More emphasis on risk management than compliance
Microsoft’s partnership with SAP to allow access to source code in case of geopolitical disruptions is seen as a strategic move towards risk management rather than just compliance. This move indicates Microsoft’s acknowledgment of the potential threat of a kill switch, as well as a response to enterprise executives’ concerns.
Forrester’s Maisto highlights the importance of this agreement in terms of risk management, stating that the impact of a potential problem could be massive. While the likelihood of such an event is low, the partnership serves as a proactive measure to mitigate risks.
Experts like Kirschner commend the marketing finesse of the Microsoft/SAP deal, emphasizing its role in transforming sovereign cloud from a compliance blocker to a disaster recovery plan. By providing a break glass option for local partners during geopolitical crises, the EU aims to ensure digital sovereignty and resilience in challenging scenarios.
Kirschner also raises questions about the EU’s technological independence from major US cloud providers, highlighting the dilemma of vendor lock-in versus true sovereignty. Despite efforts to reduce political risks associated with American hyperscalers, the EU faces challenges in establishing complete autonomy in the tech industry.
