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What Google Distributed Cloud includes
GDC extends Google Cloud infrastructure, services, and Kubernetes to customer data centers and edge locations. It is not one identical appliance: Google offers connected deployments, air-gapped deployments, an air-gapped appliance for tactical edge use, and software-only options. Each differs in connectivity, hardware, and operating responsibilities. See Google Cloud’s GDC overview.
| Option | What it provides | Best reason to consider it | Key trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distributed Cloud connected | Containers and virtual machines on dedicated, Google-certified hardware at the customer site, managed through Google Cloud. | Local processing with a Google Cloud connection, such as for latency-sensitive workloads or data that should remain on premises. | Requires a connected management relationship, site hardware and planning; capacity is limited relative to a conventional Google Cloud zone, and workload restrictions apply. |
| Distributed Cloud air-gapped | Hardware and software operated inside a disconnected sovereign perimeter. | Workloads that must operate without Google Cloud or public internet connectivity. | Requires specialized procurement, site preparation, offline software distribution, and a quote. |
| Air-gapped appliance | Integrated hardware and software for tactical edge deployments, supporting virtual machines, containers, and managed services. | Remote or field operations needing local compute in a disconnected setting. | It is not a typical portable consumer device: Google documents a weight of about 100 lb (approximately 45.3 kg), and it is not operational while being moved. |
| Software-only | Enterprise Kubernetes software running on customer-owned bare-metal servers or existing VMware infrastructure. | Organizations that want a GDC software approach and can provide their own infrastructure. | Supported hardware and platform configurations, along with lifecycle responsibilities, need to be checked against current documentation. |
Google describes connected as intended for situations where conventional Google Cloud deployments may not be sufficient. That is a vendor description of the product’s target scenarios, not independent evidence that it will meet a particular workload’s performance or availability goals.
Who should consider the connected option?
Connected is aimed at workloads that need local processing but can maintain a Google Cloud connection. Google identifies stable client-server connectivity, low latency, large local data volumes, and data-residency rules as reasons to consider it. Examples of sectors Google names include retail, media and entertainment, financial services, manufacturing, public sector, and telecommunications; sector membership alone does not establish a need for GDC. Read Google’s connected overview.
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Latency, continuity, or data-volume pressure
Keeping processing close to the systems that generate data can be relevant when latency spikes or jitter are unacceptable, internet disruptions could interfere with a client-server workload, or sending all generated data to Google Cloud is costly or impractical. These are reasons to assess an on-site deployment, not a guarantee that a particular configuration will satisfy an application’s service levels.
On-premises data requirements
Connected may also merit evaluation when law, regulation, or internal requirements call for data to stay on premises or within a jurisdiction. Buyers should confirm exactly which data and processing must remain local and whether the proposed configuration meets the applicable obligation.
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Operations and capacity
Connected runs Kubernetes workloads and virtual machines on dedicated certified hardware installed at the customer’s location. Google remotely monitors and maintains software, including the Kubernetes control plane and software updates. Google’s overview describes a three-machine configuration that provides redundancy if one machine is down. It also warns that capacity is limited compared with a conventional cloud zone and that workload restrictions apply.
The same overview says customers are responsible for procuring, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing certified hardware, either directly or through a preferred systems integrator. Confirm the hardware sourcing and support split for the specific order rather than assuming that Google manages the physical equipment.
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Who needs an air-gapped deployment?
Air-gapped GDC is for organizations that need sensitive workloads to operate without a connection to Google Cloud or the public internet. Google positions it for strict regulatory, national-security, and data-sovereignty requirements. The broader offering can serve data-center-scale deployments; the appliance is intended for tactical edge environments. See Google’s air-gapped documentation and the air-gapped appliance overview.
Isolation affects deployment and maintenance, not just network configuration. Google documents site survey and design work, integrated rack hardware, and an offline software-distribution process: download the distribution, transfer it into the disconnected environment on portable storage, and validate it with checksums. A site also needs suitable space, power, cooling, and hardware capacity. Buyers should account for those requirements before treating an air-gapped system as a quick installation.
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When does software-only make sense?
The software-only option is relevant if an organization wants a GDC Kubernetes approach but already has suitable bare-metal servers or VMware infrastructure. Because the customer supplies the underlying infrastructure, compatibility and operational responsibilities matter. Check current supported configurations and product lifecycle details in Google’s portfolio documentation before selecting this route.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does Google Distributed Cloud cost?
Connected pricing
Google Cloud’s connected product page, accessed September 30, 2026, lists a starting rate of $35 per vCPU per month and a minimum of 96 vCPUs per site. It also gives $1,344 per month per site as an example for a five-year commitment. These are published starting and example figures, not a configuration quote or total cost of ownership. See Google’s connected pricing page.
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- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
The detailed pricing information says monthly billing uses a 36- or 60-month term and requires at least Enhanced Support. Cost depends on hardware configuration, procurement model, commitment term, geographic location, and Google Cloud region. Other Google Cloud services used alongside the deployment are billed separately, so a buyer should request pricing for the actual site and workload.
Air-gapped pricing
Google says air-gapped pricing depends on services consumed and capacity used, and directs prospective customers to request a quote. Consumption is computed in the disconnected environment and is not visible in the Google Cloud console. The connected rate does not establish an air-gapped price. See Google’s air-gapped pricing page.
What to verify before choosing
Use these questions to decide whether to request a configuration review from Google or an integrator:
- Connectivity: Can the site maintain the connection needed for connected management, or must workloads operate fully offline?
- Workload fit: Do the required containers or virtual machines fit current workload restrictions and available capacity?
- Site readiness: Is there appropriate space, power, cooling, and capacity for the selected hardware?
- Hardware responsibilities: Who procures, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs certified equipment?
- Operations: Which software, support, and maintenance responsibilities belong to Google, the customer, or an integrator?
- Data obligations: What must remain on premises or within a jurisdiction, and does the proposed design satisfy those requirements?
- Commercial terms: What are the site-specific configuration, term, support, region, and separate-service costs?
GDC is an enterprise deployment, not a generic server purchase: connected hardware must be Google-certified, and air-gapped systems require specialized deployment planning. A generic server or a marketplace listing is not a substitute for the managed service.
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