### Google Cloud and the Expanding Ecosystem: A Comprehensive Look at Recent Developments
In recent weeks, Google Cloud Platform (GCP) has been at the forefront of several significant developments across industries, from enhanced security measures to strategic partnerships and new service offerings. This article delves into these advancements, showcasing how GCP is expanding its footprint in the cloud computing landscape and supporting businesses in achieving their digital transformation goals.
#### Strengthening AI Security with Google Cloud’s AI Protection
Google Cloud has introduced AI Protection, a solution designed to safeguard AI assets against various threats. This comprehensive tool helps organizations manage AI risks by discovering and assessing potential vulnerabilities, implementing security controls, and enhancing threat detection and response capabilities. The integration of AI Protection with Google’s Security Command Center (SCC) provides a centralized view of IT security posture, making it easier for businesses to manage AI risks alongside other cloud-related threats. This development comes in response to growing concerns about the use of AI in cyberattacks, as highlighted in a recent CyberSecurity Forecast report. Mahmoud Rabie, a principal solutions consultant, emphasized the importance of AI Protection, noting that “AI models are increasingly deployed in critical applications, making them attractive targets for cyber threats.”
#### Expanding B2B Connectivity with PartnerLinQ on Google Cloud Marketplace
PartnerLinQ, a multi-cloud enterprise connectivity solution, has recently become available on the Google Cloud Marketplace. This move expands PartnerLinQ’s reach, previously limited to Microsoft Azure, to GCP, offering businesses enhanced resilience, flexibility, and seamless integration across their supply chain networks. As a cloud-native, multi-enterprise integration platform, PartnerLinQ enables organizations to connect businesses, processes, and data more effectively, providing real-time visibility and actionable insights. Jawad Khan, Founder and CEO of PartnerLinQ, stated that the availability on Google Cloud will help enterprises accelerate their digital transformation and enhance supply chain visibility.
#### European Cloud Providers Offering Alternatives to Hyperscalers
Amid concerns about data privacy and the dominance of hyperscalers like AWS, Azure, and GCP, European cloud providers are stepping up to offer viable alternatives. Companies such as France’s OVH, Germany’s Hetzner, and the UK’s Civo are gaining traction by offering user-friendly interfaces, cost-effective solutions, and a focus on sustainability. OVH, for instance, pledges not to charge egress fees and emphasizes data sovereignty by manufacturing its own hardware in Europe. Hetzner prioritizes environmentally friendly hosting, while Civo partners with Deep Green to utilize sustainable energy sources for server operations. These providers are positioning themselves as trustworthy alternatives, particularly appealing to European businesses wary of relying on American hyperscalers.
#### Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Joins Expel’s MDR Services
Expel, a leader in managed detection and response (MDR), has expanded its services to include Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). This move makes Expel the first MDR provider to support OCI environments, adding to its existing offerings for AWS, GCP, and Azure. The expansion aims to help security teams manage multicloud and hybrid cloud environments more effectively, addressing the challenges of security across different platforms. Expel’s Chief Product Officer, Yonni Shelmerdine, highlighted the company’s commitment to easing the burden on security teams, while Jim Reavis, CEO of the Cloud Security Alliance, praised Expel’s role in supporting enterprises with multicloud strategies.
#### Newfold Digital’s Migration to Oracle Cloud
In a significant move for the web hosting industry, Newfold Digital, the company behind popular hosting brands like Bluehost and HostGator, is migrating to Oracle Cloud. This decision was revealed by Oracle’s Chairman and Chief Technology Officer Larry Ellison during the company’s latest earnings call. Newfold Digital’s shift to Oracle Cloud could potentially affect millions of websites, particularly those using WordPress, as Bluehost is officially recommended by WordPress.org. Ellison emphasized Oracle’s growing influence in the cloud market, noting that several leading cloud security companies, including Newfold Digital, have chosen to move to Oracle Cloud.
#### Dynatrace’s Commitment to Sustainability
Dynatrace has achieved certification from the Sustainable Digital Infrastructure Alliance (SDIA) for its Cost & Carbon Optimisation app. This app calculates greenhouse gas emissions for platforms like AWS, Azure, GCP, and on-premises host instances, providing real-time insights and optimization recommendations to reduce both financial costs and environmental impact. Max Schulze, CEO of SDIA, praised the app’s reliability and transparency in meeting sustainability reporting requirements. Angelo Kaijser, Managing Director at Conclusion Xforce, highlighted the app’s value for clients navigating evolving sustainability regulations, while Steve Tack, Chief Product Officer at Dynatrace, underscored the importance of minimizing environmental impact in organizational strategies.
#### Leadership in Google Cloud: Leonard Jayamohan at Deloitte
Leonard Jayamohan, a key figure at Deloitte, has been leading the Google Cloud alliance across Southeast Asia Consulting. With extensive experience in delivering projects on Google Cloud and a deep understanding of the platform’s roadmap, Jayamohan has been instrumental in advancing Deloitte’s capabilities in Big Data, IoT, Cloud, and Advanced Analytics. His leadership underscores the growing importance of Google Cloud in the consulting industry and highlights the platform’s potential for driving innovation and efficiency.
### Conclusion
The recent developments surrounding Google Cloud Platform illustrate its expanding influence across various sectors. From enhancing AI security and B2B connectivity to supporting sustainability efforts and offering alternatives to hyperscalers, GCP continues to play a pivotal role in the digital transformation of businesses worldwide. These advancements not only showcase Google Cloud’s versatility and commitment to innovation but also highlight the broader trends shaping the cloud computing landscape in 2025.
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