Germany's public sector, long criticised for its digital shortcomings, is taking a major step towards modernisation. The federal government has awarded a €410 million contract to German cloud specialist Ionos, aiming to consolidate data and services into a highly secure cloud infrastructure. This marks a significant departure from the past, where agencies built their own data centers.
Security at the Forefront
Understanding the sensitive nature of government data, the project prioritises security. Ionos will establish "air-gapped" clouds within existing Federal Information Technology Centres, isolated from both Ionos' networks and the public internet. Data transfer will occur exclusively through encrypted, government-controlled fiber optic lines. This approach aims to migrate federal data from disparate server rooms into energy-efficient, highly secure cloud centers.
Outsourcing with Oversight
Ionos will provide the technology foundation, with federal personnel managing maintenance. Open-source software will further enhance security. All updates will undergo rigorous federal scrutiny before deployment, ensuring Ionos has no direct access to sensitive information.
Digitalization Lag Addressed
The project reflects the urgency to address Germany's digitalisation backlog. While recent progress has been made, the pace remains slower than desired. Industry groups like Bitkom urge the government to tackle complex, foundational projects for lasting digital transformation. Success relies on sustained political will and accelerated implementation to achieve ambitious goals by the next federal elections.
