The buzz at Mobile World Congress 2025 was undeniable, with over 109,000 attendees and 2,900 exhibitors, sponsors, and partners converging in Barcelona to explore the latest advancements in mobile technology. From groundbreaking AI innovations to the evolution of telco cloud strategies, industry leaders gathered to shape the future of connectivity. Among the standout exhibitors, OpenNebula made a powerful impression, demonstrating how our open source cloud platform is redefining virtualization, edge computing, and AI-driven infrastructures.

Re-Virtualizing Telco: A Path Beyond VMware

One of the hottest topics at this year’s MWC was the shift away from legacy virtualization platforms like VMware. With ongoing industry turbulence following Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware, telcos and enterprises are actively searching for cost-effective and scalable alternatives. OpenNebula seized this opportunity to position itself as a next-generation open source alternative that offers flexibility without vendor lock-in.

At the booth, visitors discovered how our platform simplifies cloud and edge deployment across distributed environments. The team showcased how organizations can transition from VMware to OpenNebula, using native Kubernetes and container orchestration to modernize infrastructure and reduce costs. OpenNebula also powers multi-tenancy, automation, and AI-driven capabilities, enabling advanced multi-cloud, edge, and private 5G solutions. It supports demanding workloads like NFV, AI, and high-performance computing, while telecom operators can deploy containerized and virtualized network functions side-by-side for unmatched flexibility and efficiency.

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AI at the Edge: Enabling the Next Generation of Telco Services

A major theme at MWC 2025 was AI-driven automation and its impact on network optimization. OpenNebula emphasized its role in enabling telcos to deploy AI-ready infrastructures at the edge. As AI workloads increasingly demand real-time processing, running AI inference closer to end users is a game-changer, allowing telcos to reduce latency and enhance performance for services like real-time analytics and computer vision.

OpenNebula’s scalable edge cloud solution helps telcos leverage AI without relying on centralized hyperscale providers. Additionally, it supports vRAN applications by utilizing GPU acceleration to meet the low-latency needs of 5G and future 6G networks. This enables telcos to automate distributed environments, optimize networks, and deliver enhanced user experiences with their unique connectivity and data center networks.

OpenNebula’s Key Presentations at MWC 2025

Our presence at MWC 2025 extended beyond the exhibition floor, as we participated in key discussions and panels on the future of AI, cloud computing, and telco innovation.

Panel on Accelerating 5G and XR Innovation

OpenNebula Systems participated in a panel discussing network capabilities, smart cities, and Industry 4.0, showcasing how our platform simplifies the deployment and management of cloud and edge environments, helping telcos navigate the complexities of integrating new technologies like 5G and XR. He highlighted OpenNebula’s ability to streamline infrastructure deployment, enabling telcos to deliver innovative services while optimizing performance.

Roundtable on Emerging Technologies and Business Strategies

OpenNebula Systems participated in a roundtable discussion on emerging technologies, where the panel explored how OpenNebula has evolved over the past 13 years to meet the changing needs of the tech and telco industries. A key focus of the discussion was the growing role of AI in cloud and edge deployments, highlighting OpenNebula’s platform as a crucial enabler for businesses looking to stay competitive in an increasingly dynamic market.

OpenNebula’s 5G Neutral Hosting Solution

Another presentation at MWC highlighted OpenNebula’s 5G Neutral Hosting solution, nearing commercial deployment. This lightweight, multi-tenant platform follows O-RAN standards and allows tower companies to build a unified telecommunications cloud for hosting 5G networks. It extends cloud infrastructure to multiple locations, providing mobile network operators with secure, independent virtual data centers and full control over their infrastructure. This includes the ability to deploy baseband processing units and connect radio equipment to the 5G core network.

Conclusion: OpenNebula’s Vision for the Future

MWC 2025 reinforced that the telecom industry is at a critical juncture, and OpenNebula is playing a pivotal role in driving the next phase of cloud evolution. By offering cost-effective alternatives to legacy virtualization platforms and enabling AI at the edge, OpenNebula is helping telcos navigate the increasingly complex digital landscape. The demand for open, scalable, and AI-ready cloud solutions has never been higher, and OpenNebula’s innovations are paving the way for the future of cloud and edge computing.

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