PwC at Google Cloud Next 2023: five key takeaways

I thankfully had the opportunity to spend several days with thousands of passionate problem solvers and cloud enthusiasts from around the world at Google Cloud Next. The technology unveiled by Google — particularly around generative AI (GenAI) — left me with a lot to think about as it relates to the future of cloud and how PwC is helping our clients unlock new revenue streams. Here are my five key takeaways:

1. Embrace business model reinvention…rooted in cloud transformation:

The most successful companies view cloud as more than a technical upgrade — it’s a catalyst for transforming how business is conducted. In our latest Pulse Survey, executives said they’re looking inward, to transform and reinvent their business by embedding new technologies — nearly half cited investing in GenAI to unlock new revenue streams and drive innovation. How are they doing it? Their winning cloud strategies enable broader business transformation, rather than merely focusing on cost savings or technical upgrades. 

2. Don’t be tentative in adopting GenAI — start fast and at scale:

If you’re aiming to embed GenAI into operations, you may need to make changes to your AI playbook to scale data and analytics capabilities rapidly. To make deployment and execution fast and repeatable, build a secure, CISO-approved GenAI factory — an operating model built on pods to identify and assess use cases in a selected domain or line of business — and then adapt the foundation model to deliver value. 

3. But also bridge the gap between rapid adoption and responsible AI:

Generative AI can transform your business — if you apply responsible AI to help manage new risks and build trust. Start by assessing use cases’ repeatability across the organization to maximize your investment. Consider regulatory aspects, risk management, and ethical considerations related to AI, such as preventing deepfakes and making sure data integrity at every stage of your AI journey. 

GenAI solution powered by Google’s Vertex AI is helping organizations focus time and energy on the specific business use cases that can help drive transformation and innovation at scale.

4. Get your C-suite on board, immediately:

From cyber risk management to cloud transformation — these issues impact almost every business unit and are critical for scaling workloads and driving value. Prioritize cross-functional alignment and make sure that leaders across multiple organization units understand the value, objectives and risks when adopting new technologies.

5. FinOps plays a crucial role in cloud adoption:

Cloud adoption can lead to significant cost savings, but it requires effective financial management to make sure that resources are used efficiently. This is an ongoing process that involves continuous monitoring of cloud spending, identifying cost optimization opportunities and implementing changes to improve efficiency. Consider automation and cloud management tools to streamline this process.

As a proud Google Cloud alliance, premier sponsor of Google Next, and a top 3 Google security and GenAI launch GSI — my time in San Francisco only strengthened my conviction in what PwC is building with Google. I can’t wait for what’s next.