Operating in the EU? – Why a European-based cloud platform is the right choice

In today’s interconnected and online world, cloud computing has become the backbone of modern businesses – offering scalable and efficient solutions for storage, processing and collaboration. However, for European businesses and any business operating within the European market, the choice of cloud platform goes beyond mere functionality. 

2018 saw the introduction of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), with companies operating within the EU bound by strict guidelines to protect the personal data of their customers. Since then, businesses have been scrambling to navigate the choppy waters of compliance and avoid a similar fate as US-based Meta, who were fined 1.2 billion euro after breaching privacy regulations. This, in addition to similar cases, has highlighted the need to adhere to GDPR requirements once and for all. 

So why a European-based cloud platform?

Businesses must adhere to regulatory requirements of the market in which they are operating. In the EU this means complying with GDPR regulation and data protection requirements.

For businesses looking to ensure GDPR compliance and minimise risk, selecting a European based provider remains the safest bet, with providers better informed and established on the intricacies of ensuring European regulation.

With a strong culture of privacy and transparency in Nordic countries, business utilising cloud providers in the region further builds trust amongst customers who value data privacy and seek to ensure their data is protected. 

Is there demand for European-based cloud platforms in today’s market? 

UpCloud Head of Sales and Partners, Mikko Evinen, confirms this to be the case with industries under pressure to cover regulatory blindspots in the wake of recent penalties handed out for non-compliance.

“We are seeing increased awareness around the topic of data sovereignty as businesses and their end users become ever more weary of how their personal data is used. When it comes to cloud, partners are turning to UpCloud to ensure GDPR compliance for their clients, whilst additionally providing new business opportunities – operating on alternative cloud infrastructure rooted in Nordic principles and values.”

When turning to hyperscalers, businesses are not only exposing their data to increased risk but are often paying more for services and features that they don’t use. “In today’s current climate,” says Mikko, “Businesses are seeking value, yet decisions are not made for the same reasons as 5 years ago. Although we have seen a lot of movement in our client and partner base in recent months, it still remains that internal reviews of legacy cloud infrastructure are essential in order for businesses to tackle current pain points: Compliance and costs.”

Beyond GDPR compliance.

In addition to addressing compliance concerns, as previously mentioned companies are seeking value. The benefits of selecting a European-based provider with data centres can boost performance and reduce latency, resulting in faster response times and improved user experiences.

Proximity to data centres also offers faster data transfers and lower network congestion. This enhanced performance not only boosts productivity but also enhances customer satisfaction, providing businesses with a competitive edge in the fast-paced digital landscape.

“Businesses must assess their needs, what is worth paying for and what will be used. Often a business may not need a whole host of products and services, but rather seek ease of use and excellent customer support in addition to GDPR compliance.”

Mikko Evinen.

How UpCloud is helping firms minimise risk.

As a Finnish company, UpCloud’s services are GDPR-compliant right out of the box and come with a customer support service that sees the average enquiry receive a reply within 90 seconds.

UpCloud’s dedication to data privacy and commitment to customer service offers businesses a streamlined path to meeting GDPR requirements without the need for extensive internal resources or expertise saving your business time and money!

Interested in finding out more? Reach out to our team today!