Google Cloud is really taking off as businesses dive into artificial intelligence (AI). They’re enhancing their data management and analytics tools and creating better links between their AI offerings and the broader tech landscape.
At the Google Cloud Summit in London, Tara Brady, the president of Google Cloud for EMEA, highlighted that most AI companies in Europe and the UK are leveraging Google Cloud Platform (GCP). It’s impressive: around 90% of AI “unicorns” are operating in the cloud, and over 60% of funded AI startups are customers of Google Cloud. If Google Cloud were its own entity, it would rank as the fourth-largest software company globally.
Google is also ramping up its involvement in the UK startup ecosystem, opening a new “digital-native community space” in London. They’ve showcased a variety of AI and cloud ventures, including OXA, which retrofits autonomous driving technology to existing vehicles, and VEED, a video tool that utilizes AI to create realistic video avatars for presentations.
In practical terms, retailers like Kingfisher are using Google’s AI tools to enhance customer experiences. Their trade customers at Screwfix can now use image recognition to identify replacement parts directly from the online catalog using just their phone cameras.
Google Cloud also announced several advancements in AI technology, particularly focused on connecting their GenAI tools to enterprise data. For instance, Lloyds Banking Group is applying Google’s AI solutions in back office and engineering tasks. They’ve found that AI can boost efficiency by 30% to 40%, especially in areas traditionally burdened by manual processes, like origination.
One exciting new feature is Gemini Code Assist Enterprise, which aims to give developers more precise and relevant coding support. Google is also promoting “agentic AI,” where AI agents can design workflows and analyze data independently, stepping away from the need for constant human input. These systems could radically enhance how companies tackle problems directly using AI.
The thought is that these chains of autonomous agents will improve over time, as they learn from each other and enhance processes as they go. Yasmeen Ahmad from Google Cloud suggests this evolution is on the horizon, crucial for businesses dealing with expanding data volumes.
Another focus for AI advancements is conversational analytics. Google Cloud announced efforts to make business data more accessible, allowing firms to interact with their data in a more conversational way rather than through complex queries. Looker Conversational Analytics will now feature Gemini, helping organizations achieve a clearer view of their data.
Google Cloud has also added enhancements to BigQuery, like support for various file formats and semantic search capabilities, making it easier for teams to derive insights. Plus, they’re ramping up their data residency options for UK clients, allowing entire machine learning processes to happen within the country.
With over 40 cloud regions and 121 zones worldwide and more in the works, Google is investing heavily in infrastructure, including a $1 billion datacentre in the UK that will run on carbon-free energy by 2030.
Throughout all of this, Google Cloud believes its investments in AI, data analytics, and infrastructure give it a strong competitive edge over other cloud providers. They’re also expanding their productivity tools, like a new feature that lets users create video content easily.
As they continue to address the competition, including complaints against Microsoft for anti-competitive practices, Google maintains that its integration of AI and business intelligence sets it apart. Adrian Poole from Google Cloud highlights that 75% of leading independent software vendors are already tapping into agentic AI via Google Cloud, showcasing a major trend.
While some conversations about cloud repatriation arise, Google Cloud remains optimistic about continued growth, emphasizing the flexibility that hybrid and multicloud environments offer to businesses.