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]

Core Viewpoint - Microsoft has launched the "Sovereign Cloud" aimed at European customers, ensuring data remains within Europe to comply with EU regulations while providing advanced technologies like AI applications driven by large models [1][2]. Group 1: Sovereign Cloud Offerings - The new cloud products include Sovereign Public Cloud, Sovereign Private Cloud, and National Partner Clouds, designed to meet the requirements of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) [1][2]. - The Sovereign Public Cloud guarantees that customer data stays in Europe, operated and accessed by professionals from the European market, with encryption systems fully controlled by customers [1][2]. - The Sovereign Public Cloud is currently in preview and is expected to be fully available across all European cloud business regions later this year [1]. Group 2: Collaboration and Compliance - National Partner Clouds operate as a collaboration platform with local cloud service providers, such as the partnership with Orange and Capgemini in France for the "cloud de confiance" [2]. - The launch of the Sovereign Cloud is seen as a critical moment for European regulators and industries to gain necessary control, compliance standards, and innovation momentum in the digital economy [2]. - Additional features related to the Sovereign Public Cloud include Data Guardian, Azure external key management, and Regulated Environment Management Service [2]. Group 3: Strategic Objectives - The primary goal of launching the Sovereign Cloud in Europe is to allow Microsoft to continue providing the latest Azure services and AI applications while meeting the EU's stringent data sovereignty and privacy compliance requirements [3]. - Since the implementation of GDPR in 2018, cross-border data transfer has been restricted, emphasizing that data must be governed by EU laws and remain in local data centers [3]. - The EU's digital policy aims to strengthen European sovereignty in the cloud sector and encourages public procurement to prioritize high-security sovereign cloud services [3].