Partnership Extension
Deutsche Telekom and Google Cloud are extending their partnership through the end of the decade, with intentions to deepen their collaboration on cloud migration and AI. As part of the agreement, Google Cloud will be Deutsche Telekom’s preferred partner for moving key business areas to the cloud. This includes work on the One Data Ecosystem (ODE), a platform aimed at consolidating the company’s on-premises data systems and embedding AI into its infrastructure.
Collaboration on Cloud Migration
Deutsche Telekom also intends to use Google’s Vertex AI platform to develop and scale Gemini-based applications. The company expects that enhanced access to computing resources will support efforts to respond more quickly to customer needs. Stefan Schloter, CIO Europe at Deutsche Telekom, said the group is moving toward an “AI-first” approach, with a focus on improving agility and digital services across software engineering and customer interfaces.
Progress and Examples
He cited examples such as the migration of Deutsche Telekom’s core SAP systems to Google Cloud and the use of the Gemini Multimodal Live API in the MyMagenta app as signs of progress in the collaboration. Marianne Janik, VP for EMEA North at Google Cloud, said cloud technology is playing a growing role in how communication service providers approach innovation and service development. She said Google Cloud will continue working with Deutsche Telekom to help develop new user-facing services.
Previous Collaborations
The companies have worked together before. In 2021, Deutsche Telekom, Google Cloud, and Deutsche’s IT services arm T-Systems launched a sovereign cloud offering in Germany. The sovereign cloud includes two configurations: a “Supervised Cloud” physically operated by T-Systems and separated from Google Cloud’s broader infrastructure, and a “Hosted Cloud,” based on the Google Distributed Cloud, designed for customers with high sovereignty requirements.
Infrastructure Expansion
In 2022, Deutsche Telekom announced that it would host its 5G core on Google Cloud, with T-Systems managing the deployment in Germany. The IT services company runs 16 data centres across the country, with a total capacity of around 130 megawatts, and expects to expand with five more sites announced in late 2024. Google Cloud has also built out its own infrastructure in Germany, with regions in Frankfurt and Berlin launched in 2017 and 2023, respectively.
Other Partnerships
In addition to Deutsche Telekom, other telecom providers working with Google Cloud include Orange and DNA, part of the Telenor Group. Toward the end of 2024, the company began offering sovereign storage options in partnership with StackIT.
Conclusion
The extended partnership between Deutsche Telekom and Google Cloud marks a significant step forward in the companies’ collaboration on cloud migration and AI. With a focus on improving agility and digital services, the partnership is expected to drive innovation and growth in the telecom industry.
FAQs
- Q: What is the purpose of the partnership between Deutsche Telekom and Google Cloud?
A: The partnership aims to deepen collaboration on cloud migration and AI. - Q: What is the One Data Ecosystem (ODE)?
A: The ODE is a platform aimed at consolidating Deutsche Telekom’s on-premises data systems and embedding AI into its infrastructure. - Q: What other telecom providers are working with Google Cloud?
A: Other telecom providers working with Google Cloud include Orange and DNA, part of the Telenor Group. - Q: What is the expected outcome of the partnership?
A: The partnership is expected to drive innovation and growth in the telecom industry by improving agility and digital services.
