Claudia Plattner of the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) emphasized the transformative potential this cloud offers to organizations demanding high data security.

Sovereign-by-Design & Advanced Infrastructure

The AWS European Sovereign Cloud is touted as sovereign-by-design, accumulating over a decade of AWS’s expertise in handling restricted workloads. Notably, customers can opt for AWS Outposts or AWS Dedicated Local Zones for added data isolation and residency provisions. The latter infrastructure, for exclusive clientele use, can be set up per client-specific regulatory norms.

Assuring Low Latency and High Availability

Promising the familiar low latency and high availability, the AWS European Sovereign Cloud will feature several Availability Zones. These zones, strategically located, are set to diminish the risk of any single event affecting business continuity.

To conclude, AWS’s global reach is expansive, spanning 102 Availability Zones across 32 geographic locales. Plans are underway for an additional 15 Availability Zones and five more AWS Regions in multiple countries.