Ready for the digital transformation: the strengths of the VS-Cloud for Defense

In partnership with leading technology providers, we are shaping the future of secure classified cloud solutions (German acronym: VS). Our in-depth experience in the defense sector and in cybersecurity forms the foundation for trustworthy and innovative services.

Comprehensive cloud services and support

Designing a (hybrid) cloud strategy

We support companies in the security and defense sector with a clearly defined hybrid cloud strategy and an implementation plan. This strategy is crucial because certain data may not be transferred to the cloud. With our certified VS cloud and comprehensive consulting services, we ensure the highest level of data security. The process begins with an analysis of the IT landscape and the definition of clear goals. A roadmap integrates technical solutions and operational changes. Change management and training ensure that the new technology is used effectively. With our professional support, companies develop a solid and sustainable VS cloud strategy that strengthens their competitiveness.

Transformation and Change Management

We support you every step of the way in change management, transformation and migration to the new IT landscape. With proven methods and frameworks, we offer comprehensive advice and resources. Technically, we support the development of DevSecOps practices and CI/CD pipelines to integrate and automate security and security practices into every phase of the software development lifecycle.

Cloud Maturity Assessment

A cloud maturity assessment determines the maturity of your IT infrastructure for the transition to the cloud and identifies customized solutions. It analyzes aspects such as hardware, software, networks, data management and security protocols, evaluates the suitability for a cloud migration and identifies challenges and necessary adjustments. This thorough assessment reveals weaknesses and optimization opportunities to modernize the infrastructure and increase operational efficiency. This ensures a seamless transition to the cloud, which in turn strengthens your company's long-term competitiveness and innovative power.

Development of cloud-based / cloud-native applications

We support you in the development of high-quality and innovative cloud-native IT solutions. To meet your complex business requirements, we unleash the full potential of your applications using the highly secure VS-Cloud. In addition, we offer you the option of generating microservices from monolithic applications in a semi-automated manner. Start today with the "Application Development and Management Assessment" and plan your next steps together with us.

Modernization/cloudification of existing applications – low-risk cloud implementation and cloud migration

We support you with services to modernize your existing applications. With our Cloud Accelerator, you can select the right methods and tools to help you identify the right strategy for modernizing and containerizing legacy applications.

Design and documentation: IT security concept, operating concept, technical documentation

With the Well-Architected Framework, we provide clear guidance on how to design secure and high-performing hybrid cloud solutions. It consists of six pillars that include principles, practices and guidelines to ensure a sound architecture. IT security is an integral part of this. We help you to develop a security concept that includes endpoint security, cloud security, network security and application security for your critical applications.

Support in the initial operation phase

Our team will support you in the first few months after your hybrid cloud-based processes and applications go live. We are also there for you with our employees, expertise and tools during ongoing operations. Reduce operating costs and transform IT operations (ITOps) in a constantly evolving landscape with our AIOps platform, which offers transparency in performance data and shows the dependencies between the various IT environments. Use artificial intelligence, machine learning and automation to help ITOps managers and site reliability engineers (SREs) manage and resolve incidents.

The highly secure cloud solution "Made in Germany"

Reliable technology for your innovation projects

The secure basis of the classified information (VS) cloud

The SINA Cloud is a fully hardened infrastructure with enhanced security functionality and multi-client capability that has been optimized for the use of cloud services. SINA Cloud uses design principles and security functions of the already approved SINA technology as well as further cloud-specific hardening measures. It is the first cloud platform to receive approval from the BSI with a release recommendation up to SECRET for specific use cases. The aim is to expand the range of possible applications.

VS environment as a service

The VS environment as a service enables companies to process classified information in a VS-compliant IT infrastructure. It is ideal for situations in which sensitive data is only processed occasionally, such as in projects or tenders. The solution offers a highly secure productivity environment with modern technologies and collaboration options. This enables employees to work together efficiently and securely. The infrastructure includes advanced security measures such as encryption and access controls to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the data. With selected collaboration tools, this solution supports seamless collaboration and communication within the organization. This enables companies to use modern IT technologies while meeting the requirements for the protection of classified information.

Business transformation and hybrid cloud

IBM, secunet and Red Hat have many years of experience in the design and implementation of complex IT infrastructures and the development of state-of-the-art applications. The digitalisation and cloud transition of the armed forces and defence technology industry begins with the provision of tailored services for each step of the process.

IT automation (Ansible, Terraform)

Infrastructure as Code (IaC) enables the automated provisioning of infrastructure, which allows organizations to develop, deploy and scale cloud applications on the VS cloud faster and more efficiently. Terraform and Ansible allow you to automate and manage your infrastructure resources on the VS cloud and in your hybrid cloud environment. Terraform allows you to provision infrastructure resources, while Ansible enables configuration management and the automation of application deployment.

IT security in the cloud with AI-supported tools

Our AI-powered security solutions for the VS cloud enable accelerated threat detection and response, as well as protection of your sensitive data in hybrid cloud environments. By using AI-based threat detection and prioritization, our solutions help minimize security risks. Our advanced technologies provide comprehensive threat detection and automation while enabling visibility across the entire data lifecycle. In addition, our AI-powered identity and access management helps to securely manage user access, and our managed detection and response services effectively combat threats in networks and endpoints.

SINA Cloud Security Layer

Each server is physically connected to the cloud infrastructure via a data processing unit (DPU) only. This infrastructure is implemented at each location and is accessible via an access router. In the following figure, this network is summarized as part of the cloud fabric. The SINA Cloud is managed by various roles. Administrative access to the SINA Cloud Security Management is separated from the rest of the network. To connect different locations, it may be necessary to use secure VPN gateways (e.g. SINA L2/L3 boxes) to protect data transmission.

A cloud platform for a wide range of applications

Increased efficiency through relocatable data centers

Deployment in relocatable data centers offers significant advantages in terms of the reduction in the hardware required. This is made possible by the provision of multiple clients of a security domain in a single rack. A good example of this is deployment on a frigate, where space and resources are limited. By consolidating the IT infrastructure in a rack, efficiency can be increased and the physical space requirement minimized. Another advantage is the simplified maintenance and administration, as fewer hardware components have to be monitored and maintained. 

Multi-Domain-Combat-Cloud

The VS-Cloud for Defense can serve as the basis for a multi-domain combat cloud that provides a secure and scalable IT infrastructure solution for multi-domain operations. This solution enables seamless integration and coordination of operations across different domains, including land, air, sea, space and cyber. The use of advanced cloud technologies creates a flexible and resilient platform that ensures fast response times and high availability. Security features such as encryption and access controls protect sensitive data and communication channels from unauthorized access. Scalability enables resources to be dynamically adjusted as needed, which is particularly advantageous in intensive deployment scenarios. The multi-domain combat cloud improves decision-making by enabling real-time data analysis and sharing, which makes operations more efficient and effective. This innovative infrastructure strengthens operational capabilities and ensures superior coordination and execution of missions in complex and dynamic environments.

Predictive maintenance for distributed product fleets

The products of the defence technology industry are used by customers from various nations. The degree of asset management varies from country to country. However, comprehensive asset management is necessary to operate a fleet cost-effectively and to ensure operational readiness. IBM Cloud Pak for Data is a tool based on the VS-Cloud that enables asset management tailored to the respective customer. Customer data can thus be managed separately in a scalable platform and yet evaluated with special methods across the physical boundaries of the organisation without endangering the nations' data integrity.

Flexible execution of simulations at distributed sites

The importance of simulations is constantly increasing in order to save valuable resources and, at the same time, achieve a high level of training success. Thanks to a significant reduction in hardware and personnel costs, in the future it will be possible to offer more economical simulations based on VS-Cloud to sensitive customers.

The significant increase in flexibility by conducting simulations while not being bound to on-site hardware resources will allow armed forces to conduct simulations at distributed sites. At the same time, the cloud-based solution allows not only the German Federal Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) but also smaller organisations, such as fire brigades, police forces and civil defence, to benefit from the advantages of simulation-based training.

AI applications with watsonx

Running IBM watsonx on the SINA Cloud from secunet offers numerous advantages for processing sensitive data. The high security standards and certified infrastructure of the SINA Cloud provide maximum data protection and comprehensive compliance with requirements. This makes it possible to use AI and generative AI with classified data. The close integration of watsonx with the SINA Cloud enables optimized loading times and an overall improvement in system performance. In addition, the platform offers flexibility and scalability to meet the growing demands of modern companies. The combination combines the expertise of IBM and secunet to provide a particularly secure and powerful solution. This makes watsonx on the SINA Cloud an ideal choice for organizations that require the highest level of security and efficiency in data processing.

Collaboration platform for sensitive industries

The digital twin has become the epitome of collaboration across organizational and corporate boundaries. One challenge in the exchange of sensitive data is the combination of data that can only be provided, modified or viewed by one participant and the data shared as part of a project. The VS-Cloud offers the option of providing each participant with their own scalable client while simultaneously defining clients for collaboration, including data exchange via data diodes that regulate the data flow.

Highly secure VS cloud technology: synergy in the military sector

secunet and IBM are the perfect combination for a highly secure and operational cloud solution for military applications. secunet brings its expertise in IT security solutions and years of experience with highly secure infrastructures, in particular through its SINA products, which are widely used in sensitive government and military environments. IBM complements this strength with its leading position in cloud computing, artificial intelligence and comprehensive managed services. Together, they offer an integrated solution that meets both the highest security requirements and the operational needs of military organizations.

IBM Germany

IBM is a global leader in technology and consulting, with extensive experience in providing innovative solutions for the defense and defense industry. With a strong presence in cloud computing, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, IBM offers comprehensive services and technologies that support the modernization and security of IT infrastructures. IBM works closely with military and government organizations to develop tailored solutions that address the specific needs and challenges of the defense sector.

For more information, please visit the IBM Webseite.

secunet Security Networks AG

secunet is Germany's leading cybersecurity company. It provides resilient digital infrastructures and the highest level of protection for data, applications and identities. secunet specializes in cloud, IIoT, eGovernment and eHealth. With secunet's security solutions, companies can comply with the highest security standards and drive their transformation forward. More than 1,000 experts strengthen the digital sovereignty of governments, companies and society. Its customers include federal ministries, DAX-listed companies and national and international organizations. secunet is the IT security partner of the Federal Republic of Germany and a partner of the Cyber Security Alliance.

For further information, please visit the secunet Webseite.

Your contact persons for innovation with the highest security

Would you like to find out more?

IBM Deutschland GmbH

Dr. Julian Gebhart
Managing Consultant | Advisory Architect

secunet Security Networks AG

Ralph Michel
Global Head of Sales
Defence & Space Division