NovaDB on STACKIT: A Sovereign Cloud Solution for Data Compliance and Security

Navigating the complexities of data protection is more important than ever in our interconnected world. The GDPR is one of the most robust data protection laws globally,  designed to ensure secure and responsible data management within the European Union (EU). While it enforces strict guidelines on how data is processed and stored, it does not mandate that all data be exclusively processed or stored within the EU. Instead, the regulation allows for cross-border data transfers, provided that adequate safeguards are implemented to ensure privacy and security. 

With global cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud operating outside of Europe, organizations have faced challenges in maintaining compliance and data sovereignty. One key factor is the CLOUD Act (Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act), a U.S. regulation allowing U.S. authorities to access data held by U.S.-based companies, even when stored on servers outside the U.S. This poses potential conflicts with local laws like the EU GDPR and raises concerns about unauthorized access and violations of data sovereignty. 

The introduction of GDPR has reshaped how organizations process, store, and protect personal data. GDPR aims to give individuals more control over their personal data and imposes strict requirements for data processing within the EU. One key aspect of GDPR is data protection, which ensures that personal data is handled securely, whether processed within the EU or transferred outside it, as long as adequate safeguards are in place.This regulation has had a profound impact on how businesses approach cloud computing, as relying on global providers like AWS or Microsoft Azure risks non-compliance with GDPR requirements. 

Organizations operating in the EU must now ensure that data is processed, stored, and accessed in a manner that adheres to GDPR guidelines. The risk of heavy fines and reputational damage has driven businesses to seek cloud solutions that offer data sovereignty, security, and control. The increasing preference for sovereign cloud providers such as STACKIT reflects this growing demand. 

However, global cloud providers have long operated with infrastructure outside the EU, raising concerns over data residency and compliance. While these providers offer a vast array of services, their infrastructure often places data under the jurisdiction of countries with differing privacy regulations, such as the U.S. For organizations concerned with GDPR compliance, these factors have created an environment of uncertainty. 

The STACKIT platform, operated by the Schwarz Group, addresses these concerns by offering a sovereign cloud infrastructure designed to meet the requirements of GDPR. STACKIT ensures that organizations can maintain control over their data while meeting compliance standards. 

Data Sovereignty and GDPR Compliance

STACKIT guarantees that data stored on its platform remains within Germany and Austria, ensuring compliance with GDPR requirements. STACKIT’s sovereign cloud environment eliminates the need for organizations to rely on global providers, thereby ensuring that data privacy and security are maintained. 

Security and Control

STACKIT’s Kubernetes Engine offers a secure, scalable environment. Businesses benefit from features such as encryption, role-based access control, and secure data isolation, ensuring their data remains protected. STACKIT’s GDPR-compliant cloud storage further reinforces data security and ensures compliance with European data protection regulations, giving organizations full control over their data without exposure to external risks. 

Independence from Global Providers

By opting for STACKIT, businesses can reduce their dependence on global cloud providers that may process data outside the EU. The STACKIT platform ensures that companies are free from vendor lock-in, granting them full autonomy over their cloud infrastructure and data.

Scalability and Performance

Designed to handle high-performance workloads efficiently, the solution supports both transactional and analytical database operations. STACKIT’s Kubernetes Engine ensures scalability and performance without compromising security or compliance. 

Reliability Through Proven Technology

STACKIT is already in use by the Schwarz Group to power companies such as Lidl or Kaufland. Every day, millions of customers depend on the platform’s exceptional digital performance. With its high availability and robust stability, STACKIT seamlessly supports even the most demanding, large-scale business applications. 

Gaia-X is a European initiative designed to establish a secure, sovereign, and federated digital infrastructure that bolsters Europe’s digital autonomy. Focused on data sovereignty, interoperability, and transparency, it aligns with core European principles such as robust data protection and fair competition. Rather than serving as a central cloud provider, Gaia-X functions as an open, interconnected ecosystem where providers and users collaborate using open standards. It brings together companies, research institutions, and governments to create secure, trustworthy solutions for key sectors like healthcare, Industry 4.0, mobility, and energy. The initiative aims to ensure secure data access while offering a viable alternative to global hyperscalers, driving innovation and sustainable development across Europe. 

Part of Gaia-X

STACKIT, the digital brand of Schwarz IT KG, has been an active member of the European Gaia-X initiative since 2020. As a "Day 1 Member," STACKIT plays a pivotal role in advancing a connected, data-sovereign infrastructure that adheres to European standards. This commitment positions STACKIT as a reliable partner, empowering businesses to manage their data securely and transparently while supporting Gaia-X's vision of an open and trusted European data ecosystem. 

NovaDB empowers decision-makers with a flexible and centralized platform for managing and delivering product information and content.  

It combines powerful Product Information Management (PIM) capabilities with advanced Content Management System (CMS) features, streamlining the creation, organization, and distribution of critical data across multiple channels, such as e-commerce platforms, websites, enterprise resource planning systems, and print materials.  

With its cloud-based, scalable architecture, it ensures secure and efficient information management, helping leaders achieve their strategic objectives. By optimizing workflows and upholding high standards of data quality and security, NovaDB PIM and CMS facilitates informed decision-making, drives innovation, and provides a sustainable competitive edge in today’s digital landscape.

NovaDB on STACKIT offers unmatched performance, scalability, and seamless integration within a secure and reliable cloud ecosystem. With STACKIT’s robust infrastructure and NovaDB’s advanced PIM (Product Information Management) and CMS (Content Management System) capabilities, businesses can efficiently manage data, optimize operations, and drive innovation—all while ensuring cost-effectiveness and ease of use. 

NovaDB is trusted across industries such as e-commerce, mechanical engineering, and the automotive sector, where data security and protection are paramount. From its inception, data protection has been a core focus of NovaDB’s development, ensuring the platform meets the stringent requirements of these industries. 

When combined with the STACKIT cloud, NovaDB offers a highly secure, GDPR-compliant solution. The STACKIT cloud provides reliable, cutting-edge storage, while NovaDB’s robust architecture, with advanced access controls, ensures comprehensive data protection throughout its lifecycle. Together, NovaDB and STACKIT deliver a solid foundation for businesses to meet regulatory requirements and safeguard sensitive information with confidence. 

By offering a sovereign cloud environment and a compliant database solution, STACKIT and NovaDB enable these decision-makers to: 

1. Ensure full control over their data. 
2. Achieve compliance with GDPR regulations. 
3. Reduce dependency on international cloud providers. 
4. Maintain high levels of security and performance. 
5. Leverage a scalable platform for your valuable product information and content, designed to seamlessly adapt to your evolving business needs. 
6. Achieve seamless integration with existing IT systems while maintaining data integrity. 
7. Utilize a high-performance content hub for efficient and centralized information management. 
8. Optimize workflows without sacrificing data consistency or accuracy. 
9. Effortlessly scale to meet increasing information and operational demands. 

Noxum’s successful testing of NovaDB for compatibility with STACKIT’s Kubernetes Engine is a significant advancement for organizations prioritizing data sovereignty and compliance. The integration of NovaDB’s powerful PIM (Product Information Management) and CMS (Content Management System) capabilities on STACKIT offers a sovereign cloud environment that ensures businesses can meet their data protection and privacy needs while reducing the reliance on global providers. 

For organizations seeking GDPR compliance, full control over their data, and minimized security risks, STACKIT and NovaDB provide a robust sovereign cloud solution. NovaDB acts as a powerful information management platform, offering high performance and scalability to meet the needs of modern businesses. With data sovereignty and compliance as top priorities, businesses using STACKIT and NovaDB gain access to a secure, scalable, and regulation-compliant cloud infrastructure. This combination enables organizations to efficiently manage complex information workflows, ensure data protection, and foster sustainable growth with confidence.