Update on discussions with 3 Dutch cloud service providers

Exploratory talks lead to detailed discussions

Having begun with exploratory talks, the process has since moved on a stage. We’re now in detailed discussions with 3 Dutch cloud service providers about how their services and strategies can ultimately be aligned with SIDN’s needs. We’ve recently given the service providers in question full details of:

• How our infrastructure is set up

• How we ensure that our registration system remains available even in emergencies (contingency scenario)

• How we could return the small part of the registration system that is going to run in the public cloud to the Netherlands (exit scenario)

Positivity and increased awareness amongst service providers

The 3 service providers were positive about our approach: a secure and robust infrastructure, based on open-source code, open standards and distribution across multiple providers to minimise vendor dependency. The discussions held so far have confirmed our view that work still needs to be done before the 3 providers’ services can fully meet our requirements.

Over the months ahead, we’ll maintain regular contact with the companies in question and work with them to explore possible solutions that address our exacting continuity and security requirements while also contributing to the nation’s digital sovereignty.