Digitalization with security

The study clearly shows that security is the top criterion for companies in Germany when selecting a cloud provider. Trust in IT security, data protection and compliance as well as performance and stability are the most important factors for almost all respondents (99% in each case). This was closely followed by the ability to encrypt data (96%). This underlines the fact that protection against attacks, data loss, data protection breaches and operational failures is of the utmost importance to the German economy.
 

The desire for a domestic cloud - and its conditions:

Parallel to the high importance of security, there is growing concern about excessive dependence on cloud services from abroad. More than three quarters (78%) of German companies see Germany as too dependent on US cloud providers. Accordingly, 82% of companies want large cloud providers, so-called hyperscalers, from Germany or Europe. For 97%, the provider's country of origin plays a role, and for 67% it is even a mandatory requirement. All (100 percent) would prefer a provider from Germany.

However, this preference is linked to clear conditions: Two thirds (65 percent) of companies would not accept disadvantages such as longer waiting times for new functions, missing features or higher costs for a purely German offering. Dr. Ralf Wintergerst, President of Bitkom, sums it up: "A German cloud must be just as good and just as affordable as the offerings of other providers. If it is not, it will remain a niche product."

Regardless of its origin, the cloud has become indispensable for the German economy. Currently, 9 out of 10 companies (90 percent) use cloud applications, and by 2030 no company is expected to be able to manage without the cloud. The shift of IT applications to the cloud is progressing rapidly: the share is expected to rise from 38% in 2024 to 58% in five years.
The role of the cloud for artificial intelligence (AI) is particularly noteworthy: Currently, 26 percent of companies use AI services from the cloud, but for an impressive 51 percent, AI from the cloud will be highly interesting in the next five years. The cloud therefore serves as central access to innovative technologies and is a key driver of the digitalization of internal processes.

The Bitkom Cloud Report 2025 sends a clear signal: the German economy is relying on the cloud as a key driver of digitalization. Security, data protection and performance are the top priorities. The strong desire for digital sovereignty and a preference for German or European cloud providers is closely linked to these security aspects.

Many of the results of the study are also reflected in conversations with our customers. Most of them are unsettled by the current political developments and the associated emotional reporting. At the same time, the European alternatives do not meet all the requirements for their transformation and innovation projects. 
Our consulting services aim to bring together all relevant stakeholders, soberly examine and classify risks and highlight the available mitigation options. The good news is: if you make use of the available options, you can still send data that is particularly worthy of protection to the US cloud.

If you have any questions on this topic, please contact us!