Google Distributed Cloud Edge
Google Distributed Cloud Edge (GDCE) is Google Cloud's on-premises offering that runs cloud infrastructure and services at the customer's location, close to the equipment that produces the data. It brings cloud-style computing to a factory, facility, or other site for workloads that need low latency or must keep data local.
Rather than sending all data to a distant cloud region, GDCE places Google-managed hardware and software on site. Applications, including AI models, can run there and connect back to Google Cloud for management and other services.
A manufacturer might use an on-premises platform like this to run vision AI inspection models next to its production lines, so results are available in real time even if the plant's internet connection is slow or interrupted.
GDCE is one way to implement edge computing. Edge computing is the general approach of processing data near its source; GDCE is a specific Google Cloud product for doing it.