From becoming profitable for the first time in Q1 2023 to posting over 564% year-over-year increase in profits and a 25% YoY increase in revenue just three quarters later, Google Cloud has dazzled under the leadership of CEO Thomas Kurian.
With an 11% market share, making it the third-largest cloud provider behind AWS and Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform has solidified its position as the backbone of the search and advertising giant’s cloud computing-driven software development and other infotech ambitions. It also forms the basis of the computing support for Google’s massive push for AI development.
Google has frantically attempted to catch up with Microsoft and OpenAI in the AI race despite being a pioneer in the field by developing transformers, the deep learning architecture used in most large language models (LLMs). It has admissibly, albeit unsatisfactorily, closed the gap to some extent after a bumpy release of its Gemini series of LLMs.
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Google should be expected to act now to avoid slipping behind again. Google’s partnership with Stack Overflow to bring the latter’s knowledge base to Gemini through OverflowAPI is one of the steps the company has already taken. Meanwhile, collaborating with NVIDIA for the advanced Blackwell GPUs and the GB200 NVL72 cluster, NVIDIA NIM microservices, and more is simply good business.
AI aside, Google Cloud Next is the flagship event for Google’s cloud division to introduce new products and services and test the latest innovations in the presence of IT decision-makers, developers, and business executives.
Google Cloud Next 2024 centers around 12 tracks, including AI and ML, Application Developers, Security Professionals, Productivity and Collaboration Apps, DevOps/ITOps, and more. The company has scheduled 779 sessions over three days.
Expect learning sessions, hands-on training, startup sessions, Google’s take on generative AI use cases across domains and industries, and inputs and opportunities from Google’s partner ecosystem.
The Innovators Hive offers learning opportunities on Google Cloud through live AMAs, upskilling sessions, certifications, competitions, and more.
Among the myriad sessions, including three keynote addresses, Google Cloud could unveil its plans for Gemini and how it plans to integrate its most advanced LLM with existing services, be it collaboration/productivity suite, mobile, enterprise software, search, etc.
One of the most exciting prospects attendees can expect is a demonstration or a preview of Gemini’s capabilities after integration with Stack Overflow’s knowledge base.
It is unclear if Google will have announcements with Anthropic, a company in which it has invested $2.4 billion in the last 12 months.
The three keynotes include:
1. Opening Keynote: The new way to cloud
Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian will take the stage alongside other executives to showcase its AI breakthroughs. The opening keynote session runs from 9 AM to 10:30 AM on April 9.
2. Fast. Simple. Cutting edge. Pick three.
Google, Google Cloud, Hugging Face, Vercel, and Honeycomb techies and executives will deliver this 60-minute session about making software development easier with AI. It will start at 10:30 AM PDT on April 10.
3. DEI Keynote: Innovation with intention
Google’s chief diversity officer, senior director of products for all, and research scientist will speak about the necessity of inclusivity in tech, the need for responsible AI, and more. The DEI keynote is a 45-minute address starting at 3 PM PDT on April 10.
SOURCE: Spiceworks