Databricks and Google Cloud Announce Strategic Partnership

A new collaboration between Databricks and Google Cloud has been unveiled. This partnership will provide Databricks customers with enhanced integration capabilities concerning Google’s BigQuery platform and Google Kubernetes Engine.

The integration will enable Databricks users to leverage their existing data lakes and the platform’s analytical tools within the Google Cloud environment.

Expanding Cloud Support for Databricks

Databricks currently maintains a robust integration with Microsoft Azure, exceeding the scope of this new Google Cloud partnership. The company also operates as a partner within the Amazon Web Services (AWS) ecosystem.

With the addition of Google Cloud, Databricks positions itself as the sole unified data platform accessible across all three major cloud providers: Google, AWS, and Azure.

Distinction in Integration Models

It is important to note a difference in the nature of the Azure and Google Cloud integrations. Azure Databricks functions as a first-party Microsoft Azure service, directly sold and supported by Microsoft.

This first-party arrangement is exclusive to the Microsoft partnership. Customers utilizing Google Cloud will procure Databricks services directly from Databricks via the Google Cloud Marketplace, as confirmed by a company representative.

While this model differs from the Microsoft agreement, it does not diminish the enthusiasm surrounding the collaboration.

Executive Statements on the Partnership

Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian expressed excitement about delivering the Databricks lakehouse for AI and machine learning-driven analytics on Google Cloud.

He highlighted the synergy between Databricks’ capabilities in data engineering and analytics, Google Cloud’s secure global network, and its expertise in analytics and containerized applications.

This combination, according to Kurian, will empower businesses to transform through the effective utilization of data.

Databricks’ Perspective

Databricks CEO Ali Ghodsi conveyed his enthusiasm for partnering with Google Cloud.

He emphasized a shared vision of a streamlined, open, and unified data platform that supports diverse analytics and AI applications, ultimately accelerating customer innovation.

Customer Endorsement

Nana Essuman, Director of Data Engineering at Conde Nast, shared her excitement regarding the collaboration.

Essuman anticipates that the partnership between Google Cloud and Databricks will simplify and enhance the process of extracting value from data.

Upcoming Event

Further details regarding this partnership will be presented at an event on April 6th, hosted by TechCrunch.

Both Ghodsi and Kurian are scheduled to participate in the event.