The Rakuten Cloud team joined more than 32,000 cloud engineers, experts and industry leaders at Google Cloud Next 2025 from April 9 - 11, to explore the future of cloud technology and AI. This wasn't just a conference; it was an immersive experience offering attendees the chance to connect with industry luminaries, witness cutting-edge innovations from Google and its 350+ sponsoring partners in a massive expo, and even unwind at a concert headlined by The Killers at Allegiant Stadium. (See Next '25 from my POV in this Instagram reel!)
Google Cloud Next 2025 featured over 700 sessions, including more than 10 keynotes and spotlights. Attendees could dive into specific areas with over 40 security-focused breakout sessions, explore application-oriented lightning talks, engage in thought leadership cloud talks, get hands-on with demos and lab-style workshops, and much more.
A key objective was to explore all aspects of Kubernetes edge computing, featuring our Rakuten Cloud-Native Storage and its unique capability for stateful storage. This software-defined system provides a full suite of Kubernetes features and cutting-edge support for stateful capabilities that are transforming edge deployments by the thousands.
Rakuten Cloud's presence at Google Cloud Next '25 was all about showcasing the power of edge computing, particularly through our strategic partnership with Google Cloud.
This partnership, highlighted prominently on our booth signage ("Rakuten Software Defined Storage powers Google Distributed Cloud connected Server"), took center stage in our live cloud talk, “Taming the stateful edge” featuring Rakuten Cloud’s Anriban (Oni) Chakravatti, SVP, Head of Sales for Enterprise, and Google Cloud’s Vijay Tewari, Head of Product Management.
Throughout the event, our booth buzzed with activities, including more than 20 in-booth product sessions led by Rakuten Cloud experts. These sessions brought our "Edge Cloud, Statefully Yours" theme to life. Beyond our own team, we were thrilled to welcome speakers from Google, Slalom, SADA, and Nirmata, who shared their perspectives on the exciting possibilities unlocked by Rakuten Cloud software.
Beyond the cutting-edge technology and insightful sessions, the Rakuten Cloud booth offered a dose of pure fun with the Cloud Claw! This arcade-style claw machine drew enthusiastic crowds as attendees tested their skills for a chance to snag exclusive Rakuten Cloud branded swag. It was a lucky charm for many, adding a playful touch to the cloud computing experience.
While Google Cloud Next '25 may be over, the “Edge Cloud, Statefully Yours” experience lives on! Stay tuned for a series of booth session videos coming soon. In the meantime, get a taste of our activities at the show with this recap video.
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