DATEV and UhuruTec are developing a cloud-native data center infrastructure that combines high standards for scalability, compliance, and digital sovereignty. The modular architecture is based on open-source technologies and will grow from an initial 100 nodes to 1,000 nodes by 2028. DATEV eG is now one of Germany’s largest IT companies. As of June 30, 2026, the cooperative served 1.01 million customers, had 40,176 members, and employed 9,015 people. In the first half of 2026, DATEV generated revenue of 881 million euros. This scale is also evident in its daily operations: On average, 14.9 million employees are processed each month using DATEV software. More than 830,000 users now access DATEV Unternehmen online; through the DATEV Cloud, documents from more than 1.8 million companies are digitally exchanged with their tax advisors.
Case
Cloud-Native Infrastructure for One Million Customers
DATEV and UhuruTec are developing a cloud-native data center infrastructure that combines high standards for scalability, compliance, and digital sovereignty. The modular architecture is based on open-source technologies and will grow from an initial 100 nodes to 1,000 nodes by 2028.
Challenge
The growing use of the cloud requires an infrastructure that scales flexibly to meet DATEV’s needs. At the same time, it must be standardized, automated, and fail-safe. DATEV was therefore looking for an architecture that would enable technological independence and ensure that its own teams maintain long-term control over and understanding of the platform.
Solution
In collaboration with UhuruTec, DATEV developed an SCS-compliant, cloud-native infrastructure based on Kubernetes, OpenStack, and Ceph. GitOps and automated provisioning ensure reproducible operations. Three availability zones and six environments form the foundation for a modular, scalable platform.
Result
The platform currently comprises approximately 380 nodes and is expected to grow to about 1,000 nodes by 2028. This provides DATEV with a scalable foundation for its ongoing cloud transformation. UhuruTec supports the effort with architectural expertise and knowledge transfer—while operations, oversight, and technical expertise remain with DATEV.
Project Summary
The scope of the project is particularly evident in its planned scaling: The platform currently comprises around 380 nodes and is expected to grow to around 1,000 nodes by 2028. This will create a technical foundation that supports DATEV in its ongoing cloud transformation and can flexibly scale to meet new requirements.
This is not just about capacity. The platform is designed for automated, traceable, and modular operation. DATEV retains control over the production environment and, together with UhuruTec, is building its own technical expertise for operation and further development.
The result is not a “black box,” but rather an infrastructure that DATEV itself understands, operates, and further develops. In this way, the project lays an important foundation for DATEV’s digital sovereignty and continued cloud development.
Client testimonial
“We need a platform that scales, grows, and is stable.”
“We didn't want to deal with Ansible; instead, we wanted a technical solution that would help us move forward in the long run.”