Skip to main content

Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

Google Cloud Platform (GCP) offers cutting-edge cloud infrastructure built on Google's global network. With advanced AI/ML capabilities and innovative technologies, GCP is an excellent choice for modern HPC workloads with Vantage.

Overview​

GCP provides innovative cloud services with a focus on data analytics, machine learning, and high-performance computing. With Vantage on GCP, you can:

  • Advanced AI/ML: Leverage Google's world-class AI and machine learning services
  • High-performance networking: Benefit from Google's global fiber network
  • Sustainable computing: Run workloads on one of the cleanest clouds in the industry
  • Innovation-first: Access to cutting-edge technologies and services

Key GCP Services for HPC​

Compute Services​

  • Compute Engine: High-performance virtual machines with custom machine types
  • Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE): Managed Kubernetes for containerized workloads
  • Cloud Run: Serverless platform for containerized applications
  • Batch: Fully managed service for scheduling and running batch jobs

Storage Services​

  • Cloud Storage: Object storage with multiple storage classes for different use cases
  • Persistent Disk: High-performance block storage for virtual machines
  • Filestore: Fully managed NFS file storage for applications requiring shared storage
  • Cloud Bigtable: NoSQL database for large analytical and operational workloads

Networking​

  • Virtual Private Cloud (VPC): Global virtual network with advanced networking features
  • Cloud Interconnect: High-bandwidth, low-latency connections to GCP

Getting Started with GCP​

To deploy Vantage clusters on GCP, you'll need:

  1. GCP Project: A Google Cloud project with billing enabled
  2. Service Account: Service account with appropriate IAM permissions
  3. VPC Network: Virtual network configuration for your clusters
  4. Firewall Rules: Network security rules for cluster communication
  5. APIs Enabled: Required GCP APIs activated for your project

Machine Types for HPC​

GCP offers flexible machine types for various HPC requirements:

  • C2/C2D: Compute-optimized VMs for CPU-intensive workloads
  • N2/N2D: Balanced VMs with good price-performance for general workloads
  • M1/M2: Memory-optimized VMs for memory-intensive applications
  • A2: GPU VMs powered by NVIDIA A100 GPUs for AI and HPC
  • Custom Machine Types: Tailor CPU and memory to your exact requirements

Cost Optimization​

Maximize value with GCP's cost optimization features:

  • Preemptible VMs: Save up to 80% on compute costs for fault-tolerant workloads
  • Committed Use Discounts: Save money with 1-3 year usage commitments
  • Sustained Use Discounts: Automatic discounts for running VMs continuously
  • Custom Machine Types: Pay only for the CPU and memory you need

AI and Machine Learning Integration​

GCP excels in AI/ML workloads with:

  • Vertex AI: Unified machine learning platform for the entire ML workflow
  • AutoML: Build custom ML models without extensive ML expertise
  • BigQuery: Serverless data warehouse for analytics at scale
  • TensorFlow: Open-source ML framework developed by Google

Developer-Friendly Features​

GCP provides excellent developer experience with:

  • Cloud Shell: Browser-based shell environment with built-in tools
  • Infrastructure as Code: Deployment Manager and Terraform support
  • Stackdriver: Comprehensive monitoring, logging, and diagnostics
  • Cloud Build: Continuous integration and delivery platform

Next Steps​

  • Create a GCP Account (see Google Cloud documentation)
  • Configure Service Account (see Google Cloud documentation)
  • Deploy Your First Cluster

Innovation focused? GCP's cutting-edge AI/ML services and developer-friendly tools make it ideal for organizations pushing the boundaries of what's possible.