In an era where data is often likened to the new oil, the question of who controls it and where it resides has never been more critical, especially for industries handling sensitive information like geospatial analytics and space observation. European companies, bound by stringent regulations, are increasingly grappling with the challenge of maintaining data sovereignty while managing costs and ensuring security. A compelling solution has emerged through the partnership between Planetek Hellas, a Greek geospatial data specialist, and Cubbit, a pioneer in decentralized storage solutions. This collaboration showcases a shift away from traditional storage methods, highlighting how innovative approaches can address both regulatory demands and economic constraints. By exploring this case, a deeper understanding emerges of how decentralized storage is redefining data management in highly regulated sectors.
Exploring the Partnership Dynamics
Bridging Innovation and Compliance
The alliance between Planetek Hellas and Cubbit represents a strategic response to the pressing need for data sovereignty in Greece, particularly for a company dealing with vast amounts of satellite Earth observation data. Planetek Hellas, with contracts from the European Space Agency, manages critical geospatial information through its Rheticus analytics platform, used for environmental monitoring and urban planning. Storing this data within national borders is not just a preference but a necessity under EU regulations. Cubbit’s decentralized cloud storage, powered by its DS3 Composer software, offers a network of private data centers with fragmented, encrypted data distribution across multiple nodes. This ensures that sensitive information remains within a defined technological perimeter, meeting strict compliance requirements while providing resilience against breaches or data loss. The result is a tailored solution that aligns with both customer expectations and legal mandates.
Cost-Effective Alternatives to Traditional Systems
Beyond compliance, the economic advantages of Cubbit’s decentralized storage model stand out as a game-changer for Planetek Hellas. Traditional on-premises object storage systems were evaluated but deemed too resource-intensive, demanding significant IT investments for setup and maintenance. Public cloud services, while scalable, posed risks related to data sovereignty and regulatory adherence, alongside unpredictable costs. Cubbit emerged as a middle ground, delivering lower expenses compared to mainstream providers like AWS or Azure, while ensuring data remains under local control. Initially securing 3.5 petabytes of storage with plans to scale up to 5 petabytes, Planetek Hellas demonstrates confidence in the flexibility and affordability of this approach. This shift underscores a broader realization among European firms that innovative storage solutions can balance financial practicality with stringent data protection needs.
Industry Trends and Future Implications
Rising Demand in the Space Sector
The partnership between Planetek Hellas and Cubbit is indicative of a larger trend within the space industry, where secure data storage and sharing are paramount. As noted by Alessandro Cillario, co-CEO of Cubbit, this collaboration marks the beginning of several anticipated projects in the sector, reflecting a growing consensus that decentralized storage meets the unique requirements of data control and sovereignty. With the increasing enforcement of EU data regulations, companies handling sensitive information are seeking alternatives to conventional systems that often fall short on compliance. The ability to store vast datasets securely within defined borders positions decentralized solutions as a preferred choice for organizations navigating complex legal landscapes. This trend suggests a future where such technologies could become standard in industries with high-stakes data management.
Balancing Control with Practicality
While decentralized storage offers significant benefits, it is not without trade-offs, particularly when compared to fully owned and operated data centers. Sergio Samarelli, CTO of Planetek Hellas, acknowledges that while complete control over infrastructure is sacrificed, the strategic advantage lies in Cubbit’s ability to meet high security standards and maintain customer trust through sovereignty guarantees. This pragmatic approach reflects a calculated balance between control, cost, and compliance—a balance that many EU-based organizations are likely to consider as they face similar pressures. The partnership highlights a willingness to adapt to innovative models that prioritize regulatory adherence without the prohibitive expenses of in-house solutions. Looking back, this collaboration sets a precedent for how companies can tackle the dual challenges of data management, paving the way for scalable, compliant storage options to shape the future of sensitive industries.
