Cloud encounters of the third kind

Data-powered Innovation Jam

Cloud computing has long been a familiar fixture in the digital sky, but that doesn’t mean innovation has stopped soaring. In this episode, hosts Ron Tolido, Robert Engels, and Weiwei Feng discuss all things cloud with Carolin Eggers, Director, Data & AI, EMEA North, Google Cloud.

The first kind of cloud? There’s nothing UFO about it. That’s well understood—flexible access to powerful infrastructure services. The second kind? Software as a service, is far from alien too. But how about the third kind: industry data clouds, enabling businesses to collaborate securely on data and AI models within trusted ecosystems? Of course, it’s 2025 after all, the evolution of AI agents in the cloud is discussed. Could a fourth kind of cloud be emerging?

And what if the cloud isn’t just the next frontier—but the gateway to quantum computing for the masses? A fifth kind, perhaps? One thing is certain: the cloud is anything but static.

Naturally, the conversation wouldn’t be complete without music. From the British hard rock band UFO to the Scorpions from Hannover Germany, and even a nod to a legendary 5-note musical language—somehow, it all makes perfect sense in the latest episode of the Data-powered Innovation Jam: Cloud encounters of the third kind.

Timestamps:

11:15 – Discussion on Industry Cloud.

16:56 – AI’s role in industry.

22:24 – Quantum as the fifth kind of cloud?

26:11 – Exploring Agent Space in Cloud.

35:07 – The pendulum swing.

40:20 – Myth-busting with Weiwei.

Connect with our guest Carolin Eggers and our hosts Ron Tolido, Robert Engels, and Weiwei Feng on LinkedIn.