T-Systems, NTT Data, and Telefónica: the 400 million battle for Catalonia's sovereign Cloud

The Government of Catalonia prepares a technological leap with a contract worth nearly 400 million euros for its sovereign cloud. T-Systems, NTT Data, and Telefónica are the protagonists of a race that will mark the digital future of the region.

Imagine a digital environment where data is protected under the strictest European regulations and managed by a single provider for eight years. This is the vision that has been set in motion and aims to be operational before the end of 2027.

Why does this fight interest the citizens of Catalonia?

The importance of this award lies in the fact that it will be the digital base supporting public and private services with a high degree of security and autonomy. Having a sovereign cloud means controlling where and how data is processed, avoiding exclusive dependence on foreign tech giants and protecting user privacy.

The project contemplates a hybrid model combining sovereign public cloud, traditional public cloud, and private cloud, adapting to the criticality and sensitivity of each service. This approach not only provides flexibility but also strengthens the resilience of the Catalan digital system.

What are the main characteristics of the contract?

The single contract, without division into lots, will extend for eight years and requires the highest level of digital sovereignty certification (SEAL 3) according to the European Cloud Sovereignty Framework. This implies that data will be maintained and processed within the European Union, and the provider will have to strictly comply with current legislation.

How are cloud services currently distributed in Catalonia and what will change?

Currently, 80% of services are managed in the Generalitat’s private cloud, while only 20% are found in public cloud. With the new sovereign infrastructure, it is expected that 40% of services will be hosted on this sovereign cloud, breaking the traditional dependence and balancing the weight among the three digital environments.

How do T-Systems, NTT Data, and Telefónica compete in this field?

These companies are not new to the sector. Telefónica Tech has partnered with Google Cloud to create sovereign cloud solutions in Spain, while T-Systems bets on its own T Cloud Public platform. NTT Data, on the other hand, does not present its own cloud but manages third-party sovereign clouds, focusing on management and integration.

The competition is tough because the contract is not fragmented, which forces a single provider to guarantee the highest quality and security for eight years without extensions.

What implications does this competition have for the Catalan tech sector?

If one of the companies wins, it will be able to consolidate its presence in the Catalan market and, by extension, in Spain, in a segment with exponential growth. This means innovation, investments, and stronger local job opportunities, as well as an increase in digital security for businesses and administrations.

What is the European regulation guiding this project?

The Cloud Sovereignty Framework regulation establishes that the management, control, and supervision of the cloud must be under a private provider subject to European legislation. This requires data to remain within the EU and ensures that processes comply with the strictest protection and security standards.

What is the Generalitat Government’s vision regarding this Hybrid Model?

The Government argues that the combination of sovereign public cloud, traditional public cloud, and private cloud allows technology to be adapted to specific needs according to the criticality and sensitivity of the data. This provides the system with flexibility and resilience that cannot be achieved with single models.

This commitment to a hybrid model translates into a future where Catalonia will be able to better manage its digital services, minimizing risks and improving information protection.

How will this new infrastructure affect users and local administrations?

Users and institutions will be able to enjoy greater security and privacy, as information will be under stricter and more local control. Furthermore, the infrastructure promises agility and responsiveness to unforeseen events, thanks to its hybrid and resilient configuration.

What challenges arise for the implementation of this project?

One of the main challenges is ensuring effective integration among the different types of clouds and guaranteeing that the single provider complies with technical and legal requirements. It will also be necessary to manage the transition of current services without affecting quality or security.