Global Voices on openEuler: Bridging Open Source, AI, and International Collaboration

The open-source operating system openEuler has established itself as a major force in global digital infrastructure, showcasing a unique blend of innovation, adaptability, and collaboration. At the openEuler Summit 2024 held on November 15th and 16th in Beijing, the platform celebrated a monumental achievement: surpassing 10 million installations globally in just five years. Themed “Igniting Intelligence Everywhere,” the event highlighted openEuler’s growing role in advancing AI technologies, fostering international partnerships, and expanding its influence across industries like telecommunications, finance, energy, and education .

To explore openEuler’s global contributions, Pandaily spoke with four key figures in the international open-source community. Their insights reveal how openEuler is shaping the future of AI, cloud-native technologies, and high-performance computing while strengthening its position as a bridge between Chinese and global tech ecosystems.

For Kendall Nelson, Senior Upstream Developer Advocate at the Open Infrastructure Foundation, openEuler exemplifies how Chinese contributions to open source are being integrated into global frameworks. “Our collaboration on the Open Infrastructure Blueprint white paper shows how openEuler serves as an excellent open-source Linux operating system,” she said. Highlighting its seamless integration with OpenStack, Kendall described openEuler as a “strong example for other open-source Linux distributions.”

This emphasis on integration aligns with openEuler’s strategy to foster collaboration across borders. The platform’s commitment to open standards and its ability to bring together diverse communities are pivotal in bridging the gap between Chinese innovation and global open-source ecosystems.

AI-Powered Innovation and Compliance

Gopi Rajbahadur, Senior Staff Researcher and Co-Lead of SPDX AI and Dataset Profile, emphasized openEuler’s growing impact in the AI and compliance landscapes. He noted that the translation of the SPDX 3.0 standard into Chinese exemplifies openEuler’s commitment to making global standards accessible. “With its large community of developers and extensive AI components, openEuler is well-positioned for further collaboration,” Gopi said. He also highlighted the importance of involving more contributors in working groups to ensure standards remain relevant and responsive to evolving technological needs.

In line with this, openEuler’s focus on security and compliance has made it a trusted choice for industries like finance. Data security is essential for the sustainable growth of AI, and operating systems like openEuler serve as the backbone for ensuring the secure flow of massive data. Over the past five years, openEuler has been committed to sustainable development, prioritizing security technologies, standards, vulnerability management, and green energy. This comprehensive approach spans the entire lifecycle of software, from development to operation and maintenance.

Beyond adhering to existing security standards, openEuler is actively shaping the future of open-source governance by creating new standards. By transforming from a standard follower to a global standard promoter and formulator, openEuler is setting benchmarks for a secure, future-ready open-source ecosystem that aligns with the evolving needs of industries worldwide.

Accelerating High-Performance Computing

In the high-performance computing domain, openEuler is making strides that align closely with the goals of OpenHPC. Martin Tsvetanov Grigorov, TSC Member of OpenHPC, underscored the platform’s rapid development and responsiveness to customer needs. “Currently, we have interest from two universities in integrating openEuler with OpenHPC. As demand grows, we’ll implement more features to enhance the platform for the international HPC community,” Martin explained.

openEuler’s ability to adapt to user requirements reflects its versatility and growing appeal in specialized fields like HPC. By responding to the needs of academic and research institutions, the platform is expanding its footprint in a domain where performance and scalability are paramount.

Advancing Cloud-Native Solutions in Asia-Pacific

Keith Chan, CNCF China Director and Linux Foundation APAC Director of Strategic Planning, sees openEuler as a game-changer for the cloud-native ecosystem, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. “The combination of openEuler and CNCF developers to explore various scenarios,” Keith said. He pointed to the platform’s AI OS, which supports multiple architectures and addresses diverse use cases, from banking to smart cities.

Keith also highlighted openEuler’s emphasis on security, including certifications like SPDX and OpenChain, which have made it a reliable option for industries requiring stringent compliance. “This focus on security and adaptability gives developers more choices, enabling them to innovate confidently,” he added.

AI’s Growing Role in the Open-Source Ecosystem

The panelists unanimously recognized AI as a transformative force in open source. Kendall Nelson pointed to ongoing discussions about global regulations, emphasizing the need for open-source foundations to be involved in shaping these frameworks. “AI is a significant trend, driving much of the work in the open-source community and the global technology ecosystem,” she noted.

Gopi Rajbahadur referenced a Goldman Sachs report from April 2023 projecting a 7% boost to global GDP from AI-driven software . He stressed that adapting to these advancements while maintaining compliance and security will be key. Similarly, Martin Grigorov highlighted the importance of balancing innovation with creator concerns, particularly in regions like the US and Europe, where regulatory activities are intensifying.

Keith Chan offered a practical perspective, citing examples of AI deployment in China, such as smart cities and autonomous driving. “Sharing these application scenarios globally can enhance collaboration not just on the technology side but also in practical implementations,” he said.

Looking Ahead: openEuler’s Global Aspirations

The openEuler Summit 2024 demonstrated the platform’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation while fostering an inclusive and collaborative open-source community. The upcoming release of openEuler 25.03 will introduce enhanced AI capabilities, multi-architecture support, and improved user-friendliness, further strengthening its position as a powerful tool for digital infrastructure. This new version is designed to meet the needs of diverse scenarios, from cloud-native applications to edge and embedded systems.

In a significant development, openEuler has been added to the DistroWatch operating system list, reflecting its growing global recognition among developers and its commitment to accessibility and transparency within the open-source community.

Developers and organizations are encouraged to explore the upcoming release of openEuler 25.03 and provide feedback. By engaging with the platform, it is possible to contribute to its ongoing evolution while leveraging its robust, secure, and adaptable framework for a wide range of technological applications. This call for collaboration underscores openEuler’s vision of creating a dynamic and inclusive global ecosystem.

As openEuler continues to expand its international reach, its role as a bridge between China and the global tech ecosystem becomes increasingly significant. By integrating cutting-edge AI technologies, prioritizing security and compliance, and building partnerships with global foundations, openEuler is shaping the future of open source—one milestone at a time.