As India rapidly embraces digital transformation across sectors like banking, healthcare, e-governance, and education, data has become the backbone of innovation and operations. However, experts in the industry believe that this expansion brings critical concerns around data storage and control, particularly given the reliance on global cloud providers for hosting and managing digital information.
As per the experts, for many years, Indian companies and institutions have depended on international cloud hyperscalers. While these platforms offer advanced services, recent studies highlight risks related to data privacy, surveillance and compliance with Indian laws. The lack of domestic control over critical data storage raises questions about national data sovereignty, especially as governments worldwide emphasize securing citizen information within their borders.
According to a 2024 report by the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, over 70% of Indian enterprises currently store sensitive data on foreign cloud servers, increasing exposure to regulatory and security risks.
The rise of indigenous cloud platforms
To address these gaps, Indian companies have begun developing homegrown cloud solutions that prioritise regulatory compliance, data privacy, and cost efficiency. One notable example is Utho, launched in 2018 as Bharat’s own cloud platform, which is governed by Indian laws. Utho ensures that data remains within India’s borders, offering a sovereign alternative to global hyperscalers.
“Utho’s services have gained traction among over 22,000 customers worldwide, including prominent firms such as Exotel, Honeywell, and Ameyo. This widespread adoption signals growing trust in domestic cloud solutions capable of delivering secure, scalable infrastructure without compromising on performance,” Manoj Dhanda, Founder & CTO of Utho Cloud said.
Innovations in security: VPC and WAF
Utho Cloud’s suite includes advanced features such as Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) and Web Application Firewall (WAF). VPC allows organisations to create isolated network environments, enhancing security on shared infrastructure, while WAF protects applications from common cyberattacks like SQL injection and cross-site scripting.
These measures align with industry best practices recommended by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) for safeguarding sensitive financial and government data.
By leveraging open-source technologies and owning its infrastructure, Utho reportedly offers cloud services at up to 60% lower costs compared to international providers while delivering twice the performance for certain tasks. This affordability combined with high reliability makes it especially attractive to startups, SMEs, and government entities seeking to optimize costs without sacrificing quality.
Future roadmap
Looking ahead, Utho plans to expand its infrastructure to additional Indian cities and introduce AI-powered platforms within the next 12 to 18 months. It also aims to roll out tools supporting cloud-native application development, underscoring a commitment to building a robust, innovative, and sovereign digital ecosystem in line with India’s broader tech ambitions.
