Google Cloud Next 2023 provided a platform for the unveiling of cutting-edge advancements in cloud computing and artificial intelligence from Google LLC and its partners.

The event offered key insights into the world of AI-infused applications and the future of technology, making it clear that the synergy between AI and the cloud was poised to reshape industries across the board.

“The growth has been incredible,” said Will Grannis (pictured), vice president and chief technology officer of Google Cloud. “All the components of this cloud platform coming together to create something of value.”

Grannis spoke with theCUBE industry analysts John Furrier and Dustin Kirkland at the Google Cloud Next event, during an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s livestreaming studio. They discussed the fusion of AI and the cloud, the transformative power of AI and its impact on industries, innovation and the very fabric of technology in a rapidly evolving world. (* Disclosure below.)

AI infusion takes center stage

The event was not merely a showcase of tech offerings; it was a celebration of AI. The diverse spectrum of organizations at the event included AI-savvy digital natives to established businesses embracing AI for accelerated growth. The integration of AI capabilities into various products and services was a recurring theme, capturing the imagination of attendees. From digital natives to traditional enterprises, organizations are seeking ways to leverage AI to their advantage, according to Grannis.

“Our primary goal is to make sure that our customers have the choice,” he said. “They’re the ones that choose. We don’t choose for them. That means we have to have fully-featured databases, means that we also have to partner with other database providers so that if they want to take advantage of maybe a scaled infrastructure under the hood using somebody else’s database, we’ve got them covered.”

One of the most compelling takeaways from the event was the collaboration between Google Cloud and its partners. Companies, such as Wendy’s Co., are using speech-to-text, AI and other components of the platform to enhance customer experiences. The partnership between companies and the cloud platform is generating novel solutions that cater to unique business requirements, according to Grannis.

“As a CTO, part of my job is looking in the future a little bit,” he said. “I think what you’ve seen also this week with Duet AI, especially in [Google] Workspace and making that intelligent assistance and kind of always on collaborator, they’re with people … imagine those two worlds blurring a little bit. That’s what we’re really excited about.”

AI empowering the next generation

Google’s offerings are well-suited to the emerging generation of developers who grew up using technologies such as Google Workspace, according to Grannis. This seamless continuity from idea to deployment is poised to revolutionize how developers approach building applications.

The rapid growth of startups utilizing AI-optimized infrastructure is reminiscent of the trajectory of early cloud adopters. A part of this vision is a future where machine learning infrastructure becomes fungible, offering startups a powerful platform to thrive.

“Any company that’s looking for skills to help start a project, execute a project, complete a project, they’re going to have plenty of options,” he said. “Another thing I think about is how the lines are blurring a little bit between what is a partner and what’s a customer.”

Here’s the complete video interview, part of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s coverage of the Google Cloud Next event:

(* Disclosure: Google LLC sponsored this segment of theCUBE. Neither Google nor other sponsors have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Photo: SiliconANGLE