Amazon and Google partner up to prevent AWS outages

Amazon and Google launched a jointly built multicloud networking service on Sunday aimed at delivering faster and more reliable links between their cloud platforms.

The companies said the initiative responds to rising demand for dependable internet connections at a time when even brief disruptions can trigger widespread outages. The service allows customers to set up private, high-speed connections between the two providers’ systems within minutes rather than weeks.

The announcement followed an Amazon Web Services outage on Oct. 20 that temporarily knocked thousands of websites offline. Apps such as Snapchat and Reddit were among those affected. Analytics firm Parametrix estimated the incident will cost U.S. companies between $500 million and $650 million.

The new offering merges AWS’ Interconnect–multicloud with Google Cloud’s Cross-Cloud Interconnect to strengthen network interoperability. Statements from both companies said the combined approach is designed to streamline data and application movement across clouds.

Robert Kennedy, vice president of network services at AWS, said the collaboration marks a major change in multicloud connectivity. Rob Enns, vice president and general manager of cloud networking at Google Cloud, said the system is intended to simplify cross-cloud operations for customers.

Google Cloud said Salesforce is among the early users of the service.

AWS supplies computing power, data storage and a range of digital tools to businesses, governments and individuals. It remains the world’s largest cloud provider, followed by Microsoft’s Azure and Google Cloud.

Tech companies including Alphabet, Microsoft and Amazon are investing heavily to expand infrastructure that can manage growing internet traffic. Demand continues to rise with the rapid development of artificial intelligence, which requires extensive computing capacity.

Amazon’s cloud division reported strong third-quarter results, generating $33 billion in revenue. Google Cloud posted revenue of $15.16 billion for the same period.

The companies said the new multicloud service is now available to customers seeking faster and more secure connectivity between their cloud environments.