Establishing a digital ecosystem for European industry and cloud users: Europe’s cloud network is set to launch in 2020 based in part on CISPE principles
Brussels, 04 June 2020 – CISPE, the association of cloud infrastructure services providers in Europe, welcomes the official launch of the GAIA-X Foundation – and has played a central role in discussions of the GAIA-X project.
CISPE has a long and successful track record in promoting the highest levels of data protection, data portability and security in the cloud. It was therefore natural for CISPE to be included in the launch of GAIA-X.
“Europe’s digital single market and European data protection values require a high performance, secure and trustworthy cloud infrastructure that benefits all users,” says Alban Schmutz, chair of CISPE and VP Strategic Development & Public Affairs, OVHcloud. “CISPE is therefore delighted to be joining the GAIA-X Foundation, helping to define the principles of this critical initiative to serve the interests of European industries, government and citizens.”
Described as ‘a federated data and cloud infrastructure’, GAIA-X has been driven from the outset by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy with the strong support of France’s Ministry of Economy and Finance. It has developed into a strong collaboration between private companies, research organisations and governments of both countries. In addition to CISPE, well-known organisations engaging as founding members include Amadeus, Atos, Beckhoff, Bosch, BMW, DE-CIX, Deutsche Telekom, Docaposte, EDF, Fraunhofer, German Edge Cloud, Institut Mines Telecom, International Data Spaces Association, Orange, 3DS Outscale, OVHcloud, PlusServer, Safran, SAP, Scaleway and Siemens.
The first proofs of concept for GAIA-X will be ready towards the end of 2020: an infrastructure based on European values and designed to provide all necessary protections for Europe’s cloud users.
Stefano Cecconi, CEO of Aruba and CISPE Vice-President adds, “GAIA-X will strengthen business, science, government’s interest in embracing the cloud while also empowering new innovation ecosystems.”
Diego Cabezudo, CEO of Gigas says, “GAIA-X means openness for cloud products and services in Europe, with simplified access to a greater range of services.”
Jacqueline van de Werken, General Counsel of Leaseweb says, “GAIA-X supported by CISPE principles offers a vendor-neutral environment, with Europe-level security and governance options that mean you can chose for your data to be hosted and stored within Europe.”
Michele Zunino, CEO of Netalia, adds: “We are proud to participate through CISPE in the development of the GAIA-X Project, founded on core values that we share, and to which we intend to contribute by bringing our vision, our experience and our skills as a provider focused on the Italian market.”
CISPE is one of only two industry associations to be a founding member. GAIA-X rules were developed in part based on CISPE’s pioneering work in data protection and data portability, developing and documenting the most appropriate B2B practices for cloud infrastructure and operations aligned with European interests.
“The guiding principles of GAIA-X reflect CISPE’s longstanding approach in terms of ensuring a secure, user-friendly cloud that reflects European values in key areas: data protection, openness and transparency, interoperability, free market access and value creation,” says Francisco Mingorance, CISPE Secretary General.
Full press release can be downloaded here.
Watch video of CISPE Chairman on Gaia-X foundation