Next 2020 goes virtual...

As some of you may know, one of the hobbies I like to indulge in, is to travel and view live sporting events. The television unfortunately hasn’t done a great job in capturing the on-the-field drama, energy, and zest. On the other hand, I have been pleasantly surprised by the efficacy of business events that have now gone fully virtual in recent months. 

In this context, I am excited about Next OnAir 2020, and strongly believe that we have put together a show that is as compelling as our annual, in-person event. 

Since Next 2019, I’ve been exhilarated by the hockey stick growth and momentum Google Cloud has seen. Customers like Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, Groupe Renault, Telefónica, Verizon, Carrefour, Lendlease, Fox Sports are working with us to digitally transform, streamline new business processes, and reinvent core business models.

Nearly every customer I have spoken to, in the last year, is looking for ways to jumpstart or expand their digital engagement and crank up the speed of their business processes through the creation of applications. What is interesting though is that these applications are no longer being created within the hallowed hallways of IT and engineering teams, rather they are being built and delivered by business users. 

At Google Cloud, we are focused on broadening our reach to enable digital transformation outside of just the IT organization. Through simple, self-serve tools, powered by no-code application development, APIs, and automation, we are helping Line of Business developers, create and extend business applications, build and automate business workflows, and connect and modernize legacy applications. 

Next OnAir 2020 went live on July 14, with a power-packed opening keynote featuring Thomas Kurian. Join me over the next eight weeks as we dive into every aspect of Google Cloud’s product roster - Productivity & Collaboration, Infrastructure, Security, Data & Analytics, Database, AI/ML, and Business Application Platform - each designed to help you transform your business. In addition we’ll feature customer stories as well as fun, interactive and learning sessions like Cloud Study Jam, Digital Demos, and our weekly Cloud Hero game. 

Specifically, I look forward to meeting you virtually on September 8, when I talk about how Google Cloud’s Business Application Platform can help you democratize application design and development, and empower your Line of Business developers. Also be on the lookout for some compelling product announcements in the space of API management, no-code application development, and automation. Look forward to seeing you!