Source: G-gen Tech Blog
November 2024: Google Cloud Updates You Need to Know
In this article, we summarize the most important Google Cloud updates for November 2024. Dive in to stay informed and make the most of the latest features.
Eventarc Advanced Now Available (Preview)
Release Date: October 31, 2024
Google Cloud has introduced Eventarc Advanced in preview, offering more granular control compared to the standard version. Key features include:
- Many-to-many fan-in and fan-out messaging
- Message transformation capabilities for more dynamic workflows
- Built on three core components: Bus, Enrollment, and Pipeline
This enhanced version is ideal for building complex event-driven architectures.
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Vertex AI Search: Streaming Answer Method (GA with Allowlist)
Release Date: October 31, 2024
Vertex AI Search now supports the streaming answer method, returning partial answers incrementally as they are generated. Currently available in English only, access requires application approval.
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Dataplex: Automatic Discovery of Cloud Storage Data (Preview)
Release Date: November 5, 2024
Dataplex now supports automatic discovery of Cloud Storage data formats such as CSV, JSONL, Parquet, Avro, and ORC. This update allows direct creation of external or object tables in BigQuery without requiring Dataplex Lakes.
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Data Classification Labels Now Available in Gmail (Open Beta)
Release Date: November 1, 2024
Gmail now includes data classification labels like "Sensitive" and "Confidential." These labels can block external sharing based on the content. Features vary by edition.
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New Google Cloud Certification Exams
Release Dates: October 2024
Associate Google Workspace Administrator (Beta): Released October 22, tests administration and troubleshooting for Google Workspace.
Associate Data Practitioner (Beta): Released October 30, focuses on managing data and pipelines on Google Cloud.
Professional Cloud Architect (Beta): Features a separate renewal exam for easier recertification.
Application Load Balancer: Service Extensions (Preview)
Release Date: October 30, 2024
Service Extensions allow running serverless programs on the edge using WebAssembly (Wasm). These can be used for:
HTTP header manipulation
Custom authentication
Logging
HTML rewriting
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Pub/Sub: Cloud Storage Import Topic
Release Date: November 6, 2024
The Cloud Storage import topic simplifies event-driven architectures by allowing direct integration of Cloud Storage objects into Pub/Sub without custom publisher services.
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Audit Manager (GA)
Release Date: November 7, 2024
Audit Manager automates compliance evidence collection for frameworks like ISO 27001 and SOC2.
Free Tier: Covers SOC2 and AI controls.
Premium Tier ($7,500/year): Adds advanced frameworks such as PCI DSS and NIST CSF.
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Vertex AI Gemini: Batch Inference (GA)
Release Date: November 8, 2024
Gemini now supports batch inference, offering a 50% cost reduction compared to standard requests. Responses are stored asynchronously in BigQuery or Cloud Storage.
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GKE: DNS-Based Control Plane Access
Release Date: November 11, 2024
Google Kubernetes Engine introduces DNS-based access for control planes, enhancing security by replacing IP-based controls with IAM integration.
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Gemini Side Panel for Google Workspace (GA)
Release Date: November 7, 2024
Gemini’s side panel is now generally available in seven languages, including Japanese, Korean, and French.
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Cloud Run: In-Memory Volume (GA)
Release Date: November 12, 2024
Cloud Run now supports in-memory volume mounts for both services and jobs, enabling containers to use memory as a file system.
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Cloud Storage: Bucket IP Filtering (Preview)
Release Date: November 14, 2024
Bucket IP filtering allows granular access control based on source IP addresses and VPCs. Note: Currently unavailable in Tokyo and Osaka regions.
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BigQuery Search Index: Numeric Optimization (GA)
Release Date: November 19, 2024
BigQuery Search Index now optimizes queries with numeric predicates on INT64 and TIMESTAMP columns, significantly enhancing WHERE clause performance.
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Cloud SQL: Write Endpoint (Preview)
Release Date: November 19, 2024
Write endpoints ensure consistent connectivity during failovers by using a DNS name that always points to the primary instance.
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Cloud SQL Studio: IAM Database Authentication Now Available
Release Date: November 20, 2024
Cloud SQL Studio now supports IAM database authentication, allowing users to query and manage databases through a Google Cloud Console UI. Previously, authentication required manual entry of a username and password.
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Cloud SQL Backups to AlloyDB Cluster Migration (Preview)
Release Date: November 21, 2024
You can now create an AlloyDB cluster directly from Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL backups (Preview). This update simplifies migrations from Cloud SQL to AlloyDB, making it easier to transition and manage data workflows.
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Cloud Run Role Changes Effective January 25, 2025
Release Date: November 25, 2024
Starting January 25, 2025, predefined roles for Cloud Run (e.g., Cloud Run Administrator and Developer) will be updated. These changes may impact CI/CD pipelines if configurations are not updated. Review your setups to ensure a smooth transition.
Google Chat: Huddles for Instant Audio Meetings
Release Date: November 27, 2024
Google Chat introduces Huddles, enabling seamless audio and video meetings directly from Chat. Powered by Google Meet, this feature offers instant, audio-first communication and will roll out across most editions starting November 27, 2024.
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Stay updated with these advancements to harness the full potential of Google Cloud!
About the Author
Yuma Sugimura- Yuma Sugimura serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Head of the Cloud Solutions Department at G-gen. With a unique background as a former police officer turned IT engineer, Yuma brings extensive expertise in cloud management, operations, and networking. He holds an impressive array of certifications, including 12 AWS certifications and 11 Google Cloud certifications, showcasing his deep technical proficiency.