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Google kicked off its Cloud Next 2022 event with product news and partnerships. Google said it aims to provide the most open, extensible and robust data cloud to ensure businesses can leverage their data from all sources, storage formats and analytics styles across cloud providers and platforms of their choice.
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The company also announced a new suite of applications and services to bring Google AI (artificial intelligence) technology to more data professionals.
A transformative year for the cloud
Speaking at the opening address, Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian said this year’s event marks a turning point in the cloud industry.
“Data and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming everything around us, and open, connected ecosystems are essential to everything we do,” Kurian said. “We are proud to announce cloud innovations that help companies embrace openness and interoperability, as well as celebrate the incredible achievements of our customers and partners.”
In the first half of 2022, Google Cloud delivered approximately 1,300 new products and feature releases.
“Seventy percent of the best unicorns worldwide run on Google Cloud,” says Kurian. “So, with the same in mind, our main focus this year will be on supporting workload-optimized infrastructures.”
Google Cloud’s new cloud portfolio includes a new data cloud architecture to help organizations better understand their data and automate core processes. It also features an open infrastructure cloud aimed at modernizing legacy information systems and building new applications that are reliable and scalable. A trusted cloud is also new to Google’s portfolio, which aims to protect users, applications and data amid a growing landscape of cyber threats. The company also introduced a collaboration cloud that enables modern, secure communication and collaboration.
Google also announced five new Google Cloud regions: Austria, Greece, Norway, South Africa and Sweden, adding a total of 48 live and announced regions, serving customers in more than 200 countries and territories.
At its annual event, the company also detailed plans for the metaverse and Web3, including a partnership with cryptocurrency exchange Coinbasethat Google Cloud selected to build an advanced exchange and data service.
Google’s metaverse architecture, Project Starline, can create a 3D model of a person for the metaverse, making it seem like they’re in the same room. The model will soon enter the next phase of testing with an early access program for business partners. Early this year, Google Cloud will deploy units in selected partner offices for regular testing to see how Project Starline can help people build strong connections around the world.
The strategic partnership with Coinbase aims to serve the growing Web3 ecosystem, making it easier for customers to take advantage of Google Cloud’s scalability, reliability, security and data services so that Web3 founders and developers can focus on innovation.
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