Collaboration Boosts AI in Secure Environments
On April 16, NetApp and Google Cloud expanded their partnership with a four-year Enterprise Agreement. This collaboration centers on enhancing data security in distributed cloud environments, crucial for sectors like government and defence.
NetApp’s storage solutions will integrate into Google’s air-gapped Distributed Cloud, a sovereign platform delivered by World Wide Technology (WWT). The aim is to meet strict data sovereignty requirements, ensuring sensitive information is protected.
Cesar Cernuda, President at NetApp, stated, “By embedding NetApp’s secure-by-design storage systems into Google Distributed Cloud, we enable customers to build Intelligent Data Infrastructure that supports enterprise-grade AI within sovereign environments.”
Secure Data and AI Integration
Google Distributed Cloud extends cloud services to various locations, including on-premises data centers and network edges. The integration with NetApp offers zero-trust security, local data storage, and enhanced control over encryption keys.
Organisations can now deploy cloud technology and applications, including AI capabilities, while maintaining greater control over their IT environments. Bringing the cloud closer to where data is generated or creating air-gapped environments limits or eliminates outside connections.
Muninder Sambi, VP of Product Management at Google Cloud, emphasised, “Google Distributed Cloud was designed for exactly these environments, enabling customers to bring modern cloud services and advanced AI capabilities into sovereign, air-gapped, and disconnected settings.”
As a result of working with NetApp, Google Cloud assists government and regulated enterprises in innovating where their data resides. This collaboration supports mission-critical workloads with the highest levels of security, compliance, and operational integrity, without slowing the pace of transformation.
Over the last year, Google Cloud has extended its AI capabilities for regulated use cases. For instance, Google’s Gemini AI capabilities include automation and content generation, allowing customers to innovate while adhering to strict security protocols.
The collaboration between NetApp and Google Cloud is expected to transform data handling in sensitive sectors. Organisations can modernise operations, accelerate insight, and innovate responsibly without compromising security, compliance, or national sovereignty.
To further enhance the offering, NetApp’s AFF, StorageGRID, and Trident solutions are instrumental. These systems enable intelligent data infrastructure, offering zero-trust security and allowing data to be stored locally. they provide the capability to manage encryption keys effectively.
NetApp’s involvement in the Google Distributed Cloud initiative is crucial. Since the project began, it has provided a robust platform that supports accredited, enterprise-grade AI directly within sovereign and air-gapped environments.
The collaboration not only bolsters data security but also aids public sector customers in modernizing their operations and accelerating insights. it ensures innovation proceeds responsibly without compromising on any security, compliance, or sovereignty requirements.
