A consortium of five organizations in the Netherlands is embarking on ECOFED, a cloud project funded by the government and the EU. Info Support, i3D.net, BIT, AMS-IX, and TNO will dedicate their efforts between 2024 and 2027 to establish a “federative European cloud.” ECOFED stands for “European cloud services in an open federated system.” The primary objective of this initiative is to create a reliable, secure, and interconnected cloud infrastructure that fosters collaboration and innovation while ensuring data sovereignty for European users.
By pooling their expertise and resources, the consortium aims to address the challenges faced by European businesses and organizations in adopting cloud technologies. The project’s timeline spans three years, during which the participating entities will work collaboratively to develop and implement the necessary infrastructure and services.
The concept of a federative European cloud entails creating an interconnected ecosystem where various cloud service providers can seamlessly collaborate and operate across borders. This approach aims to foster competition, encourage innovation, and enhance data security and privacy for European users. By establishing a federated system, ECOFED seeks to provide a viable alternative to existing dominant cloud providers, ensuring that European organizations can rely on a sovereign and trustworthy cloud infrastructure.
ECOFED will leverage the combined expertise of its member organizations to develop cutting-edge technologies and solutions. Info Support, i3D.net, BIT, AMS-IX, and TNO bring diverse skills and experience to the table. Info Support is known for its software development and consultancy services, while i3D.net specializes in hosting and connectivity solutions. BIT has a strong background in providing data center services, and AMS-IX is renowned for operating one of the largest internet exchanges in the world. Furthermore, TNO’s research and innovation capabilities will contribute to the consortium’s efforts in developing secure and sustainable cloud solutions.
During the project’s implementation phase, several key areas will be addressed. These include the development of innovative cloud services tailored to the specific needs of European users, the establishment of robust security and privacy measures, and the optimization of data storage and processing capabilities. By prioritizing these aspects, ECOFED aims to ensure that the federative European cloud meets the highest standards for reliability, performance, and data protection.
In conclusion, the launch of ECOFED marks a significant step towards establishing a federative European cloud infrastructure. With the support of government and EU funding, this consortium of five organizations aims to create a trustworthy and interconnected cloud ecosystem that empowers European businesses and organizations. Through collaboration, innovation, and a focus on data sovereignty, ECOFED seeks to provide European users with a reliable alternative to existing dominant cloud providers, fostering competition and driving digital transformation across the continent.
