LONDON, April 22 (Reuters) - European mobile and broadband operator Vodafone said it would offer its small business customers advanced cybersecurity and agentic AI through its $1 billion strategic tie
Vodafone, Google Cloud Bring Advanced Cybersecurity and AI to Small Businesses
Vodafone and Google Cloud Partnership: Empowering Small Businesses
Introduction to the Strategic Tie-Up
LONDON, April 22 (Reuters) - European mobile and broadband operator Vodafone said it would offer its small business customers advanced cybersecurity and agentic AI through its $1 billion strategic tie-up with Google Cloud agreed in October 2024.
Advanced Cybersecurity Solutions
Managed Detection and Response Service
The security product will be a managed detection and response service enabled by Google Security Operations designed to protect small businesses from increasingly frequent and sophisticated cyber threats, Vodafone said on Wednesday.
Regional Launch and Data Protection Compliance
It will launch in Germany, in compliance with the region's stringent data protection standards, before rolling out across additional European markets later this year, it said.
Agentic AI for Small Businesses
Vodafone Business AI Concierge with Google Gemini
The agentic AI product - Vodafone Business AI Concierge with Google Gemini - is designed to engage with a small business's customers to answer inquiries and book appointments, it said.
Availability and Pricing
It will initially be available in Greece and Germany, Vodafone said. Pricing for both products has not been announced.
Executive Insights
Benefits for Small Businesses
Fanan Henriques, Vodafone's business product and international business director, said the products would help small businesses to start using AI without complexity or risk.
Industry Collaboration and Innovation
"By combining our network and support with Google Cloud's AI expertise, we’re making advanced, secure AI practical for everyday business use - starting with innovations like AI Concierge, one of the first telephony integrations with Gemini," he said.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Paul Sandle; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
