In recent years, the term digital sovereignty has appeared more and more often. Once associated mainly with military security, it has now become one of the key pillars of economic and political stability. Because if the 21st century has its own version of “oil,” it is data. And where there is data, there is power, control, and influence.
Poland now faces an important choice: should we continue relying on global tech giants, or should we build our own ecosystem of data and digital services? The answer to this challenge is the Polish Cloud – an initiative that brings together local data center operators and promotes the idea of digital independence.
Why Global Cloud Isn’t Always the Safest Solution
For many companies, choosing a global cloud provider seems obvious – easy implementation, low initial costs, and a recognizable brand. Yet behind this convenience lie several serious risks:
- Lack of data sovereignty – U.S. regulations (Cloud Act, Patriot Act) allow American institutions to access data even if it is physically stored in Europe.
- Hidden costs – the invoice often exceeds the initial estimate, as each transfer and each additional feature generates extra fees.
- Vendor lock-in – companies tied to a global provider often can’t migrate out without enormous financial and technical consequences.
- Limited support – during crises, clients are frequently left alone with a chatbot and a global support ticket.
For small companies, this risk may be acceptable. For banks, public institutions, or the strategic industrial sector – it is not.
Polish Cloud – The Idea of Local Independence
The Polish Cloud was created to unite national data center operators. Its goal is not only to promote local services, but above all to build awareness that data stored domestically means security for citizens and businesses.
Talex, as a member of the initiative, emphasizes: data must not only be stored locally but managed by Polish entities. This is the only way to ensure control in crisis situations.
Why Is This So Difficult in Poland?
The biggest challenge is not technology. Poland already has data centers that meet the highest European standards, including EN 50600 Class 4 certification. The real barrier is mindset and lack of cooperation.
Companies often prefer to keep outdated server rooms in their basements because “that’s how it’s always been.” Public institutions invest billions in building their own data centers instead of using infrastructure that already exists. And entrepreneurs—even those aware of the risks—fear that the Polish Cloud might eventually turn into a monopoly.
What Can the Government Do?
Experts point to regulations and public-sector leadership as the key to change. Other countries show that this approach works:
- France – requires all medical data of citizens to be stored exclusively on national servers.
- Germany – government-backed projects create alternatives to global cloud providers in critical sectors.
- European Union – the Gaia-X initiative, aimed at building a European data ecosystem independent from the U.S. and China.
In Poland, a similar approach could mean, for example, requiring public and strategic institutions to store their data in certified domestic data centers.
Polish Cloud – A Chance to Build a True Data Ecosystem
For the Polish Cloud to succeed, it must become not only a technological platform but a collaborative ecosystem, offering:
- unified security standards,
- transparent operational rules,
- a federated model where each operator remains independent but benefits from a shared service framework,
- regulatory and procurement support from the state.
Why This Makes Economic Sense
Digital independence is not only about security—it is also about economics. Every złoty spent on local IT services stays in the Polish economy. Companies like Talex create jobs, pay taxes in Poland, and build competencies that can be exported abroad.
Moreover, developing domestic infrastructure increases resilience to crises—from blackouts to cyberattacks. In a world where hybrid warfare often unfolds online, having control over national data resources can be as important as having a strong energy or defense sector.
Summary
The Polish Cloud is not just a marketing slogan. It is a real opportunity for Poland to achieve digital independence. If the government and businesses find a common approach, Poland can build a data ecosystem that is safer, more transparent, and more cost-effective than relying on global giants.
The question is not “Will it work?” but rather “Do we have a choice?” In a world where data is the new currency of power, Poland must invest in its own solutions—or remain dependent on decisions made outside our borders.
