At a Glance
Sovereign cloud keeps data, access control and operational governance within a specific jurisdiction to meet residency and regulatory requirements and reduce exposure to foreign access requests. Through a comparison of seven UK-relevant providers, specialist and hyperscale, you’ll see how options differ in sovereignty assurances, security accreditations, managed services, and suitability for regulated or sensitive workloads.
Sovereign Cloud Hosts
Among the common cloud models, the sovereign cloud has seen increased interest in recent years. A sovereign cloud is a cloud computing architecture designed to help organisations comply with local data governance and regulations. This infrastructure enables organisations to meet their digital sovereignty requirements, including data residency, access control, and independent operations, while also delivering the benefits of a cloud.
With privacy and security concerns mounting, sovereign cloud adoption is on the rise. If you’re keen to keep your data protected from foreign access requests, it’s crucial to find the right level of protection from the best UK sovereign cloud hosting providers.
Through this article, you’ll understand why choosing a sovereign cloud matters as we highlight the 7 leading names in the sovereign cloud hosting space.
Why Sovereign Cloud Matters for Data Residency
Sovereign cloud is more than just a data centre in a specific geographical region. It’s a special infrastructure designed to keep data and controls safe on sovereign territory and aims to reduce exposure to foreign access requests.
Sovereign cloud gives you greater control over where your data is, who can access it, and which laws apply. This is crucial for data residency, especially for UK businesses that handle regulated or sensitive data.
Let’s take a look at 7 sovereign cloud hosts that support data residency.
1. BlackBox Hosting – Strong UK Sovereign and Managed Cloud
BlackBox Hosting is among the leading UK-based cloud hosting providers specialising in private and managed hosting services. They also offer sovereign cloud hosting solutions focused on data residency and control.
In addition to private hosting infrastructure, BlackBox Hosting has a strong enterprise IT portfolio that includes remote desktop services, backup-as-a-service, DRaaS, application publishing, and colocation services.
Why Organisations Choose BlackBox Hosting as Their Sovereign Cloud Host
- BlackBox Hosting is a UK-based sovereign cloud provider with data fully hosted in the UK and subject to UK law.
- They support GDPR compliance requirements and offer strict data protection and control. This may help reduce exposure to specific foreign legal frameworks, like the US CLOUD Act.
- Businesses have the flexibility to host a sovereign cloud in their secure Tier 3+ data centres or to configure it within their own data centres.
- Gain round-the-cloud monitoring and high security measures.
- With data centres set on UK soil, BlackBox Hosting offers low latency, faster access speeds and reliable uptime, helping them maximise performance.
- BlackBox Hosting specialises in personalised infrastructure design and support backed by local engineers and experts.
2. ANS
ANS is known for its vast IT solutions, from cloud hosting to Dynamics 365. It also offers sovereign cloud for UK organisations.
ANS holds “Assured Status” from the Government and the Police, indicating stringent security standards. Its infrastructure supports secure government network connections and compliance with frameworks like the Ministry of Defence’s Secure by Design. This helps them meet strict UK security standards required by the public sector enterprises and regulated industries.
3. Rackspace
Rackspace Technology is a leading IT infrastructure provider offering a wide range of cloud hosting, SaaS solutions, data tools and cybersecurity services. It also provides sovereign cloud services through a fully managed model, which can be tailored for organisations that require greater data control.
They specialise in cloud environments tailored for the public sector and regulated industries. Rackspace also supports VMware-based workloads and compliance standards, with security-cleared teams. It has vast experience in managing complex IT infrastructures.
4. Google Cloud Hosting
Google Cloud Hosting is a hyperscale platform that offers data residency and sovereignty-aligned options for organisations in the UK. While it’s not inherently sovereign by default, it does offer sovereign options targeted for UK businesses.
Google Cloud is also expanding its support for businesses in regulated industries and for handling localised AI workloads.
5. Amazon Web Service (AWS)
Amazon Web Services is among the leading global IT entities with a broad range of enterprise IT services. It offers AWS European Sovereign Cloud (designed for EU-based sovereignty requirements) and is aimed at highly sovereign infrastructure for organisations seeking EU data residency.
Their sovereign offers are ideal for organisations that need scale, global services and data residency requirements.
6. Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure is also a hyperscaler with a broad portfolio of IT solutions for big and small enterprises. In terms of sovereign infrastructure, it operates in two UK regions, UK South and UK West. Through this, it offers enterprises data residency options in line with ICO guidance and UK GDPR requirements.
Through Microsoft’s sovereign cloud offering, Azure supports the sovereign and operational needs of European nations. Azure is a preferred provider for businesses already a part of the Microsoft ecosystem that need data residency.
7. Oracle Cloud
Oracle Cloud provides global cloud and hosting services. Oracle UK Sovereign Cloud, which was formerly known as Oracle Cloud for UK Government and Defence, is the only dual-region cloud service with isolated regions in London and Wales. These centres are physically and operationally isolated from other Oracle regions.
Supported by stringent access restrictions, Oracle UK Sovereign Cloud is fully compliant with UK NCSC security principles and has received accreditation from the UK Police Assured Secure Facilities (PASF). It’s among the few hyperscale sovereign offerings specially designed for UK workloads.
The Best Choice in Sovereign Cloud?
These are the 7 leading sovereign cloud hosting providers catering to the data residency requirements of businesses across the UK and Europe. Each provider is committed to protecting your data and keeping it secure in accordance with data sovereignty regulations. However, the most suitable option ultimately depends on your organisation’s regulatory, operational and risk priorities.
Ensure you do your due diligence and research before making a choice.