OVHcloud, a prominent European cloud provider, has expanded its Local Zone network with the launch of a new Edge location in Vienna, Austria. This new infrastructure is poised to offer Austrian businesses enhanced access to OVHcloud’s public cloud services, focusing on low-latency applications and robust data residency options.
What is a Local Zone and Why Does It Matter?
A Local Zone is an edge computing infrastructure that is designed for latency-sensitive workloads, including real-time analytics, cloud gaming, e-commerce websites, and content delivery networks (CDNs) for video streaming. By placing computing resources closer to end-users, Local Zones help reduce latency, enabling faster service delivery for businesses that rely on rapid data processing.
The Vienna Local Zone provides a range of services, including compute resources, block storage, and networking capabilities, offering businesses in Austria more localized, efficient cloud services. As part of OVHcloud’s broader strategy, this development is expected to bolster data sovereignty for Austrian enterprises by ensuring that data remains within national borders.
OVHcloud’s Expansion Strategy: More Local Zones Across Europe
OVHcloud has ambitious plans for its Local Zone infrastructure. The launch in Vienna is just one of many steps in the company’s goal to establish 42 Local Zones by August 2025, with a total of 100 planned across the globe within two years. This expansion will extend across Europe, the United States, Africa, South America, and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
The company initially introduced Local Zones in Europe last year, beginning with locations in Madrid, Spain, and Brussels, Belgium. Following those initial launches, OVHcloud expanded the service to key European cities, including Amsterdam, Milan, Marseille, Prague, and Zurich.
OVHcloud’s Commitment to Faster and More Efficient Cloud Services
Falk Weinreich, General Manager of Central Europe at OVHcloud, emphasized the significance of the new Local Zone in Vienna. He noted that it will enable Austrian businesses to access OVHcloud’s public cloud services with the added benefit of a local cloud infrastructure. The result is faster and more efficient cloud computing, which is crucial for businesses that rely on agility and performance.
“We are excited to offer our Austrian customers the advantages of the public cloud with local infrastructure that ensures low latency and full data control,” said Weinreich.
A Look at OVHcloud’s Global Data Center Footprint
With over 30 data centers spread across France, Canada, the US, Australia, Germany, Poland, Singapore, India, and the UK, OVHcloud continues to grow its global presence. These data centers, a mix of self-built and leased facilities, form the backbone of OVHcloud’s expanding service network.
Competing with Major Cloud Providers: OVHcloud’s Edge Infrastructure
OVHcloud’s entry into the Local Zone space puts it in direct competition with industry giants like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure, both of which offer similar local edge zones. However, OVHcloud’s strategy to provide a localized, low-latency experience with full data control sets it apart in markets like Austria, where data sovereignty is a significant concern for businesses.
Looking Ahead: OVHcloud’s Vision for the Future
OVHcloud is committed to making its services even more accessible globally. As part of its growth strategy, the company plans to open an additional nine Local Zones in Europe by the end of 2025. Expansions are also planned for the US, Africa, and potential new markets in South America and APAC.
This strategic expansion not only aligns with the growing demand for cloud edge services but also provides companies in emerging markets with the tools they need to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
FAQ
1. What are Local Zones, and how do they benefit businesses?
Local Zones are edge computing locations designed to provide low-latency access to cloud services. They help businesses run latency-sensitive workloads, such as real-time analytics, cloud gaming, and content delivery, with faster service and more control over data residency.
2. How does the OVHcloud Local Zone in Vienna differ from other data centers?
The Local Zone in Vienna is specifically focused on providing low-latency services and enhanced data control for Austrian businesses. It offers compute resources, block storage, and networking, with the added benefit of local infrastructure to ensure better performance.
3. What are the expansion plans for OVHcloud’s Local Zones?
OVHcloud plans to have 42 Local Zones operational by August 2025, with further plans to launch 100 zones globally within the next two years. This expansion will cover Europe, the US, Africa, South America, and APAC regions.
4. How does OVHcloud’s Local Zone compare to AWS and Azure?
While AWS and Azure also offer Local Zones, OVHcloud’s focus on providing localized cloud infrastructure with full data control distinguishes it, particularly in regions where data sovereignty is a priority.