Empowering Laos: How GDMS is Building the Nation’s Digital Future

Setting the Stage: The Decree That Shapes Laos’ Digital Landscape

In 2016, the Lao government issued the Decree on Information Centers on the Internet (No. 412/Gov), a landmark regulation that established a comprehensive framework for data hosting, digital infrastructure, and information management in the country. This decree lays out clear mandates for both the public and private sectors, ensuring data sovereignty, security, and compliance with national policies.

Public Sector Requirements

For ministries and government agencies:

If a ministry has its own properly equipped and compliant data center, it may host its data locally. However, this data center must be approved and registered with the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Communications (MTC). In addition, such entities are required to backup their data in the National Data Center.
If a ministry or government agency does not have an approved data center, it is mandatory to host all data directly in the National Data Center, which ensures secure, centralized management in line with national regulations.

This regulation ensures consistency across government data hosting, creating a centralized and secure ecosystem for public sector operations.

Private Sector Standards

For private entities:

Data must be hosted in registered datacenters located within Laos. These facilities must be approved by the MTC to ensure compliance with technical and security standards.
Private companies are required to use the .la national domain, and any exceptions must be approved by the MTC.
The decree also emphasizes the need for compliance with laws related to data accuracy, security, and user protection.

These requirements ensure that both public and private entities contribute to the development of a secure and unified digital ecosystem within Laos.

Key Implications of the Decree

This decree highlights the government’s commitment to data sovereignty, ensuring that sensitive government and business data remains secure and under national jurisdiction. It also underscores the need for robust, localized infrastructure to support the country’s ambitions for digital transformation. By creating a centralized system for public data and regulating private data hosting, the decree paves the way for a more secure, connected, and compliant digital future.

GDMS: A Trusted Partner in Digital Transformation

GDMS is at the forefront of Laos’ digital evolution, having signed a 10-year strategic partnership with the Ministry of Technology and Communication (MTC). Through this partnership, GDMS is operating and enhancing one of the National Data Centers while extending our National Cloud Infrastructure across both centers. This unique capability allows us to deliver seamless, secure, and scalable services from both facilities, forming the backbone of Laos’ digital infrastructure.

As the leading provider of National Cloud Infrastructure, GDMS offers unparalleled capabilities to meet the demands of both public and private sectors. Our certified facilities are designed to deliver secure, efficient, and scalable solutions that align with the country’s regulatory and operational requirements.

Through this partnership, GDMS is enabling the government to centralize its digital operations, ensuring compliance with the decree while fostering innovation and collaboration across various sectors.

The National Cloud: A Sovereign Solution for Laos

At the heart of our operations lies the National Cloud, a sovereign cloud platform tailored to Laos’ unique needs. The National Cloud is not just a technological service—it’s a cornerstone of the country’s digital foundation. It ensures that government and business data remain secure and within national borders, mitigating risks and safeguarding national sovereignty.

Our infrastructure offers:

Secure Data Hosting: Ensures compliance with the Decree on Information Centers on the Internet (No. 412/Gov, 2016), providing robust security measures to protect sensitive information.
Scalable Services: Caters to the dynamic needs of government agencies, businesses, and citizens, fostering economic growth through adaptable and efficient solutions.
Unified Platform: Facilitates seamless communication and collaboration among various entities, enhancing operational efficiency and interconnectivity.
Access to Advanced Cloud Technologies: Offers cutting-edge solutions such as cloud-native solutions like containerization (e.g., Kubernetes), artificial intelligence (AI) integration, and hybrid cloud deployments, enabling organizations to leverage the latest advancements in cloud computing.

Why GDMS?

As of today, GDMS is the only company in Laos with the capability to provide national cloud infrastructure across both National Data Centers. This unique position is a testament to our expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and unwavering commitment to supporting the government’s vision for a digitally empowered Laos.

We don’t just offer infrastructure; we offer a partnership. Through innovation, collaboration, and dedication, we are laying the groundwork for the country’s digital transformation, ensuring that Laos remains competitive in an increasingly connected world.

A Digital Future Built on Trust and Innovation

The decree on Information Centers set a clear path for the digital future of Laos, and GDMS is proud to lead the way. By partnering with the government and leveraging world-class infrastructure, we are helping to create a more connected, efficient, and prosperous nation.

As Laos continues its journey towards digital transformation, GDMS remains steadfast in its mission to empower government agencies, businesses, and citizens with the tools and infrastructure needed to thrive in the digital age.