How IT-Friendly Private 5G Delivers Tangible Outcomes, no Fluff

Remember the saying, “you’re not buying a drill bit, you’re buying a hole in the wall”? That sentiment is key for enterprises when evaluating cellular connectivity. In this context, the purchase is not simply about hardware — it is an investment in outcomes that address real-world challenges. Whether the objective is to improve communications on the factory floor, cover vast outdoor spaces, or ensure field service teams remain connected, the focus must remain on the value and tangible results delivered by the solution. Networks, as platforms, are enablers to greater outcomes.

Much like the early days of cloud computing, private cellular networks are changing the way enterprises connect, communicate, and operate. Traditional approaches to private 5G have relied on an OT-first mindset, resulting in rigid, isolated “black box” networks. These systems often come with steep acquisition costs, limited control, and slow adoption rates due to a lack of certified devices.

Rethinking Connectivity: From Hardware-Driven to IT-Driven Platforms

Khasm Labs recognized early that the future of private 5G demands an IT-first approach — a platform that transcends the traditional network to deliver comprehensive solutions. Traditional telco-grade products are typically fixed-purpose, locked down, and rigid, based on macro network infrastructures designed for telco operations. Enterprises are not telcos; as one partner noted, “enterprises need Toyota’s, not Ferrari’s.” This perspective revealed an opportunity to transition from expensive, inflexible systems to a dynamic, open platform capable of addressing critical business challenges, much like the evolution witnessed in cloud computing.

This realization led to the development of KEEN — Khasm Enterprise Edge Networks — engineered from the ground up with the enterprise in mind. KEEN is not merely another connectivity solution; it is a robust, cloud-native platform that executes connectivity as an application workload alongside other applications. By integrating seamlessly with existing IT systems, KEEN delivers the agility, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility that modern operations demand. Our client Washington United Terminals out of the Port of Tacoma explains this very well in the linked video.

Platforms Thrive Through Partnerships

This week at MWC 2025, KEEN is being showcased alongside technology partnerships with Microsoft, Avanade, Accenture, Druid Software, Airspan, Moso Networks, and Fibrolan. The approach is not about selling a network in isolation; it is about delivering a platform that enables solutions with tangible outcomes. Partners are selected not solely for their technology but for their proven ability to address pressing challenges.

Leveraging Ecosystem Innovation: Tapping into the 5G Open Innovation Labs

A key differentiator for KEEN is its deep integration with the vibrant ecosystem of the 5G Open Innovation Labs. With 146 multi-stage startups backed by over $3 billion in venture funding, the platform taps into an ecosystem that continually pushes the boundaries of innovation. These startups contribute a rich suite of applications, infrastructure, and industry solutions that reinforce KEEN’s core values of openness, extensibility, and edge-first connectivity. By leveraging this dynamic network of innovators, KEEN offers an open platform that seamlessly integrates with existing IT investments, delivering robust, flexible connectivity exactly where it is needed. This ecosystem-driven approach empowers organizations to launch new applications, reduce time-to-market, and unlock business agility — transforming a static network into a launchpad for growth.

Microsoft: Unlocking the Power of the Cloud and the Edge

With Azure integrated into KEEN, private 5G connectivity extends directly into the cloud, ensuring that critical data and applications remain secure and lightning-fast. Furthermore, by leveraging Azure Local, the platform brings Azure services on-premises, enabling key workloads and applications to run within private data centers while still benefiting from Azure’s seamless management and scalability. This ensures that whether operations are centralized or distributed, KEEN delivers a unified, robust IT environment tailored to organizational needs.

Additionally, integration with Azure Arc empowers enterprises to manage and secure their entire hybrid environment as if it were native to Azure. Azure Arc facilitates the deployment of applications across on-premises, multi-cloud, and edge locations from a single control plane. This capability allows KEEN to seamlessly extend existing security policies, manage device configurations, and apply consistent governance across the entire infrastructure. In practical terms, this minimizes complexity while maximizing operational control and reducing the risk of misconfigurations.

Looking ahead, our shared goal with Microsoft is to further enhance these capabilities by enabling enterprises to run AI applications and workloads directly on GPU-powered KEENs. By harnessing real-time data at the edge, advanced AI capabilities can be unlocked to drive faster, smarter decision-making. In essence, KEEN offers the best of both worlds — local control combined with the expansive power of the cloud — delivering tangible improvements in efficiency, cost, and overall performance.

Accenture & Avanade: Bringing Enterprise Use Cases to Life

Deploying a private 5G network is only half the equation; the real impact comes from collaborative efforts to address specific business challenges. This is where partners such as Accenture and Avanade come into play. These strategic collaborators not only provide technical expertise but also work closely with organizations to identify critical pain points and design solutions that leverage the network as a flexible platform.

Instead of endless discussions about network specifications, the approach involves direct engagement with enterprises across sectors — manufacturing, supply chain, healthcare, ports, mining, energy, and field service — to identify and resolve challenges that impede progress. Through collaborative workshopping of potential solutions and the development of tailored roadmaps, the network is transformed from a mere cost center into a strategic asset. This process has already delivered tangible results for enterprises such as Washington United Terminals, where the focus is on addressing operational challenges and driving measurable improvements in efficiency and performance.

Collaborative Solutions with 5G OI Lab Alumni

KEEN’s innovative edge is amplified by collaborations with alumni from the 5G Open Innovation Labs, driving real-world results for enterprise operations. Here are a few examples we’ve put into production.

Groundlight AI At Washington United Terminals, Groundlight AI is revolutionizing container tracking. The existing OCR system delivers only 50% accuracy, but by integrating advanced analytics with KEEN, the goal is to boost accuracy beyond 98%. This proof of concept is set to expand across their entire 103-acre yard, providing a clear picture of container traffic and optimizing routing for improved efficiency.

Graphiant Graphiant’s Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) connects the hybrid cloud, network edge, customers, and partners, while its latest Data Assurance Service provides a new perspective on data governance, risk mitigation, and complete path visibility. Their advanced network analytics platform seamlessly integrates with KEEN to deliver comprehensive, real-time insights into network performance. Together, these capabilities reinforce KEEN’s commitment to delivering edge-first, data-driven connectivity solutions that drive operational excellence and network efficiency.

Sensorz Our client’s at the Port of Tacoma now benefit from the first U.S. deployment of Sensorz. Using Sensorz’s persistent, real-time spectrum interference detection, the solution identifies obstructions, tracks jammers, discovers rogue base stations, and monitors overall network performance. This ensures that our 5G networks operate at peak performance, offering the reliable connectivity that critical port operations demand.

Taqtile KEEN has joined forces with Taqtile to introduce a cutting-edge, turnkey portable 5G network preloaded with Taqtile’s Manifest® platform. This all-in-one solution equips field service teams and defense maintainers with an enhanced work instruction platform that transforms traditional technical documentation into intuitive, interactive, step-by-step instruction sets. By integrating real-time AR collaboration, this powerful combination enables on-the-ground personnel to connect instantly with remote experts, dramatically improving efficiency, accuracy, and operational readiness.

Neutroon Managing multiple private and indoor 5G/DAS networks has never been simpler, thanks to Neutroon’s advanced network orchestration and management platform. Integrated with KEEN, this SaaS solution provides a single pane of glass for securely overseeing diverse multi-vendor environments, streamlining operations, enhancing visibility, and ensuring optimal network performance. Neutroon already supports multiple 5G/4G radio, core and edge computing vendors. Its flexible and scalable architecture allows CSPs to develop unique, customizable, and easy-to-use end-to-end solutions faster and at a lower cost.

Zededa KEEN’s operating stack is proudly built on Zededa’s EVE OS, enabling seamless management and orchestration of applications across multiple KEEN instances. Zededa delivers comprehensive visibility, control, and security for the distributed edge, empowering enterprises to deploy and manage any application on any hardware at scale. This integration gives clients the confidence to manage edge devices and applications effortlessly. By leveraging Zededa’s distributed, cloud-native, edge-first services, the security and remote management of edge infrastructure are simplified, paving the way for smoother operations and a more agile, connected enterprise.

Together, these collaborations demonstrate how KEEN’s open, extensible, and edge-first platform transforms traditional network infrastructure into a launchpad for tangible business outcomes reframing private 5G as more than a wireless network into a true platform.

KEEN: The Open, Extensible Platform for Enterprise Connectivity

At its core, KEEN is built on proven 5G technologies from industry leaders such as Druid Software with its Raemis cellular core network platform, Airspan, Moso Networks, and Fibrolan. What truly sets KEEN apart are three fundamental values:

• Openness:

  KEEN is an open platform that provides complete control. Whether a hands-on approach is desired or managed services are preferred, KEEN adapts to organizational needs — ensuring that there is no lock-in to a one-size-fits-all solution. Enterprises can avoid premium costs associated with closed systems that offer limited control.

• Edge-First Connectivity:

  The platform delivers robust connectivity precisely where users are located. By bridging the gap between the network and the edge, KEEN ensures that critical applications perform optimally, maintaining data security and accessibility where it matters most.

• Extensibility:

  Recognizing that significant IT investments have already been made, KEEN is designed to extend those capabilities without the limitations of closed systems. It integrates seamlessly with existing technology, enabling scalable evolution without the need to start from scratch.

By combining these pillars — openness, edge-first connectivity, and true extensibility — KEEN value is far bigger than traditional networks. It is a dynamic, future-proof platform that transforms the management of connectivity, supports critical applications, and drives operational excellence.

Looking Ahead: Tangible Outcomes, Not Empty Promises

The era of standalone, isolated networks is over. Modern enterprises demand connectivity solutions that are integrated, flexible, and engineered to deliver tangible outcomes — whether by lowering total cost of ownership, reducing time-to-market, or enhancing control over IT investments. Strategic partnerships with Microsoft, Avanade, Accenture, Druid, Airspan, Moso Networks, and Fibrolan combined with a vibrant ecosystem of 5G Open Innovation Labs alumni such as Groundlight, Graphiant, Sensorz, Taqtile, Neutroon, and Zededa, demonstrate that the future of private 5G is not a distant dream — it is here now. This is not about technology for its own sake; it is about achieving measurable improvements in efficiency, cost, and performance.

Call to Action

To break free from costly, inflexible systems and unlock the full potential of private 5G follow us on LinkedIn. Attending MWC this week, come visit us at the Microsoft (Hall 3, 3H30), Druid (Hall 6, 6C40), Airspan (Hall 2, 2E20), and Moso Networks (Congress Square, C534), to see KEEN firsthand.

Discover how this integrated platform can deliver reliable connectivity, reduce costs, and drive the outcomes that modern enterprises require. The future of enterprise connectivity is here — do not get left behind.