New managed security and AI concierge services mark latest milestone in $1 billion strategic partnership
las vegas, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cloud Next’26 — Vodafone Business and Google Cloud today announced an expansion of their strategic partnership with two new solutions to equip small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with advanced cybersecurity and agent 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,” said Fanan Henriques, Vodafone Business Product and International Business Director. “By combining our network and support with Google Cloud’s AI expertise, we are bringing advanced and secure AI to everyday business use, starting with innovations like AI Concierge, one of the first telephony integrations with Gemini.”
“Small businesses are the backbone of the global economy, but they are often the most underserved when it comes to cutting-edge technology,” said Oliver Parker, vice president of global generative AI at Google Cloud. “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 will give small and medium-sized businesses the tools they need to stay protected and competitive in a rapidly evolving digital environment.”
This announcement marks an important milestone in Landmark $1 billion, 10-year strategic partnership The partnership aims to accelerate the digital transformation of millions of customers by combining Vodafone’s extensive European and African footprint with Google Cloud’s industry-leading AI and security platform.
About Vodafone Group
Vodafone is a leading telecommunications company in Europe and Africa. We serve more than 360 million mobile and broadband customers, operate networks in 15 countries, have investments in an additional five countries, and have partners in more than 40 countries. We have the capacity of more than 70 submarine cable systems, the backbone of the Internet, and are developing new direct mobile satellite communications services to connect areas without coverage. Vodafone runs one of the world’s largest IoT platforms with more than 230 million connections worldwide, providing financial services to approximately 94 million customers in seven African countries and managing more transactions than any other provider. From the ocean floor to the stars, Vodafone’s purpose is to keep everyone connected. Click here for more information.www.vodafone.com Follow us on X at @VodafoneGroup or connect with us on LinkedIn atwww.linkedin.com/company/vodafone.
About Google Cloud
Google Cloud offers a powerful and optimized AI stack, including AI infrastructure, leading models such as Gemini, data management capabilities, multicloud security solutions, developer tools and platforms, and agents and applications to help organizations transform their businesses for the agent era. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories rely on Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner.
Source Google Cloud
