Google has introduced a new Distributed Cloud air-gapped device, marking a significant step in extending its AI-powered services to more difficult edge environments. The device integrates compute, storage, and AI capabilities, providing a connected model for linking edge locations to a central cloud and a true air-gapped model for secure, isolated operations. The latter is particularly suited for environments with limited or no connectivity, adhering to military specifications for ruggedness and security.
Tailored for Government and Sensitive Industries
This new offering is designed with security and data sovereignty in mind, making it ideal for government and military use cases. It supports high shock and impact resistance levels and is undergoing further government testing. In addition to these high-security applications, the device is also suitable for sectors such as medical research, manufacturing, and energy, where infrastructure vulnerability to cyberattacks and regulatory requirements demand a disconnected, secure cloud solution.
Google’s AI services, including translation, speech, and optical character recognition, can be leveraged through this platform, enabling industries with stringent data sensitivity and regulatory compliance needs to benefit from advanced AI capabilities. The system’s flexibility allows integration with existing Google Cloud partners, such as Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Dell Technologies, Nvidia, Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, and NetApp, facilitating various deployment models.
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Flexible Deployment and Industry Support
This service’s physical and software support can adapt to different form factors as needed by specific industry requirements. This flexibility ensures that the solution can be tailored to fit unique deployment scenarios, such as limited space on ships. As the demand for secure, localized cloud capabilities grows, Google anticipates the development of more form factors to meet diverse industry needs.
By offering a robust, AI-powered solution that can operate in highly secure and isolated environments, Google is pushing the boundaries of cloud technology to support critical applications in some of the most challenging conditions.
Elizabeth Wallace is a Nashville-based freelance writer with a soft spot for data science and AI and a background in linguistics. She spent 13 years teaching language in higher ed and now helps startups and other organizations explain – clearly – what it is they do.
