Talking Solutions to Real Business Problems Using AI at Google Cloud Next 25

It was fantastic to join RavIT live from Google Cloud Next 25. As a Field CTO at Pythian, it's always exciting to connect with the community and share what we're seeing and hearing. Ernest Solomon, my fellow Field CTO, joined me, and we had a great chat about the energy here and, of course, a recent achievement I'm incredibly proud of.

During Google Cloud Next, Pythian was named Google Cloud Databases Partner of the Year for North America. This award is a real testament to the hard work and smarts of the entire team at Pythian. For nearly three decades, Pythian has been dedicated to database services, evolving from Oracle and SQL to embrace the open source world and, crucially, the cloud. Our deep partnership with Google and Google Cloud has been instrumental. We've built significant expertise across all the major clouds, but our excitement around Google Cloud is undeniable. For me, it’s clear—when you combine our heritage in databases with the incredible technology coming out of Google, real magic happens.

While helping our customers transition their databases to Google Cloud is a significant part of what we do, our focus goes much further. We're not just about the move; we're about the transformation that follows. It's about leveraging data to drive meaningful insights and achieving tangible business outcomes for our customers.

The energy at Google Cloud Next was truly something else. What struck me most about the keynote was the laser focus on solving real business problems with AI. It wasn't just about the shiny new tech; it was about how AI can be applied to deliver concrete value. The announcements around agent-based capabilities within Chrome and AI-powered finance tools were particularly exciting, showcasing the potential to streamline workflows and enhance customer experiences.

Building on that, we’re seeing a shift in the conversation around AI. For too long, the focus has been on the "what" of generative AI. But what resonated strongly at Next was the emphasis on ROI. We heard from major players like McDonald’s and Wayfair, who are now actively measuring and demonstrating the return on their AI investments. This shift from hype to tangible results is crucial and makes the transformation story truly compelling.

RavIT posed a vital question about the top challenges businesses face with cloud migration, data modernization, and AI adoption. Both Ernest and I have strong opinions on this, and for me, the biggest hurdle is often the mindset. Many organizations still approach cloud transformation as a one-off event, much like a hardware refresh. But true transformation requires an internal shift in how technology is viewed and applied. As one of the customers in the keynote video so eloquently put it, "AI is about human augmentation." For me, it’s about understanding how these technologies can improve the lives of our employees and customers, ultimately impacting the bottom line. It’s a continuous evolution, not a one-time fix.

Looking ahead for Pythian, our focus remains squarely on helping companies maximize the value of their existing technology investments. It’s about enabling better consumption, driving cost efficiencies, increasing revenue, and improving experiences for both employees and customers. Ultimately, it boils down to delivering business value and a strong return on investment. Additionally, we must strive to simultaneously eliminate technical debt. By addressing underlying burdens, we can help our customers envision and achieve their future business outcomes more effectively.

Finally, for anyone wanting to connect, I’m active on LinkedIn, and you can also find more information and a contact form on the Pythian website. Ernest and I are always happy to chat, understand your challenges, and share our experiences. For me, it's about collective learning and moving the industry forward together. So, please, message us—we're ready to talk and help you drive meaningful progress within your organization. Google Cloud Next 25 was a fantastic event and I'm energized by the discussions and innovations we were fortunate to see and hear about first-hand. The future is bright, and Pythian is excited to be at the forefront of these transformative times. Learn more about Pythian and the Field CTO team.