Google has announced the general availability of a new distributed cloud configuration designed for use in tactical edge environments.
Google Distributed Cloud’s new air-gapped appliance enables customers in harsh environments, such as disaster zones and remote research stations, to stay connected to Google Cloud applications and AI solutions while minimizing the risk of disruption.
To maintain connectivity, the Google Distributed Cloud air-gapped device offers complete isolation and operates without connectivity to Google Cloud or the public Internet.
Google's Distributed Cloud Expansion
The Google Distributed Cloud Isolation Appliance is designed to operate without reliance on the public Internet, ensuring it meets strict regulatory and compliance requirements. Users can also expect a variety of security features, such as encryption, data isolation, firewalls, and secure boot, to protect their data.
In its announcement, Google boasts of the device's Department of Defense Impact Level 5 certification, adding that it's also designed to meet Impact Level 6 and higher certifications. It weighs about 45kg and can be carried in a rugged case or mounted on a rack, making it easy to transport.
The device supports multiple use cases, including disaster response, industrial automation, transportation and logistics, and constrained workloads for the federal government and defense. It combines infrastructure-as-a-service functions, such as compute, networking, and storage, with Google Cloud services, such as data transfer and analytics.
Michael Roquemore, director of the Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office's Integrated, Agile and Rapid Capabilities team and one of the first customers for air-gapped devices, commented:
“By offering a secure and compliant edge computing platform, the RSO can leverage already developed Google-based technologies, both in the connected cloud and at the disconnected edge, to bring digital innovation to service members wherever they operate.
The Google Distributed Cloud Air-Gapped Appliance is now generally available and the product specification is available on a dedicated webpage.
