Commerz Real is one of the first financial service providers in Germany to rely on so-called colocation IT safes. These are rented, compact, highly secure mini data centers that bundle the functions of classic data centers in the smallest of spaces. In combination with a European cloud solution from the provider OVH, they replace the previous self-operated data centers of the asset manager for real assets of the Commerzbank Group.
In contrast to conventional external data centres, the TÜV-certified IT safes will remain within Commerz Real’s office space in Wiesbaden and Düsseldorf. This ensures physical access – an important component of digital sovereignty – at all times. The company is working with Prior1 Colocation & Services, which provides the colocation IT safe and operates it on site.
Planned and set up in accordance with the European standard EN 50600 for high availability, the solution also supports Commerz Real in ensuring the control of cyber and IT risks in accordance with the EU regulation DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act). According to the financial services provider, the new concept also increases the security, stability and scalability of the IT infrastructure. At the same time, internal operating expenses are reduced, allowing the IT team to focus more on innovation and customer-facing applications. “Our new data centres combine the advantages of outsourcing with high requirements in terms of climate protection, data security, compliance and digital sovereignty,” explains Nikolaus Schmidt, Global Head of Technology & Innovation at Commerz Real.
