Microsoft steps up cloud protections for data-conscious EU

Core Points - Microsoft is launching new cloud-computing products aimed at European governments and organizations to help them control their data and comply with EU regulations [1][2] - The new offerings emphasize "sovereignty," with a significant change being that only EU-based staff will manage remote access to cloud systems located in Europe [2][3] - The "Sovereign Public Cloud" product ensures that customer data remains in Europe, governed by European law, with operations controlled by European personnel [3][4] Group 1 - Microsoft will allow clients to operate localized versions of its office software in their own data centers, providing full control over security and compliance [4] - The new products are expected to be available by the end of the year, following Microsoft's commitment to expand data centers in 16 European countries [5] - American companies currently dominate the European cloud-computing market, accounting for 70% to 80% of it [5][6] Group 2 - France is particularly focused on enhancing European capabilities to keep data secure from US government access [6][8] - US laws permit the government to compel companies to provide access to data stored on their servers, even if located outside the US [8]