Virt8ra: Europe’s First Sovereign Edge Cloud Initiative Takes Off

The Virt8ra initiative is Europe’s ambitious leap towards establishing a sovereign edge cloud, marking the first major step in minimizing the continent’s reliance on non-European cloud providers. Spearheaded by OpenNebula Systems, a Spanish open-source company, Virt8ra is a collaborative effort involving eight European IT organizations: Arsys, BIT, Gdańsk University of Technology, Infobip, IONOS, Kontron, MONDRAGON Corporation, and Oktawave. Together, these entities aim to construct a flexible and interconnected cloud infrastructure spanning six EU member states: Croatia, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, and Spain.

The initiative is a response to the EU’s pressing need for technological sovereignty and is initiated under the Important Project of Common European Interest on Next Generation Cloud Infrastructure and Services (IPCEI-CIS). Endorsed by the European Commission in December 2023, the project is supported by over €3 billion in combined public and private funding. The ambition is clear: build a vendor-neutral framework that seamlessly integrates cloud and edge computing, referred to as the cloud-edge continuum. Over 30 European companies are contributing to the development of an open-source software stack for virtualization, aiming to cultivate a robust technological ecosystem within Europe.

The Need for Technological Sovereignty

Europe’s heavy dependence on non-European cloud providers represents a significant strategic vulnerability. Addressing this concern, Virt8ra’s infrastructure is tailored for low-latency applications crucial to various industries, including smart factories, connected vehicles, remote surgeries, and wildfire management. By fostering an open-source alternative to dominant proprietary clouds, the project aims to curtail EU dependency on Big Tech vendors, supporting a vision of technological sovereignty.

The initial rollout of Virt8ra demonstrates impressive capabilities, featuring a single control plane that manages resources, virtual machines, and Kubernetes clusters across various providers. This design prioritizes portability, making application deployment and migration between locations straightforward. Virt8ra’s vision also includes future expansions and building edge-based AI applications that address the multifaceted digital needs of European enterprises. This progressive approach aligns with the broader strategic goals of the European Union, reinforcing a cooperative digital ecosystem that promotes innovation and resilience.

Overcoming Existing Challenges in the European Cloud Market

The European cloud market is not without challenges. Prominent issues include high costs, lack of interoperability between platforms, and cumbersome migration procedures. Recognizing these hurdles, the Virt8ra project is designed to proactively address and mitigate these challenges. The upcoming EU Data Act in 2025, for instance, aims to facilitate more seamless transitions between cloud and edge providers, promoting a more flexible and dynamic market environment. Virt8ra’s open-source technology stack is essential in this context, providing the tools necessary for smoother transitions and integration.

Ignacio M. Llorente, CEO of OpenNebula Systems, emphasizes that Virt8ra marks a turning point in redefining the European cloud landscape. By focusing on vendor neutrality and European open-source solutions, Virt8ra is positioned to revolutionize cloud computing in Europe. This forward-thinking initiative is set to alleviate key market pain points while fostering greater self-reliance and control over technological resources. It signifies an important step towards crafting a cohesive, robust, and technologically sovereign digital future for Europe.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Virt8ra

The Virt8ra initiative represents Europe’s bold step towards forming a sovereign edge cloud, aiming to reduce reliance on non-European cloud providers. Led by OpenNebula Systems, a Spanish open-source company, this collaborative venture includes eight European IT organizations: Arsys, BIT, Gdańsk University of Technology, Infobip, IONOS, Kontron, MONDRAGON Corporation, and Oktawave. Their goal is to build a versatile and interconnected cloud infrastructure across six EU member states: Croatia, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, and Spain.

In response to the EU’s urgent need for technological autonomy, Virt8ra is launched under the Important Project of Common European Interest on Next Generation Cloud Infrastructure and Services (IPCEI-CIS). Approved by the European Commission in December 2023, the project is backed by over €3 billion in combined public and private investment. The initiative aims to establish a vendor-neutral framework that integrates cloud and edge computing, known as the cloud-edge continuum. Over 30 European companies are working on developing an open-source software stack for virtualization, striving to create a robust technological ecosystem within Europe.

Explore more

Business Central Mobile Apps Transform Operations On-the-Go

In an era where business agility defines success, the ability to manage operations from any location has become a critical advantage for companies striving to stay ahead of the curve, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central mobile apps are at the forefront of this shift. These apps redefine how organizations handle essential tasks like finance, sales, and inventory management by

Transparency Key to Solving D365 Pricing Challenges

Understanding the Dynamics 365 Landscape Imagine a business world where operational efficiency hinges on a single, powerful tool, yet many enterprises struggle to harness its full potential due to unforeseen hurdles. Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365), a leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) solution, stands as a cornerstone for medium to large organizations aiming to integrate and

Generative AI Transforms Finance with Automation and Strategy

This how-to guide aims to equip finance professionals, particularly chief financial officers (CFOs) and their teams, with actionable insights on leveraging generative AI to revolutionize their operations. By following the steps outlined, readers will learn how to automate routine tasks, enhance strategic decision-making, and position their organizations for competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving industry. The purpose of this guide

How Is Tech Revolutionizing Traditional Payroll Systems?

In an era where adaptability defines business success, the payroll landscape is experiencing a profound transformation driven by technological innovation, reshaping how companies manage compensation. For decades, businesses relied on rigid monthly or weekly pay cycles that often failed to align with the diverse needs of employees or the dynamic nature of modern enterprises. Today, however, a wave of cutting-edge

Why Is Employee Career Development a Business Imperative?

Setting the Stage for a Critical Business Priority Imagine a workplace where top talent consistently leaves for better opportunities, costing millions in turnover while productivity stagnates due to outdated skills. This scenario is not a distant possibility but a reality for many organizations that overlook employee career development. In an era of rapid technological change and fierce competition for skilled