Google ramps up its ‘AI in the workplace’ ambitions with Gemini Enterprise

In a bold move to enhance its presence in the workplace AI sector, Google has introduced Gemini Enterprise, a robust AI platform tailored for businesses. This launch marks a significant step for the tech giant as it seeks to compete with emerging players like Anthropic and OpenAI in the rapidly expanding market for AI-driven tools. As part of this initiative, Google revealed a roster of new customers for Gemini Enterprise, which includes notable names such as Figma, Klarna, Gordon Foods, Macquarie Bank, and Virgin Voyages. Notably, Virgin Voyages has implemented over 50 AI agents capable of autonomously executing tasks using the Gemini Enterprise framework. Google emphasizes that Gemini Enterprise is not simply a rebranding of its previous offerings. While the Gemini name was first introduced within the Google Workspace ecosystem, the newly launched platform represents a distinct and secure solution under Google Cloud. Described by Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian as “the new front door for AI in the workplace,” Gemini Enterprise provides a comprehensive toolkit for businesses to create and deploy their own AI assistants. The platform is built to securely facilitate the creation, sharing, and utilization of AI agents across various functions, including sales, marketing, engineering, human resources, and finance. For the first time, these agents can gather, combine, and analyze data from internal systems and Google AI tools like Code Assist and Deep Research, all integrated into a seamless workflow managed through a Gemini Enterprise chatbot. Gemini Enterprise also features a collection of pre-built Google agents designed for in-depth research and data analysis, along with a no-code solution that empowers employees to automate internal processes. Additionally, it offers a governance framework for users to visualize, secure, and audit all their AI agents from a centralized location. However, this innovative platform comes with a cost. The standard and “plus” editions of Gemini Enterprise are priced starting at $30 per user per month, while a budget-friendly option for small businesses and individual departments is available at $21 per user per month, with a 30-day free trial for new customers. As Google endeavors to capture a larger share of the enterprise market, it faces stiff competition from established AI startups like Anthropic and OpenAI, both of which have secured prominent clients. Notably, OpenAI reported 5 million business users of its ChatGPT Enterprise product launched in 2023, showcasing the growing demand for AI solutions in professional environments.