Google unveils Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform at Cloud Next '26
A rebranded and expanded Vertex AI lets businesses build, test, and deploy autonomous agents that execute workflows across Google Cloud and Workspace via natural language.
At Google Cloud Next ‘26 in Las Vegas, Google unveiled the Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform, described as a “rebranded and expanded version of Vertex AI” purpose-built for enterprise agent deployment.
The pitch
Companies can now build, test, and deploy AI agents that autonomously execute workflows across Google Cloud and Workspace using natural language. The platform handles three layers:
- Build — visual canvas + code-first SDK; same primitives that power Deep Research Max.
- Test — sandbox environments with replayable agent runs and step-level inspection.
- Deploy — managed runtime with cost controls, audit logs, and SLAs.
Why this matters
The agent space has fragmented across Anthropic’s MCP ecosystem, OpenAI’s GPTs/Operator surface, LangChain, CrewAI, and dozens of niche players. Google’s bet is that enterprise IT will choose one consolidated platform from a hyperscaler rather than stitch together OSS frameworks.
Bloomberg reported the same week that this is Google’s “latest attempt to take on OpenAI and Anthropic” in the agent market — framing the announcement as competitive response, not industry leadership.
Open questions
- Will this run agents from non-Google models (Claude, GPT-5.5)? Google hasn’t confirmed.
- How does pricing compare to Vertex AI’s existing structure?
- The early-access list is reportedly oversubscribed; broad GA timeline is unconfirmed.