Google Cloud and Accenture announced a joint unit dedicated to deploying engineers into enterprises to help them adopt Google’s AI tools.
The new unit, named Accenture Gemini Enterprise Business Group, marks Google’s latest effort in the competitive field of forward-deployed engineers, or FDEs.
This move is part of a broader industry trend, as rivals like OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft, and Amazon have also launched similar initiatives.
According to August data from Ramp, Google accounts for about 6% of enterprise AI spending among its U.S. customers, compared to Anthropic’s 4,35% and OpenAI’s 39.7%. A Google spokesperson noted that many of Ramp’s customers exclude major enterprises that are signing large, strategic AI deals with Google Cloud, such as Oracle, Meta, and ServiceNow.
The collaboration involves training up to 1,000 of Accenture’s FDEs to work with enterprises and build custom AI applications on the Gemini Enterprise platform. The unit will operate under Accenture, according to a Google spokesperson. This initiative is part of Google Cloud’s broader strategy to expand its FDE model and resolve enterprise deployment bottlenecks.
"Google Cloud is committed to helping enterprises adopt AI in a way that delivers real value," said a Google spokesperson.
The company emphasized that the collaboration is part of its aggressive expansion of the FDE model this year to catch up with rivals.
Earlier this year, Google Cloud launched a $750 million partner ecosystem commitment, embedding its FDEs across consultancies like Capgemini, Cognizant, and Deloitte.
The announcement follows Google’s recent partnerships with CVC Capital Partners and its efforts to deploy FDEs directly into investment firm portfolios. Google isn’t the only giant at risk of being outpaced by newer firms.
Companies like Ode and OpenAI’s The Deployment Co. are also challenging traditional consultancy firms like Accenture. This collaboration adds to Accenture’s own wave of FDE programs, including a Microsoft FDE practice in March and a joint program with SAP in June.
Google did not specify how it will measure the success of the initiative, and the company acknowledged that enterprises are still struggling to see a return on investment from AI spending. The next step is for Google and Accenture to demonstrate how their combined approach can help enterprises unlock the full potential of AI.
Source: techcrunch
