#Google Cloud #Brussels #Belgium #Smals

Smals Partners with Google Cloud for Digital Transformation

On June 11, 2026, Google Cloud revealed that Smals, the joint IT organization serving Belgian public institutions focused on social security, has chosen it as its primary public cloud provider. This pivotal selection follows a rigorous evaluation process involving various stakeholders, leading to a partnership with SoftwareOne under GÉANT's OCRE24 framework.

Why Google Cloud?

The integration of Google Cloud into Smals' existing infrastructure signifies a substantial evolution in service delivery for public services in Belgium. With this collaboration, member institutions will gain access to a wide range of Google Cloud features, enhancing the efficiency and quality of services provided to citizens across the nation.

By adopting a hybrid approach, which includes Google Cloud solutions alongside existing on-premise systems and the governmental community cloud (G-Cloud), Smals aims to bolster its infrastructure. This strategy is essential as it retains the private cloud environment while opening avenues for innovative, AI-driven solutions - providing a more comprehensive service offering.

Ensuring Compliance and Data Sovereignty

A vital aspect of this transition is the stringent adherence to compliance and data sovereignty regulations. Every public cloud architecture developed under this partnership will adhere to the European Commission's Cloud Sovereignty Framework and the Federal Taskforce Cloud's Workload Policy. This ensures long-term technical flexibility and minimizes vendor dependencies, a priority in today’s data-sensitive environment.

Cloud Computing Center of Excellence (CCoE)

In support of this transition and the strategic implementation of cloud technologies, Belgium’s public social security institutions, in collaboration with Smals, have recently established a Cloud Computing Center of Excellence (CCoE). This initiative promotes knowledge sharing and best practices among different cloud providers, aiming to create a cohesive vision for cloud operations within the Belgian public sector.

Smals CTO, Dirk Deridder, emphasized the importance of this new framework, stating, "The inclusion of Google Cloud as a third pillar alongside our community cloud and on-premise systems provides member institutions with additional technical options." This sentiment echoes across institutional leadership as they adapt to evolving technology landscapes within public administration.

Future Perspectives

With Google Cloud at the helm, Belgium's public institutions are poised to seamlessly respond to various workload requirements essential for effective public administration, all while adhering to rigorous security and sovereignty standards.

"Google Cloud is providing the technology required to amplify both Smals' and its members' ambitious AI objectives in Belgium," noted Kurt Rommens, Head of Public Sector at Google Cloud Benelux. "Our commitment is to deliver a secure environment that meets the local and federal authorities' stringent standards."

About Smals

Smals serves as a collaborative platform for over 300 public institutions in Belgium, delivering IT services that enhance efficiency and resource sharing. Established more than 85 years ago, Smals has consistently supported social security and healthcare sectors with cutting-edge IT and infrastructure services. For more information, visit www.smals.be.

About Google Cloud

Google Cloud stands as a global leader in cloud solutions, providing an optimized AI stack enabling organizations to innovate and transform. With offerings that span AI infrastructure, data management capabilities, multicloud security solutions, and comprehensive development tools, Google Cloud is positioned as a trusted partner for customers across more than 200 nations and territories.