Enterprise IT services provider Altron Digital Business and cloud reseller DigiCloud have joined Google Cloud and will leverage it to help businesses in South Africa to innovate.

Features that are tailored to local enterprise needs, particularly in multi-cloud management, AI-driven services and sustainability are increasingly significant for South African businesses and government initiatives, said Altron Digital Business cloud services head Natasha Bezuidenhout.

“The local launch empowers Altron Digital Business to play a pivotal role in bringing the best technologies to customers in Africa, for Africa. As a trusted partner and adviser, we enable customers to make informed technology decisions and maximise the return on their tech investments.”

With its strong focus on open-source technology, pioneering AI-driven services, and advanced multi-cloud capabilities, Google Cloud is making it particularly attractive for South African businesses based on the diverse technological needs and a focus on flexibility, innovation, and sustainability, she said.

Further, Altron Digital Business is bringing Google Workspace to the market, which a collection of cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools with integrated applications for communication, document creation and collaboration.

“The Google Africa region launch addresses crucial data sovereignty concerns and unlocks opportunities for Altron to deliver innovative, compliant solutions driving digital transformation for its clients,” said DigiCloud CEO Gregory MacLennan.

Specifically, the Google Cloud Platform has extensive capabilities in machine learning (ML) and AI, and provides tools like Vertex AI and BigQuery ML that allow companies to build, deploy and scale AI models.

This supports data-driven decision-making and personalisation, which can boost sectors like finance, healthcare and retail in South Africa.

Google Cloud’s partnership with local universities and initiatives also makes AI more accessible and contributes to building local talent, Altron said.

Further, Google offers a pay-as-you-go model and sustained usage discounts, as well as rightsizing recommendations through Google Cloud Cost Management tools. This can be appealing to small and medium-sized companies in South Africa that need cost predictability and optimisation as they grow their cloud footprint.

Additionally, Google Anthos is a robust multi-cloud management platform that supports seamless application development, deployment and management across different environments, including on-premises, hybrid and other cloud platforms.

This flexibility aligns with South African businesses looking to avoid vendor lock-in while leveraging multiple hyperscalers, said Altron.