- Sparkle’s Paola Crobu explains how its multicloud solutions under OCRE 2024 are tailored to support Europe’s research and education sector.
- She highlights AI use cases, multicloud complexity, local support, and future trends like interoperability, cost control, data sovereignty, and sustainability.
Sparkle’s role in OCRE 2024 and the cloud framework
At this year’s TNC, BTW Media spoke with Paola Crobu, Multicloud Solutions Product Manager at Sparkle. She shared insights into how Sparkle supports the research and education (R&E) community through the OCRE 2024 Cloud Framework. GÉANT created this initiative to make it easier for universities and research institutes to access cloud services under clear contractual terms and stable pricing.
Sparkle was ranked as the first provider for AWS services across all 39 participating countries and for Google Cloud services in 19 countries. Paola explained that Sparkle not only complies with the framework requirements but also adds value by offering extra discounts, free monitoring tools, onboarding support, and the creation of a Multicloud Competence Centre. This team provides both technical and financial operations (FinOps) support, alongside a strong network of local partners who deliver assistance on the ground.
Also Read: Sparkle boosts connectivity with new PoP in Helsinki
Also Read: Sparkle and Algérie Telecom launch new subsea route
Emerging AI-driven applications across research and education
When asked about the role of artificial intelligence in R&E, Paola highlighted simulation modelling, data analysis, and automated workflows as areas of rapid growth. Sectors such as physics, material science, remote sensing, and climate modelling already depend on advanced computing pipelines. These pipelines process large sets of data and make it possible to run detailed simulations. In physics, they support experiments that require high precision and vast computing power. In material science, they allow researchers to model how new compounds behave under different conditions.
Remote sensing uses them to study satellite images and measure changes on the Earth’s surface. Climate modelling applies them to predict weather patterns and long-term shifts in the environment. BTW Media sources have revealed that the demand for such computing systems is growing quickly across research communities. According to our research, these pipelines are becoming a standard tool in laboratories and institutions worldwide. Industry pundits say they will remain central as data continues to expand in scale and complexity.
She also pointed to the growing use of large language models (LLMs) for digital assistants and literature analysis, noting that while these tools cannot replace human judgment, they provide significant support in handling vast amounts of information. “We will see every day more cloud-native AI pipelines for ingesting, training, and monitoring data,” Paola said, emphasising the transformative potential of AI when combined with flexible cloud platforms.
Tackling the complexity of multicloud adoption
Managing multiple cloud platforms can be daunting, especially for publicly funded R&E institutions that must track costs closely. Paola explained that Sparkle addresses this by structuring its multicloud solution into three pillars: brokerage, monitoring, and support. Through partnerships with AWS, Google, and Microsoft, Sparkle acts as a broker to simplify procurement. Its monitoring tools give customers real-time visibility into usage and costs, helping them stay in control of spending. Finally, Sparkle’s Multicloud Competence Centre provides essential expertise and training to fill gaps in skills, supported by local partners who can deliver in-person assistance. This approach, Paola noted, is crucial for institutions that want both flexibility and financial accountability.
Why localised support makes a difference
Although many R&E customers are highly skilled and require only basic cloud access, Paola stressed that around 10% of cases involve complex projects needing advanced support. In such situations, being able to assess infrastructure directly and speak in the local language has a major impact. She described this as the “cherry on top of the cake” for Sparkle’s value proposition, as cultural understanding and local presence help make negotiations smoother and technical discussions clearer. This human dimension, she added, is often overlooked but critical for ensuring that institutions feel supported throughout their cloud journey.
Key trends shaping the future of multicloud solution
Looking ahead, Paola identified interoperability, AI adoption, cost control, data sovereignty, and sustainability as the main forces shaping the R&E cloud landscape. Institutions increasingly demand the freedom to move data across platforms without being locked in, while cloud providers are working on direct interconnections to improve performance. Public money makes cost transparency and control essential, and data sovereignty is a growing priority as universities want sensitive research data stored within national boundaries. Finally, sustainability is gaining attention as R&E institutions demand proof of renewable energy use and carbon footprint reduction from their cloud partners. Paola underlined that this community is not only a driver of innovation but also a leader in setting ethical and environmental standards.
