---
title: "Sovereign Storage"
description: "Store backups and files in a Belgian data centre. Lock selected copies for an agreed period and test how to restore them."
url: https://www.alt-f1.be/en/sovereign-storage/
organization: ALT-F1 SRL, Brussels (VAT BE 0830.560.718)
---

# Sovereign Storage

Store backups and files in a Belgian data centre. Lock selected copies for an agreed period and test how to restore them.

## What you can store

- Store backup copies, documents and other files outside the production system.
- Use retention locks and encryption according to the agreed design.
- Document who controls the keys, who can administer storage and how recovery is tested.

## How it works

1. Send a copy using a compatible backup tool or application.
2. Keep the selected copy locked for its configured retention period.
3. Restore a sample and check that the recovered files can actually be used.

**A separate backup copy. A recovery you can test.**

### Your files and backups

- Business files and documents
- Compatible backup tools
- An agreed copy schedule

### Sovereign Storage

- Optimal AI · Belgium
- Choose retention settings
- Agree access and encryption

### Tested recovery

- Restore a sample copy
- Check the recovered files
- Measure the recovery time

Agree the hosting, access, encryption keys and recovery responsibilities.

- **Object** — A stored file and its associated information.
- **[S3](https://www.alt-f1.be/en/acronyms/#s3)** — Simple Storage Service. A common storage interface; compatibility is checked with your backup tools.
- **Object lock** — Prevents specified changes or deletion for the configured period, subject to the chosen mode and permissions.
- **Your keys** — The key-ownership and recovery arrangements agreed for your encrypted copies.
- **Restore** — Recovering a copy and checking that the files or application work.
- **[CLOUD Act](https://www.alt-f1.be/en/acronyms/#cloud-act)** — Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act. US law concerning electronic evidence; hosting, providers and access need to be considered together.

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## Belgian storage with Optimal AI

<p><a href="https://optimalai.be"><img class="optimal-ai-logo" src="/logos/optimal-ai.svg" alt="Optimal AI" width="178" height="43" loading="lazy"></a></p>

ALT-F1 resells [Optimal AI](https://optimalai.be)'s S3-compatible object storage hosted in Belgium. Object storage keeps files and their associated information; S3 (Simple Storage Service) is the interface your software uses to send and retrieve them.

**Launch offer — service starts 1 February 2027:**

- **Price:** €16 per terabyte (TB) per month.
- **Minimum storage:** 10 TB.
- **Launch promotion:** the first three months free.

Use it for backups, application files and artificial-intelligence (AI) data. For technical teams, we check connections from Kubernetes, OpenShift and Docker workloads before migration.

Large organisations can request a dedicated tenant: an isolated customer environment that they administer, with their own firewall hosted in the data centre. We agree the connection and responsibilities with you.

[Request an Optimal AI storage quote](/en/quote/). Your quote confirms tax treatment, any additional charges, support and the promotion's conditions.

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## How backup copies are protected

A retention lock prevents changes or deletion during the configured period, subject to the selected mode and permissions. We agree the duration, administration and key-management arrangements before use.

Separate storage and restricted access reduce the chance that a compromised production account can also damage the recovery copy.

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## Restore your data

A successful upload is only the first check. We plan a restore test, record the time it takes and verify that the files can be read or the application restarted.

Recovery time and the amount of recent work that could be lost depend on your backup schedule and restore process. We agree those requirements with you.

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## Hosting and administrator access

We document the data-centre location, the provider, administrator access and encryption-key responsibilities. Hosting location alone does not answer every question about provider access or legal obligations.

The service scope records the arrangement you choose and the records needed for your own review.

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## Connect your backup tools

S3 is a widely used way for software to communicate with object storage, where each stored item is treated as a file with associated information. We check compatibility with your backup software and test the connection before migration.

**Technical details:** For IT people: S3-compatible object storage, object lock, customer-held keys, Belgian data centre.

## Training for your team

- Length: Half a day
- For whom: IT and data-protection teams
- On the programme: Choose backup copies, agree key responsibilities and plan a restore test.

## Related security topics

- BACKUP [Back up files and test recovery](https://www.alt-f1.be/en/table/bk.md)
- RANSOM [Prepare for ransomware](https://www.alt-f1.be/en/table/ra.md)
- GDPR [Protect personal information](https://www.alt-f1.be/en/table/gd.md)
- CLOUD [Secure cloud accounts and storage](https://www.alt-f1.be/en/table/cl.md)