In times of geopolitical tension, digital sovereignty is no longer an abstract concept, but a strategic necessity – especially for public administrations. More and more authorities are recognising that those who use cloud computing intelligently not only gain efficiency, but also control over data and digital processes. But what is the status quo? What cloud projects already exist – and what needs to happen for Germany to become more digitally sovereign? Our white paper provides the answers.
Cloud initiatives: DVC and Delos on the rise
A lot has happened in recent years. Two key initiatives are currently shaping the cloud ecosystem in the public sector:
1. German Administration Cloud (DVC)
The DVC is a project initiated by the IT Planning Council to provide federal cloud services that are interoperable, standardised and secure. The platform has been up and running since 1 April 2025. For the first time, local authorities, federal states and the federal government have uniform access to certified cloud services operated by eleven public IT service providers. The aim is to enable reuse and collaboration across administrative levels.
2. Delos Cloud
A public-private partnership between Microsoft Germany, Arvato Systems, SAP and Delos Cloud GmbH: The goal is a sovereign hyperscaler infrastructure that provides Microsoft services such as Office 365 in German data centres – BSI-compliant and secure in terms of data protection. Open source and SAP solutions are also part of the portfolio. The first services are expected to be available in mid-2025.
Why the cloud? The advantages at a glance
The reasons for the cloud are obvious:
- Scalability & flexibility: IT resources are used as needed – ideal for dynamic requirements.
- Reusability of IT services: An online service can be used multiple times – development costs are reduced.
- Security & control: National clouds offer better guarantees for data protection and compliance.
- Resilience: Open, modular architectures reduce dependence on individual providers.
- Promotion of innovation: Cloud platforms offer new technological possibilities – from AI to automation.
The risks: Fragmentation and dependencies
But there are also challenges: Germany’s federal structure makes standardisation and interoperability difficult. Data protection and data storage in the EU are essential – especially with regard to US providers and the CLOUD Act. There is also a risk that large providers such as Microsoft will become too dominant, which could jeopardise the desired sovereignty.
Recommendations from the white paper
We provide clear recommendations for action to ensure the success of the cloud transformation:
- Strengthen federal cooperation
Only through close coordination between the federal government, the states and local authorities (e.g. via the IT Planning Council, KDN) can duplication of development be avoided and synergies leveraged. - Expand in-house expertise
Cloud expertise in public administrations must be expanded through training, exchange with the open source community and internal competence centres. - Promote open standards and multi-cloud
Open interfaces and modular architectures are essential to reduce dependencies. Tenders should explicitly require this. - Make good use of public-private partnerships
Delos & Co. can be useful additions – if they can be integrated into public strategies and guarantee genuine data sovereignty. - Promote a sovereign office
In the long term, alternatives to O365 and Google Workspace are needed – e.g. through EU-funded office initiatives.
Conclusion
Cloud computing can become a decisive lever for modern, resilient and sovereign administration – if it is strategically conceived and consistently implemented. The German Government Cloud and the Delos initiative show what is possible. Now it is time to strengthen open standards, build expertise and work together – for a digital administration that is independent, secure and fit for the future.
We would be happy to support you in this endeavour.
