This increases customer protection from increasingly frequent and sophisticated cyber threats.
vodafone business and Google Cloud announced the expansion of its strategic partnership with two new solutions to equip small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with advanced cybersecurity and agent-based AI.
Next-generation managed detection and response (MDR)
Vodafone Business is launching a new managed detection and response (MDR) service powered by Google Security Operations. This increases customer protection from increasingly frequent and sophisticated cyber threats.
The solution brings together Google’s global security analytics and AI-powered threat intelligence with Vodafone’s expertise serving SMB markets across Europe, enabling businesses to identify and mitigate threats in real-time. The service will first launch in Germany in compliance with the region’s strict data protection standards, and will then be rolled out to other European markets later this year.
Vodafone Business AI Concierge Built on Gemini
Vodafone is also introducing Vodafone Business AI Concierge, powered by Google Gemini, the first of a planned suite of agent AI solutions. Built on Google Cloud’s Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform and the Gemini model, AI Concierge is a multimodal AI agent that includes voice and data, and is designed to operate autonomously within a business environment.
AI Concierge leverages Vodafone’s low-latency connectivity to naturally engage with customers, answer inquiries, and book reservations. By taking care of these important but repetitive tasks, the solution, available in Germany and Greece, ensures small businesses no longer miss leads, even outside standard business hours, and allows owners to focus on higher-value growth activities.
“Vodafone Business is helping millions of small and medium-sized businesses unlock the power of AI without the complexity and risk. By combining our network and support with Google Cloud’s AI expertise, we are making advanced and secure AI practical for everyday business, starting with innovations like AI Concierge, one of our first telephony integrations with Gemini.”
– Fanan Henriques, Vodafone Business Products and International Business Director
“SMBs are the backbone of the global economy, but they are often the most underserved when it comes to cutting-edge technology. Together with Vodafone Business, we are changing this. By combining our Gemini model and enterprise-grade security expertise with Vodafone’s deep connectivity and customer reach, we are giving small businesses the tools they need to stay protected and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital environment.”
– Oliver Parker, Vice President, Global Generative AI, Google Cloud
This announcement marks a significant milestone in a landmark $1 billion, 10-year strategic partnership signed between the companies in October 2024. The partnership aims to accelerate the digital transformation of millions of customers by combining Vodafone’s extensive presence in Europe and Africa with Google Cloud’s industry-leading AI and security platform.
