Why is APAC adopting more sovereign cloud technologies?

As the importance of data sovereignty continues to grow, VMware has responded to this demand by creating a network of 22 Sovereign Cloud partners in the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) region. More and more businesses are recognizing the need for data to be stored within their own country’s borders, especially as sensitive data is increasingly stored in the cloud.

VMware’s expansion in the region is a clear reflection of this trend. The company has identified 22 Sovereign Cloud partners in APJ, including countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand.

Data sovereignty has become a key concern for countries and regions worldwide. In response, VMware’s Senior VP and GM for Asia Pacific & Japan, Sylvain Cazard, emphasized the importance of protecting data through digital sovereignty. He noted that the growth of VMware’s Sovereign Cloud partners is evidence that countries are taking steps to create boundaries around their data.

The sovereign cloud is designed to ensure data security and access that comply with regulations and standards set by local laws. It serves as a solution for organizations in both the private and public sectors, protecting critical data and meeting industry-specific requirements. VMware believes that countries in Asia need to develop data governance strategies and enforce laws focused on privacy, protection, and security to meet these demands.

The demand for sovereign cloud in the region is driven by various factors, including the need to mitigate risks and ensure uninterrupted business operations in an uncertain global environment. Cazard pointed out that many countries in the region, such as Brunei, China, and Indonesia, have strict requirements regarding data storage on domestic servers. India and Malaysia also have localization rules in place for certain domain names and data transfer consent requirements. In Australia and New Zealand, data localization rules apply to specific industries.

VMware’s Sovereign Cloud program, which opened to partners in APAC in October 2021, has already attracted several regional partners. These partners include Credence in Malaysia, AIS Business and Cloud HM in Thailand, Lintasarta in Indonesia, and CCL, Datacom, and Macquarie Cloud Services in New Zealand and Australia.

To simplify the process of achieving cloud sovereignty, VMware’s Sovereign Cloud initiative offers certified cloud solutions through partnerships with cloud providers. These providers must meet specific guidelines to obtain certification and comply with geography-specific requirements, regulations, and standards.

According to a report by IDC, by 2025, it is predicted that 30% of Asia-based organizations will move 10% of their workloads to a sovereign cloud provider to meet their data, technical, and operational needs.

Integrating sovereign cloud into a multi-cloud strategy offers several advantages for enterprises. While a multi-cloud approach increases flexibility, it also has the potential to cross over into territories governed by different data sovereign regulations. VMware’s Senior VP, Purnima Padmanabhan, and VP, Prashanth Shenoy, explained how incorporating sovereign cloud into a multi-cloud strategy can help organizations avoid vendor lock-in and future-proof their data operations. It allows businesses to take advantage of the range of services offered across different clouds while ensuring data security measures are in place.

In conclusion, the adoption of sovereign cloud technologies in the APAC region is driven by the need for data sovereignty and compliance with local regulations. VMware’s ecosystem of Sovereign Cloud partners provides organizations with secure and compliant data storage options. By integrating sovereign cloud into a multi-cloud approach, businesses can enjoy the benefits of flexibility and protection while keeping up with the evolving data landscape.

FAQ:

1. What is data sovereignty?
Data sovereignty refers to the concept of data being subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which it is stored. It means that data must be kept within the national borders of the country that owns it.

2. Why is data sovereignty important?
Data sovereignty is important because it ensures that data is protected according to the laws and regulations of the country in which it is stored. It helps safeguard sensitive information and maintains control over data.

3. What is VMware’s Sovereign Cloud program?
VMware’s Sovereign Cloud program offers certified cloud solutions through partnerships with cloud providers. These providers must meet specific requirements and comply with regulations in the regions where their services are offered.

4. How does sovereign cloud work with a multi-cloud strategy?
Integrating sovereign cloud into a multi-cloud strategy allows organizations to diversify their cloud service providers while ensuring compliance with data sovereignty regulations. It offers flexibility and protection for data operations.

5. What are the benefits of using sovereign cloud in the APAC region?
Using sovereign cloud in the APAC region helps organizations comply with local regulations and protect sensitive data. It also ensures uninterrupted business operations and helps mitigate risks in an uncertain global environment.