Sovereign DBaaS Decoded Severalnines

In this episode, Vinay dives into the world of Kubernetes and stateful systems with Eddie Wassef, VP and Chief Architect at Vonage.

Together, they discuss compare the Kubernetes of yesterday to today and how its stateful systems use case has matured and how it has become a viable option for enterprises who are looking for multi-environment automation of their database ops.

For example, Eddie believes that K8s is a great equalizer because it provides a standard implementation layer across environments. But, he also cautions that it is not for every use case and that, like any technology, it needs to be justified against a higher need.

They address the if / when question, both acknowledging that Kubernetes is not for the faint of heart and requires a base level of expertise due to its quirks and the downstream effects that can result from seemingly innocuous changes.

But, for those who have a use case it makes sense for, they help frame the decisional process, exploring the workload, environmental, organizational, and operational considerations that you'll encounter when making decisions.

They then focus on daily ops considerations like multi-environment conformance and the database workhorse, Operators, how they compare to StatefulSets, using them out-of-the-box vs forking them to better fit your needs, etc.

 And finally, they look into the future and try to divine where Kubernetes is going more generally and in terms of stateful systems use cases and what is needed to get there.


Find out more about Sovereign DBaaS at https://severalnines.com/sovereign-dbaas

In this episode to kick off 2024, our CEO Vinay Joosery and SanjMo principal analyst Sanjeev Mojhan get together once again to look back at 2023 and ahead to 2024.

They discuss the events and trends that made the greatest impact to 2023, from inflation, rate increases, data sovereignty washing, security breaches and market exits to generative AI's buoying of an otherwise uncertain, lackluster economic year.

They then pivot to 2024, considering the hybrid operating model's second act through the lenses of a shift from cloud first to cloud smart thinking and how bringing AI to your data is superior to the alternative. They also discuss whether committed spend is really OpEx instead of the worst of CapEx, i.e. you're locked into spend but don't own an asset, as well as the need to return to an innovation mindset to gain an edge.

But these are just the highlights, 2024's inaugural episode promises to give you plenty of insights and thought provoking material to help you make the most of 2024!  
Find out more about Sovereign DBaaS at https://severalnines.com/sovereign-dbaas

Guest-at-a-Glance
💡 Guest: Frank Karlitschek
💡 What he does: Founder / CEO
💡Company: Nextcloud
💡Noteworthy: Open-source advocate with 25 years in software innovation.
💡Where to find Frank: LinkedIn

What we explore in this episode:

In this episode , Vinay Joosery and Frank Karlitschek, CEO of Nextcloud, dive into the essence of digital sovereignty and the impact of cloud computing on data control. Frank shares insights from his extensive experience in open-source projects.
The conversation addresses the complexities of data sovereignty, touching on the legal tug-of-war between EU data protection laws and US jurisdiction. Frank provides a nuanced view on recent legal developments, including the invalidation of the Privacy Shield and the implications of new executive orders from the US government.
Vinay and Frank discuss the broader implications of digital sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of control over data and infrastructure. They explore the evolution of open-source from a niche concept to a cornerstone of digital autonomy, underscoring the need for true sovereignty in the era of cloud computing.


Key episode insights:


The Realities of Multi-Cloud Strategies

Multi-cloud approaches are a double-edged sword. Frank discusses that, while aiming to blend the benefits of various cloud services, users may inadvertently multiply their risks instead. This insight challenges the common perception that more providers equal better security and efficiency. Frank suggests a need for a nuanced understanding of cloud services, where the goal should be to optimize benefits while minimizing potential vulnerabilities.

Sovereignty in the Cloud Era

Vinay and Frank dive into the concept of digital sovereignty, particularly in the context of cloud computing. Frank emphasizes the importance of control over data and infrastructure. He reflects on the shift from local computing to cloud-based services, which has complicated the open-source model by placing user data in remote servers controlled by third parties. This shift has sparked a debate on true digital autonomy and the ability of individuals and organizations to maintain control in a cloud-dominated landscape.

The Evolution of Open-Source and its Role in Sovereignty

Frank traces the evolution of open-source from a niche interest to a critical element of digital sovereignty. He notes that while open-source was once a hard sell to politicians due to its nebulous definition, it has now become synonymous with control and autonomy in the digital space. The discussion highlights how open-source has become a key player in the fight for digital sovereignty, offering an alternative to proprietary software and enabling users to retain control over their digital environments.


Find out more about Sovereign DBaaS at https://severalnines.com/sovereign-dbaas

Guest-at-a-Glance:
💡 Guest: Antoine Coetsier
💡What he does: Co-founder / COO @ exoscale
💡Noteworthy: Cloud expert with extensive experience in secure infrastructure solutions.
💡Where to find Antoine: LinkedIn 
What we explore in this episode:

In this episode, we explore the critical concept of data sovereignty with guest Antoine Coetsier, Co-founder and COO of Exoscale. The conversation dives into the significance of data sovereignty, especially in an era where digital infrastructure is increasingly considered critical to society, democracy, and the economy. Antoine and Vinay discuss how regulations are evolving, prompting organizations to reconsider their data strategies.
Antoine highlights the need for enterprises to prioritize data control, ensuring they can maintain ownership and accessibility across diverse cloud platforms. As data sovereignty gains importance, businesses must navigate the complexities of data management, architecture, and compliance to ensure they are well-prepared for the evolving regulatory landscape.
In summary, this episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of data sovereignty and the critical role it plays in ensuring data autonomy and security, while keeping in mind the importance of technology and contractual decisions to safeguard an organization's valuable assets in an increasingly digital world.

Key episode insights:
The rising importance of data sovereignty
Data sovereignty is a significant and evolving concept in the tech industry. As data becomes increasingly critical to society, democracy, and the economy, there is growing awareness and discussion surrounding the need for businesses to take control of their data. Regulatory frameworks, like the NIS2 directive and emerging legislation, are pushing organizations to reevaluate their data strategies. Ensuring data control and ownership has become a central focus, prompting companies to seek data portability and protection across various cloud platforms. 
Avoid vendor lock-in for data portability
To navigate the complexities of data sovereignty, businesses must make strategic choices that allow for data portability and protection. An essential piece of advice is to avoid vendor lock-in, meaning organizations should select technology and service providers offering the flexibility to run applications and store data on-premises or across diverse cloud platforms. This approach helps to mitigate risks associated with dependence on a single provider and provides greater control over the fate of an organization's data. 
Contractual Rights and Data Reversibility
In an environment where data ownership and control are paramount, it's essential for businesses to have contractual rights and data reversibility safeguards in place. These rights ensure that data remains accessible, regardless of changes in circumstances or contractual disputes with service providers. Having the legal means to retrieve data, even in adverse situations, provides a layer of protection for organizations.
Find out more about Sovereign DBaaS at https://severalnines.com/sovereign-dbaas

Guest-at-a-Glance:
💡 Name: Josef Pullicino
💡 What he does: Core DevOps Manager at MeDirect
💡 Noteworthy: Prior to joining MeDirect, Josef worked at a leading telecom company in Malta, focusing on applications and databases. Over a decade-long career, he has gravitated toward technical and management roles.
💡 Where to find Josef: LinkedIn

What we explore in this episode:
Business experts emphasize the importance of cross-departmental collaboration and advise leaders to encourage their teams to leave their silos and work together as that's the only way to meet customers at every step of their journey.

But what happens when one team ''threatens'' to take over the other team's job? We'll try to answer this question in this episode of Sovereign DBaaS Decoded.

Our guest is Josef Pullicino, the core DevOps at MeDirect. Through the conversation, Josef shares his take on whether DevOps will take over the DBA role, the effects of such an event, the importance of automation in database management, and how DevOps can support Sovereign DBaaS initiatives.
Find out more about Sovereign DBaaS at https://severalnines.com/sovereign-dbaas

In this episode of Sovereign DBaaS Decoded, host Vinay Joosery dives deep into the intricacies of the Swedish cloud space with a distinguished panel: Fredric Wallsten from Safespring, Johan Christenson of Cleura, and Henrik Grankvist from Elastx. The trio brings a wealth of knowledge, discussing the pressing need for enterprises to reduce their environmental risks.
The conversation shifts to the advantages of local cloud service providers. Fredric, Johan, and Henrik highlight how these providers can effectively supplement or even replace the dominant hyperscalers in the market. They emphasize the unique value propositions local providers bring, from tailored solutions to enhanced data security.
Concluding the discussion, the panelists share insights on the evolving landscape of cloud services in Sweden. They underscore the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in driving the future of cloud computing in the region.

Guest-at-a-Glance


💡 Name: Fredric Wallsten / Johan Christenson / Henrik Grankvist 


💡 What they do: Managing Director / Founder and VP Innovation / COO


💡 Company: Safespring / Cleura / Elastx


💡 Noteworthy: Fredric Wallsten: Founder of Safespring, focused on compliance, open standards, and security since 2014. / Henrik Grankvist: Swedish cloud provider passionate about cloud technologies with over 15 years in the space. / Johan Christenson: Founder of Cleura, dedicated to modern infrastructure, automation, and navigating complex laws for a decade.


💡 Where to find them: Fredric: LinkedIn / Johan: LinkedIn / Henrik: LinkedIn


Find out more about Sovereign DBaaS at https://severalnines.com/sovereign-dbaas