Alternative to AWS, Azure and Google Cloud
Servers, Kubernetes, storage and databases with European providers or in your own data center, without a US corporation in between.
Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud dominate the cloud market. As US corporations, all three are subject to the CLOUD Act, even with data centers in Europe. Whether this also applies to the AWS European Sovereign Cloud, launched in Brandenburg, Germany, in January 2026, is disputed (analysis).
For most applications, European providers such as Hetzner, IONOS, STACKIT or OVHcloud offer equivalent services. If you need full control, you can run the infrastructure in your own data center with Proxmox VE and Kubernetes.
BARNICOM plans the target environment, migrates your applications and runs them for you on request.
Why companies leave the US cloud
Access under US law
The US CLOUD Act requires US providers to hand over data to US authorities on request, even when it is stored in Europe. This applies equally to Amazon, Microsoft and Google.
Hard-to-predict costs
Billing is usage-based, plus fees for data transfer to the internet. Monthly costs are often only clear after the fact.
Lock-in to platform services
Using provider-specific services makes moving applications costly. Open standards such as Kubernetes, S3 and PostgreSQL keep switching possible.
What replaces what
The key services of the large US providers and European offerings that cover them. Which provider fits your company is something we work out together.
| Area | AWS | Microsoft Azure | Google Cloud | European alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual servers | EC2 | Virtual Machines | Compute Engine | Hetzner, IONOS, STACKIT, OVHcloud or Proxmox VE in your own data centerGermany, France, Austria |
| Kubernetes | EKS | AKS | GKE | STACKIT Kubernetes Engine, IONOS Managed Kubernetes or your own clusterGermany |
| Object storage | S3 | Blob Storage | Cloud Storage | S3-compatible storage at Hetzner, IONOS or STACKITGermany |
| Databases | RDS | Azure SQL Database | Cloud SQL | PostgreSQL and MariaDB as a managed service or self-hostedProviders in Germany |
| Backup | AWS Backup | Azure Backup | Backup and DR | Proxmox Backup Server, copy in a second data centerAustria |
| Monitoring | CloudWatch | Azure Monitor | Cloud Monitoring | Prometheus and Grafana, self-hostedOpen source |
Origin refers to the provider’s headquarters. The services listed are based on open standards, so a later change of provider remains possible.
How the switch works
-
Assessment
Which services run where, what do they cost and what do they depend on? The result is a plan with effort and timeline.
-
Target architecture
Selection of providers and services, setup of network, access and backup.
-
Migration
Applications move step by step, with parallel operation and agreed cutover dates.
-
Operations
We take care of updates, monitoring, backup and support, with a service level agreement on request.
When switching is not a fit
Not every application belongs outside the US cloud. We point out limitations beforehand, for example with:
- applications built deeply on proprietary services such as AWS Lambda, DynamoDB or Azure Functions
- a need for specialized AI or analytics services only available from the large providers
- globally distributed applications with users on every continent
Frequently asked questions
Is the AWS European Sovereign Cloud a solution?
It offers data residency and operation within the EU and launched in Brandenburg, Germany, in January 2026. Because it belongs to a US corporation, it is disputed whether US authorities could still demand access under the CLOUD Act. To rule out that risk, choose a European provider.
Are European providers as reliable as AWS or Azure?
For servers, Kubernetes, storage and databases, Hetzner, IONOS, STACKIT and OVHcloud offer mature services, some with certifications such as ISO 27001 or BSI C5.
Can we move individual applications first?
Yes. Applications with simple dependencies often move first, and the rest follows step by step.
How do costs develop?
Many European providers charge fixed monthly prices and bill little or nothing for data transfer. You receive a cost estimate after the assessment.
Where is our data stored?
In data centers in Germany with the provider of your choice or in your own data center.
How long does a migration take?
It depends on the number of applications and their dependencies. After the assessment you receive a timeline.
More alternatives for infrastructure
Plan your way out of the US cloud
We review your cloud environment and tell you what can move where and what it costs.