Data Sovereignty
Ensures that data is stored locally and does not flow unchecked across national borders.
Strategic Sovereignty: Sovereign Cloud Infrastructures for SAP in the Defence Sector
Inhalt:
Operating ERP systems in the defence sector is akin to performing open-heart surgery on national security. In addition to the technical challenges of a modern cloud infrastructure, strict compliance requirements such as VS-NfD and BSI Basic Protection must also be met. Many organizations in the defence sector are therefore faced with the question: How can the benefits of the cloud – scalability, innovation, and efficiency – be reconciled with the non-negotiable requirements for data sovereignty and security?
The answer lies in sovereign cloud solutions that serve as a digital fortress for sensitive data. The SAP Sovereign Cloud (SSC), combined with the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), offers a robust solution that enables organizations to drive their digital transformation without compromising control over their data.
Why is choosing the right cloud infrastructure so crucial?
Operating core systems in the cloud has long been a reality. But not all cloud solutions are equally suitable for the defence sector. The requirements go far beyond standard security measures and form the foundation for a secure digital future. A flawed foundation can shake the entire edifice of national security.
Control over Sensitive Data
In the defence sector, data is processed daily whose protection is of national importance. A cloud infrastructure must guarantee that this data does not flow unchecked across national borders and that the organization retains complete control over its information at all times. This is not only a technical requirement but also a legal and strategic necessity that ensures trust in the state’s digital operational capability.
Compliance as a Business Requirement: VS-NfD and BSI Basic Protection
Compliance with regulatory requirements is not optional in the defence sector; rather, it is the ticket to entry into a highly regulated ecosystem. For organizations operating in this environment, standards such as VS-NfD (Classified – For Official Use Only) and the IT Baseline Protection of the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) serve as the central guidelines. A cloud solution that does not meet these standards effectively excludes organizations from important business relationships and poses an unacceptable security risk. The SAP Sovereign Cloud is designed to ensure this compliance and provides a secure foundation for implementing the demanding protection and resilience measures.
The Four Dimensions of Sovereignty
To fully understand the requirements for such a digital fortress, sovereignty must be considered across four dimensions. Only when all four areas are covered can we speak of a truly sovereign solution that ensures security at all levels.
Operational sovereignty
Ensures that the infrastructure is operated by trusted, national personnel at secure locations.
Technical sovereignty
Guarantees the physical security of data centers and local control over the entire technical control level.
Legal sovereignty
Ensures that the infrastructure is operated by a legal entity subject to national law.
SAP Sovereign Cloud: The Solution for Critical Infrastructure
Now that the requirements are clear, the focus shifts to the solution. The SAP Sovereign Cloud was developed specifically for organizations with the highest security and compliance requirements. It offers a full-stack approach that spans from the application layer through the platform to the infrastructure and covers all four dimensions of sovereignty. With over 20 years of experience and planned investments of more than 20 billion euros over the next ten years, SAP underscores its commitment to this strategically important field.
SAP BTP as the Digital Backbone of a Sovereign Infrastructure
A sovereign cloud is more than just a secure storage location. It requires an intelligent nervous system that controls processes, connects data, and enables innovation. This is precisely the role played by the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP). It is not merely a technical component, but the foundation for digital transformation in the defence sector.
What does SAP BTP do?
SAP BTP is a comprehensive integrated Platform-as-a-Service (iPaaS) that enables organizations to securely integrate, extend, and modernize their systems. It connects various functions – from application development and integration to data analysis and artificial intelligence – within a single, controlled environment. It serves as the central toolkit for unlocking the potential of digitalization in a secure and compliant manner.
The Four Key Areas of SAP BTP
BTP demonstrates its strength in four core disciplines that together form a holistic solution for digital transformation.
Application Development: With tools such as SAP Build Code and SAP Business Application Studio, organizations can develop modern, reusable applications. The clean-core paradigm ensures that the core system (such as SAP S/4HANA) remains untouched and that extensions are implemented as so-called side-by-side solutions. This minimizes risks and simplifies future updates.
Integration: The SAP Integration Suite seamlessly connects SAP and non-SAP systems and acts as a universal translator in a heterogeneous system landscape. Particularly important for the defence sector is the ability to process and store data locally. The Edge Integration Cell enables sensitive data flows to be kept within the organization’s own infrastructure – a critical advantage for organizations with high security requirements.
Data & Analytics: With the SAP Business Data Cloud, SAP Datasphere, and SAP Analytics Cloud, decision-makers gain real-time insights into their data without losing control. The platform enables self-service analytics and data governance to the highest standards, turning data into informed decisions.
Artificial Intelligence: SAP Joule and other AI services offer capabilities for intelligent automation and decision support – all within a controlled, sovereign environment that ensures even AI processes comply with strict compliance requirements.
abat as a Partner for Your Sovereign Cloud Strategy
Implementing a sovereign cloud infrastructure is complex and requires more than just technical knowledge – it demands an experienced guide who understands the intricacies of the regulatory landscape. This is where abat’s expertise comes into play. We have extensive experience in designing and implementing SAP BTP solutions in the defence sector and other regulated industries. We offer comprehensive consulting across all four service areas of SAP BTP and translate technological capabilities into concrete business benefits.
In the area of Application Development, we support the development of customer-specific solutions that follow the Clean Core approach. This involves the use of modern technologies such as SAP Build Code, SAP Business Application Studio, and ABAP for Cloud Development.
In the area of integration, we help securely connect complex system landscapes. With the SAP Integration Suite and the Edge Integration Cell, sensitive data flows can be managed locally – a decisive advantage for organizations with high compliance requirements.
In the area of Data & Analytics, we support the preparation and analysis of corporate data. Using SAP Datasphere and SAP Analytics Cloud, we create dashboards and analyses that provide decision-makers with up-to-date information.
In the field of artificial intelligence, we support organizations in implementing AI-powered solutions. From SAP Joule to generative AI applications – all within a controlled, secure environment that also works on-premises.
Practical Implementation: Deployment Options
The path to a sovereign cloud is not a one-size-fits-all solution. SAP offers various deployment models that can be flexibly adapted to individual needs and security requirements to define the right route for every organization.
SAP Cloud Infrastructure is a fully SAP-operated, Germany-based infrastructure. It offers the highest level of data sovereignty and is ideal for organizations that prefer a fully managed solution.
At the heart of this architecture are three geographically separate availability zones, implemented through three independent data centers. All of these data centers are located exclusively on German soil and are wholly owned by SAP SE – a German, legally independent entity. This ensures the highest level of control over infrastructure, data flows, and compliance.
A central component of the sovereign cloud region is the local control plane. It ensures that all management and control processes remain within the region and that no data flows out to other regions or international networks. This is complemented by an IaaS solution built on an OpenStack-based infrastructure developed and controlled by SAP itself. This platform enables customers to install third-party software flexibly and freely – without restrictions within the sovereign environment.
The underlying infrastructure meets the highest security requirements: The SAP data center landscape is certified by the BSI; the IaaS infrastructure is self-accredited to the GHB classification level in accordance with the VS-NfD guidelines and is also approved for VSA use. The physical infrastructure is also consistently sovereign in design: All network connections between the data centers, as well as the land over which these network routes run, are also owned by SAP.
In operating the data centers and the IaaS layer, SAP relies exclusively on personnel from Germany as well as EU or NATO countries. All employees undergo a security check and are briefed in accordance with VS-NfD standards – another building block to ensure the highest level of security and complete control over the environment. At the same time, it is ensured that operational staff have no access to customer data.
Particularly relevant for public institutions and government agencies: Connection to federal networks is possible, opening up new opportunities for modern, sovereign digitalization projects in the sensitive government and administrative environment.
The sovereign SAP Cloud Infrastructure Region thus combines technological modernity, legal sovereignty, and the highest security standards – offering a cloud solution specifically tailored to the requirements of security-critical organizations.
SAP Sovereign Cloud On-Site enables the deployment of the infrastructure in your own data center. This provides maximum physical control, while SAP provides support and compliance standards.
Conclusion: Sovereignty as a Strategic Advantage
The digital transformation of the defence sector is inevitable. The question is not whether organizations will move to the cloud, but how they will do so responsibly. With the SAP Sovereign Cloud and the SAP Business Technology Platform, organizations have a solution at their disposal that enables them to leverage the benefits of the cloud – scalability, innovation, efficiency – without compromising sovereignty. We are happy to assist with the design and implementation of your sovereign cloud strategy.
FAQs: Sovereign Cloud
1. What is the difference between the SAP Sovereign Cloud and the SAP Public Cloud?
The SAP Sovereign Cloud is a specially isolated and controlled environment designed to meet national security and compliance requirements. It differs from the Public Cloud in that it features stricter controls regarding data storage, operational personnel, and legal jurisdiction.
2. Which compliance certifications does the SAP Sovereign Cloud meet?
3. How long does it take to implement an SAP Sovereign Cloud?
4. Can the SAP Sovereign Cloud be integrated with existing on-premise systems?
5. What role does SAP BTP play in the Sovereign Cloud?
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