The City of Espoo moved to a cloud operated in Europe – enabling this way an higher level of data security
The City of Espoo has adopted Oracle Sovereign Cloud and migrated its entire financial systems environment to a cloud service operating 100% within Europe. The transition enables an exceptionally high level of data protection and makes it possible to deploy AI tools while meeting even the strictest data protection requirements. Espoo’s partners in the project were Attido and Oracle.
The City of Espoo, Attido, and Oracle launched the project in spring 2025 with the objective of migrating Espoo’s ERP environment to Oracle’s sovereign cloud. The goal was to strengthen overall data protection and create the prerequisites for deploying advanced AI tools. Oracle Sovereign Cloud is a cloud service that ensures an organization’s critical data, support services, and operations remain entirely within the EU. Espoo’s sovereign cloud is delivered fully from within the EU, with European-based support and operations.
-The service enables the most demanding data protection requirements to be met, and customer data is never transferred outside Europe at any stage of operations. To deliver the service, Oracle has established independent legal entities in Europe, staffed by local personnel. The service is specifically designed for organizations that require stricter data protection and national control, such as governments, public sector organizations, and other data-sensitive operators, including banks, says Anssi Koivuniemi, Account Director for Oracle’s Public Sector customers.
According to Espoo’s Project Director, Hanna Salmijärvi, Espoo aims to be a technological forerunner among cities, particularly in the use of AI, while ensuring that data protection and security remain at the core of operations.
-The sovereign cloud now enables a technological leap for the organization and the adoption of advanced AI tools, such as agents, while ensuring that all organizational data remains within the EU, Salmijärvi explains.
The sovereign cloud provides customers with the same services and performance as a standard cloud service, but with greater control. By adopting a sovereign cloud, organizations ensure that, for example, personal data is handled exclusively by European personnel. The sovereign cloud is also a future-proof solution: as regulation and data protection requirements in the EU continue to tighten, the service is already fully compliant.
A carefully planned and executed project delivered on schedule
The City of Espoo’s Sovereign Cloud project began in spring 2025 with thorough planning. Espoo’s main partners were Attido and Oracle, and at various stages of the project, other technology partners of the City of Espoo were also involved. The project required special attention, as Espoo’s entire extensive Oracle ERP environment was migrated to the new sovereign cloud service. Espoo’s internal project team made a significant effort, particularly during the migration phase, with operations tested after each stage. A detailed testing plan ensured a smooth and successful migration.
Attido’s Project Manager, Kari Raitala, praises the execution of the project, which was completed in autumn 2025.
-The best aspect of this project was the overall success. Collaboration between all parties worked very well. No issues were found during testing, and everything worked as expected. One of the keys to success was careful test planning and detailed scheduling of every step. This ensured that everyone involved knew their role, as well as the order and timetable for tasks, says Raitala.
Oracle Customer Success Executive Anne Komscha-Yildiz also highlights the success of the joint project between Espoo, Attido, and Oracle.
-It is great to see the City of Espoo take a progressive step by moving to Oracle EU Sovereign Cloud. The service is designed specifically for organizations like Espoo, where safeguarding critical data is of paramount importance. Collaboration throughout the project was smooth, and Attido performed excellently as a technology partner. The project was completed on time and without challenges, says Komscha-Yildiz.
According to Komscha-Yildiz, Oracle Sovereign Cloud offers customers the same range of services as a standard cloud, but with enhanced control. The sovereign cloud enables business-critical operations, such as handling personal data or running AI agents, to be carried out with an even higher level of security.
Contact Information
Hanna Salmijärvi
Project Director, City of Espoo
Tel. +358 50 564 0858
hanna.salmijarvi@espoo.fi
Timo Bruun
COO, Attido Oy
Tel. +358 40 747 9171
timo.bruun@attido.com
Anssi Koivuniemi
Account Director, Public Sector Customers, Oracle
Tel. +358 40 843 9138
anssi.koivuniemi@oracle.com
The City of Espoo is one of the fastest-growing cities in Finland and the country’s second largest by population. Espoo’s vision is to be a vibrant, sustainable, and community-oriented city of events.
Attido is a Finnish IT consultancy specializing in enterprise resource planning and data-driven management solutions. The company’s operations are primarily focused on Oracle technologies.
Oracle is a software company that develops and delivers, among other things, enterprise software and cloud services, including solutions for customer relationship management, enterprise resource planning, and business intelligence.