SCS standards
Interoperable. Open. Certifiable.
Standards are the central element of Sovereign Cloud Stack. The SCS standards define comprehensible requirements that guarantee interoperability and quality. They form the basis for certification, which cloud solutions can use to prove their digital sovereignty. The standards represent jointly developed, documented agreements on how cloud infrastructures should be used, operated and further developed.
Within this framework, SCS relies on open interfaces, transparent processes and verifiability, which are coordinated within the community and continuously developed. Certification according to the Sovereign Cloud Stack standards demonstrates independence, transparency and interoperability.
IaaS standards
The IaaS standards focus on protocols, guidelines and specifications that regulate the Infrastructure-as-a-Service level. These include standards for virtual machines, storage, networks and other basic resources. The aim is to ensure smooth, efficient and secure operation as well as interoperability and standardised management of the underlying cloud infrastructure.
KaaS standards
The standards in this area deal with the Kubernetes-as-a-Service layer and define guidelines and best practices for the deployment, management and operation of Kubernetes clusters. The aim of these standards is to ensure that the orchestration of containers is efficient, secure and compatible across different cloud environments and platforms.
Participate and develop further
The SCS standards are developed in an open, collaborative process.
Any interested organisation can get involved:
- as a member of the SCS Forum
- through active participation in the community
- via regular exchange formats such as the SIG Standardisation/Certification Call
This ensures that the standards remain practical and are continuously developed further.
Certifiable standards
Certified SCS-compatible
Cloud providers can demonstrate their compliance with SCS standards through automated testing and transparent processes. If successful, they receive certification as „SCS-compatible“ – whether with the reference implementation or their own open solutions.
Certification as „Certified SCS-compatible IaaS“ confirms that an infrastructure complies with the IaaS standards of the Sovereign Cloud Stack – including protocols and specifications for virtual machines, storage, networks and other basic components – and thus enables secure, interoperable and efficient cloud operation.
Certification as „Certified SCS-compatible KaaS“ confirms that a Kubernetes service complies with SCS standards and enables uniform, secure and cross-platform container orchestration.
Certified SCS Integrator
SCS Integrator certifications confirm that service providers can professionally implement and operate cloud environments in accordance with IaaS or KaaS standards – with proven expertise and established processes.
The Certified SCS IaaS Integrator certification demonstrates your ability to implement and operate IaaS environments in accordance with the official SCS standards. The level model makes your competence level visible: Bronze indicates your entry as an implementation partner for SCS IaaS.
The Certified SCS IaaS Integrator certification demonstrates your ability to implement and operate IaaS environments in accordance with the official SCS standards. The level model makes your competence level visible: Silver identifies you as an established implementation partner for SCS IaaS.
The Certified SCS KaaS Integrator certification demonstrates your ability to integrate and operate Kubernetes-as-a-Service environments in accordance with the official SCS standards. The level model makes your competence level visible: Bronze indicates your entry as an implementation partner for SCS KaaS.
The Certified SCS KaaS Integrator certification demonstrates your ability to integrate and operate Kubernetes-as-a-Service environments in accordance with the official SCS standards. The level model makes your level of expertise visible: Silver identifies you as an established implementation partner for SCS KaaS.
Why should I choose a certified provider?
Tested interoperability
All certified providers meet binding standards that enable seamless interaction between cloud systems.
Open standards instead of dependency
Certified providers commit to open standards and open source, thereby avoiding dependencies on proprietary solutions.
Guaranteed digital sovereignty
The certificate confirms that customers retain control over their data, processes and infrastructure – regardless of individual manufacturers.
Transparent quality assurance
The SCS certificate proves that the business operates according to clearly defined and verifiable criteria.
European connectivity
The certification confirms that SCS-certified solutions are compatible with European frameworks such as the EU Cloud Sovereignty Framework and contribute to shared digital sovereignty in Europe.
Developed collaboratively
Certified providers actively participate in the further development of SCS standards within the open community – transparently, practically and with an eye to the future.
Working together towards SCS certification
SCS Certificates stand for trust, quality and digital sovereignty. They set standards for open cloud infrastructures and highlight which providers and integrators meet the highest standards for security, interoperability and independence.
For us, certification does not mean bureaucracy, but cooperation – together we ensure that openness, security and European connectivity come together in modern cloud structures. I will accompany you on your way to SCS certification and help you to implement the requirements in a transparent and practical manner.
Standardisation and Certification Engineer