SAP Unveils EU AI Cloud to Enhance Local AI Security in Europe

SAP is advancing its EU AI Cloud initiative, consolidating its previous efforts to ensure European organizations can utilize AI and cloud services with enhanced control and security. The overarching aim is to give businesses in Europe a greater sense of choice and confidence, eliminating concerns about data transferring outside the continent or violating EU laws.

The EU AI Cloud provides various operational options for companies. Some may want to utilize SAP's proprietary data centers, while others might opt for reliable European cloud providers. There are those who require their data and systems to stay completely on-premises. This new cloud offering meets all these demands while ensuring compliance with EU data protection regulations.

To address the demand for innovative yet secure AI solutions, SAP is partnering with Cohere to introduce cutting-edge agent-based and multimodal AI tools. These tools will be accessible through Cohere North, compatible with the SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), and crucial for sectors needing to retain data within EU borders due to stringent data residency requirements.

The collaboration between SAP and Cohere aims to assist businesses in uncovering valuable insights, enhancing decision-making, and automating intricate processes without compromising security or efficiency. Cohere emphasizes their commitment to making advanced AI solutions available to companies unable to operate with data outside Europe. Keywords such as EU sovereignty, data protection, AI compliance, and cloud security are becoming increasingly vital for business leaders.

EU AI Cloud is not a solo effort; SAP is collaborating with multiple European and global partners. AI models and tools from renowned companies like Cohere, Mistral AI, and OpenAI are seamlessly integrated with SAP BTP, streamlining the development and application of AI solutions.

Organizations can utilize partner tools under SaaS, PaaS, or IaaS models. They have the flexibility to deploy them on SAP infrastructure or through vetted European cloud partners, ensuring that both the private sector and public enterprises have modern AI capabilities while adhering to stringent European security and privacy standards.

EU AI Cloud operates via SAP Sovereign Cloud, a framework that allows organizations to determine the level of control they desire over their technology stack. AI models are processed within SAP's cloud facilities housed in European data centers, facilitating a more secure environment distinct from major US cloud providers and enhancing compliance with EU regulations.

SAP presents several deployment options:

This model employs SAP's IaaS constructed on open-source technologies, ensuring all data remains within the EU to comply with local privacy regulations.

In this approach, SAP maintains the infrastructure, which is situated in a location selected by the customer, offering maximum data and operational control.

Customers still utilizing global cloud services can access additional sovereignty features tailored to local needs.

A specialized cloud solution in Germany designed for the public sector, this model adheres to stringent local regulations to safely modernize government offices.

Ultimately, the EU AI Cloud offers European organizations expanded choices, stronger control, and reinforced assurance in AI usage. With diverse deployment options, robust data protection measures, and deep-rooted partnerships, SAP enables both companies and public institutions to harness modern AI technologies without compromising on essential safeguards.