The introduction of SAP Sovereign Cloud in the UK reflects the company’s commitment to addressing the unique data security and compliance needs of highly regulated sectors.
SAP has announced the official availability of its Sovereign Cloud capabilities, an offering tailored to meet the stringent data sovereignty requirements of public sector entities, critical national infrastructure, and other heavily regulated industries in the UK. This development is part of SAP’s ongoing effort to deliver secure, localized cloud solutions that align with national data protection standards and industry regulations.
The launch builds upon SAP’s earlier €250 million investment in UK operations, aimed at fostering innovation and advancing digital transformation. With this announcement, SAP has reaffirmed its focus on supporting compliance with the UK’s Data Protection Act 2018 and adherence to guidelines from the National Cyber Security Centre. This includes alignment with Cyber Essential Plus standards, ensuring high levels of security and data protection. The Sovereign Cloud initiative is designed to address the growing emphasis on data sovereignty in an increasingly interconnected and security-conscious world.
To support this effort, SAP has established its Sovereign Services & Delivery unit, which became operational on October 1, 2024. This specialized division consolidates SAP’s global expertise in sovereign cloud solutions and provides a framework for ensuring consistency and quality across these offerings.
According to Martin Merz, President of Sovereign Services & Delivery at SAP, this initiative reflects the company’s dedication to securing the critical data of its customers and the broader societies it serves. By leveraging over two decades of experience in sovereign cloud operations, SAP intends to empower organizations in the UK to embrace digital transformation with confidence in the security and compliance of their cloud solutions.
The SAP Sovereign Cloud is particularly tailored for industries where data residency and security are paramount. Key sectors such as aerospace and defense, central government, the Ministry of Defence, energy, and natural resources are likely to benefit significantly from the capabilities provided. By ensuring that sensitive data is processed within the UK by security-cleared personnel in dedicated facilities, SAP aims to mitigate risks associated with unauthorized data access while supporting customer compliance efforts.
Launching SAP Sovereign Cloud in the UK
The initial set of offerings within the Sovereign Cloud includes SAP S/4HANA Private Cloud Edition, SAP SuccessFactors Human Capital Management, SAP Business Technology Platform, SAP Analytics Cloud, and Fieldglass solutions. Additionally, Digital Supply Chain tools, including Integrated Business Planning (IBP), form part of the robust lineup. These tools are designed to give organizations a secure foundation for managing core business operations while meeting local regulatory requirements.
Leila Romane, Managing Director of SAP UK & Ireland, has emphasized the importance of this launch in addressing the rising demand for data sovereignty solutions among UK organizations. She noted that the Sovereign Cloud ensures not only compliance and risk mitigation but also the resilience needed for organizations to innovate and grow in an increasingly complex global environment.
Looking forward, SAP plans to expand the scope of the UK Sovereign Cloud to include additional services and features. This growth aligns with SAP’s long-term strategy of empowering organizations to achieve their strategic goals while driving innovation and enhancing their digital capabilities.
This launch represents a continuation of SAP’s broader investment strategy in the UK, which includes advancements in infrastructure, talent acquisition, and the creation of growth opportunities across public and private sectors. By providing secure, localized solutions, SAP is positioning itself as a key enabler of digital transformation in a rapidly evolving landscape.
