Chapter 1: An Introduction to Google Cloud for Architects

Is the "cloud” just someone else's data center? Some may see it that way, but there is much more to cloud computing than that. Cloud computing builds on infrastructure virtualization technologies to deliver services on demand, enabling not only a technological but a cultural shift in the way we work with IT systems. Furthermore, cloud computing has facilitated a new economic model for infrastructure services and has lowered the entry barrier for highly demanding applications, particularly in the areas of big data and artificial intelligence (AI), making it easier for smaller players to join the data-driven market. Foundational knowledge of cloud business and Google Cloud is a fundamental first step in a cloud architect's journey toward designing solutions with confidence using Google Cloud, so this is where we will start. In this chapter, you will learn about the enabling technologies of cloud computing and the motivations for its adoption, as well as develop a basic understanding of cloud economics and different cloud delivery models. You will then be provided with an overview of Google Cloud services and learn about some of its competitive advantages and best-of-breed technologies. Finally, you will get hands-on with Google Cloud by setting up an account, installing the SDK, and running a minor deployment.

In this chapter, we're going to cover the following main topics:

• Understanding the motivations and economics of cloud computing
• Making the business case for cloud adoption (and Google Cloud)
• Learning about Google Cloud's key differentiators – big data and AI
• Getting an overview of Google Cloud for cloud architects
• Getting started with Google Cloud Platform (GCP)