Cloud & 5G LIVE 2025: Cloud Strategy in a 5G Era Panel
A panel of industry experts at Cloud & 5G LIVE 2025 explored how 5G is transforming cloud strategy, the role of AI in optimising networks, and the risks of falling behind in this evolving landscape.
Panellists included:
- Alexis Koalla, Director of Operations Strategy and Transformation at Orange
- Darren Bowling, Vice President of Solution Enablement at Atos
- Shy Ohayon, Head of Cloud Transformation Program at Amdocs
The game-changing impact of 5G on cloud strategy
At Cloud & 5G LIVE, industry leaders discussed the fundamental shift that 5G has brought to cloud strategy.
Neil Perry, Group Broadcast Director at BizClik Media, moderating the discussion, opened by asking how much of a game-changer 5G has been for cloud strategy.
Alexis highlighted that cloud-native 5G is critical for enabling fast, secure and scalable connectivity.
“You cannot deploy or operate 5G without a cloud-native environment,” he stated.
Darren reinforced this point, explaining how 5G eliminates the constraints of fixed, high-latency networks.
“It removes barriers, enabling edge computing, real-time analytics and IoT services at scale,” he said.
Shy added that while speed is an advantage, the real transformation comes from ultra-low latency and edge computing, which brings cloud resources closer to the user.
Strategy, adoption, and the risks of falling behind
When asked why organisations need a tailored cloud strategy for 5G, Darren described the shift from a centralised to a decentralised model, where decisions and services happen at the edge rather than relying on a centralised data centre.
This, he said, allows businesses to process data faster and more efficiently.
Shy elaborated on how network slicing – a key capability of 5G – enables service providers to create custom network segments tailored to specific applications.
Following on from this, Alexis explained that this flexibility is only possible with an automated cloud-native infrastructure, which allows for rapid scaling and real-time provisioning.
Despite these advantages, the panel noted that 5G adoption has not been as rapid as expected.
While Darren was surprised by how quickly some sectors embraced 5G, Shy pointed out that others are still searching for a ‘killer app’ that fully leverages 5G’s potential.
Alexis added that automation remains a barrier, as many organisations struggle to fully integrate 5G without upgrading their internal workflows.
The risks of ignoring 5G and cloud integration were also discussed. Darren warned that companies failing to embrace 5G risk falling behind competitors who gain speed, flexibility and cost efficiency.
Alexis took it further, stating that without proper integration, businesses could “not only be left behind but could cease to exist” in an increasingly digital marketplace.
AI’s role in optimising cloud and 5G networks
The conversation then turned to AI and its role in driving efficiency within cloud and 5G strategies. Shy argued that AI is likely to be the technology that finally pushes 5G into mainstream adoption, particularly as industries like autonomous vehicles, smart homes and telemedicine require real-time data processing.
Darren echoed this sentiment, citing AI-driven automation as a crucial factor in optimising cloud infrastructure.
“AI will help automate network management, improving efficiency and security while reducing downtime,” he said.
The future of cloud, AI and 5G integration
As 5G adoption continues, the discussion at Cloud & 5G LIVE highlighted how cloud and AI are critical to unlocking its full potential. Businesses that integrate these technologies effectively will gain a competitive edge, while those that hesitate risk being left behind in the digital transformation race.
Looking ahead, the panellists agreed that 5G, cloud and AI will continue to evolve.
Alexis described how telcos like Orange are shifting towards a more software-driven, codified approach to network management, whilst Shy speculated that quantum computing could be the next major leap, requiring even faster and more reliable networks.
Darren predicted that self-optimising networks would soon become the norm, stating: “In the future, networks won’t just be managed—they’ll react dynamically to user demands, adjusting in real-time to deliver the best possible experience.”
Essential diary dates for 2025
Discover the essential diary dates for Mobile Magazine, as well as its sister publications – Cyber Magazine, Data Centre Magazine and Technology Magazine.
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To enter for the Global Tech & AI Awards, click here.
- Data Centre LIVE | 25 March
- Tech & AI LIVE London + Cyber LIVE London| 14-15 May
- The Global Tech & AI Awards | 14 May
- Tech & AI LIVE: Gen AI | 21 October
- Tech & AI LIVE New York | 18 November
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