Digital Sovereignty Forum & Claranet Office Opening
Data sovereignty, security and innovation in harmony – a pragmatic rather than an ideological approach
Three perspectives, one question – how can we achieve sovereignty that simultaneously fulfils the requirements of data sovereignty, security and innovative strength? It is precisely this interplay that we are bringing to the fore: the hyperscaler’s perspective with René Räber, CTO of Microsoft Switzerland; the vendor-neutral perspective from Claranet; and the Swiss perspective with Fabio Turel, Head of IT Strategy at Generali Switzerland, and Thomas Nydegger, Managing Consultant at Swiss Infosec.
Digital sovereignty has evolved from a political headline into a strategic issue. Between ‘everything into the hyperscaler’s cloud’ and ‘everything back into our own basement’, there is a broad spectrum of well-considered options. The crucial question is not whether you should, but how: how do companies retain control over their data, meet regulatory requirements – and at the same time remain capable of innovation and action?
To mark the opening of our Swiss office in the Zurich Airport region, we invite you to an expert forum that focuses precisely on this question – based on facts and with a practical perspective. Through concise specialist presentations and a moderated panel discussion, the experts will explore the various perspectives on the architecture of sovereign cloud solutions – from data locality and sovereign hyperscaler approaches to security mechanisms and compliance that is technically embedded and enforced.
You’ll take away concrete decision-making guidance: myths versus reality, typical anti-patterns, best practices and real-world case studies – genuine substance for your next decisions, rather than political debate.
Afterwards, a networking reception awaits you on our roof terrace overlooking the airport region – an opportunity to deepen your insights and exchange views with decision-makers, partners and our team.
Speaker
- René Räber is Director of Solution Engineering Management and CTO at Microsoft Switzerland, leading the Office of the CTO and the Innovation Hub. With over 30 years’ international experience, his focus is on AI-based platforms, cloud transformation, digital sovereignty and cyber security. He works closely with C-level executives to design innovative, secure and scalable architectures. René is a sought-after speaker on topics such as Responsible AI, Sovereign Cloud and the digital transformation of businesses. He has spent many years in Silicon Valley, holds numerous patents and has contributed to some of the most important IEEE standards.
- Fabian Dörk is an expert in cloud technologies, innovation and digital transformation with over 20 years’ experience. As Cloud Services Director at Claranet Germany, he is responsible for the development and implementation of cloud-agnostic solution strategies. A key focus of his work is the integration of AI and data technologies, which raises the strategic question of how to reconcile conflicting objectives between digital sovereignty and the pursuit of innovation.
- Fabio Turel is Head of IT Strategy at Generali Switzerland and has over 20 years’ experience in leading complex digital transformation projects. As a sought-after speaker on digital sovereignty, cloud transformation and innovation strategy, he appears on international stages – from the FIFA Museum in Zurich to conferences in Berlin, Vienna and London. Since 2021, Thinkers360 has repeatedly ranked him among the top 10 thought leaders in IT strategy and project management.
- Thomas Nydegger is a solicitor and Managing Consultant at Swiss Infosec AG, specialising in data protection law, competition law and compliance, including legal issues surrounding the use of artificial intelligence. At the Swiss Competition Commission, he led a team of lawyers and economists in the financial services sector, before advising on the implementation of the GDPR and on compliance matters as in-house counsel for international corporations and as a partner at a Zurich-based commercial law firm. As a sought-after speaker and course leader, he is highly regarded by public authorities and companies both at home and abroad.
Programme
- Reception from 3.00 pm
- Specialist presentations and moderated panel discussion from 3.30 pm
- Networking drinks on the roof terrace from 5.30 pm
Who is it for?
C-level executives, IT and security managers
Date and venue
22 September from 3.00 pm
Claranet Switzerland, Zurich Airport area
Participation
Participation is free of charge. Places are limited.