Google Compute Engine: 8 Important Features of GCE.

Introduction

Google Compute Engine (GCE) is a core cloud vital to the GCP. The need for scalable and flexible cloud computing in Google Cloud Platform is premium. However, Google Cloud Platform (GCP) has stepped up offering a wide range of services to address these requirements. One of the key services that provide scalable and flexible cloud computing solutions in the GCP is Google Compute Engine. The Google Compute Engine (GCE) is our focus, In this article, we shall explore its features, along with common actions that users can perform with this powerful cloud-based computing service.

What is Google Compute Engine (GCE)?

Before we delve and begin to explore the features and the common actions you can perform with Google Compute Engine (GCE) on GCP, let’s first understand the concept of Google Compute Engine. It is often referred to as GCE and is a part of Google Cloud Platform’s Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offering that provides virtual machines (VMs) for running applications and workloads on Google’s infrastructure. It offers a wide range of features and capabilities, making it a popular choice for a variety of workloads.

Google Compute Engine (GCE) has the option of Predefined or Custom machine types with vCPUs (cores), and memory (RAM). It is also characterized by Persistent disks like HDD, SSD, and local SSD, Networking, and operating services (OS) like Linux, and Windows. It offers scalable and customizable infrastructure that allows users to create and manage virtual machines in the cloud. With GCE, users can easily deploy, scale, and manage their applications while benefiting from Google’s robust global network and data centers.

Key Features of Google Compute Engine

Some of the key features of GCE include:

1. Scalability:
   Google Compute Engine can be scaled up or down to meet your needs. You can start with a small number of VMs and then add more as your workload grows. GCE allows users to create virtual machines with varying levels of computing power, making it suitable for a wide range of workloads, from small development tasks to large-scale production environments. You can easily scale your resources up or down as needed, ensuring cost efficiency.
2. Flexibility:
   GCE offers a variety of VM sizes and configurations, so you can choose the right one for your needs. You can also customize your VMs with your own operating system and software. Users have full control over the configuration of their virtual machines. You can choose the type of CPU, the amount of memory, and the operating system that best suits your application’s requirements. This level of customization ensures that you have the right resources for your specific needs.
3. Reliability:
   GCE is designed to be highly reliable. Your VMs are automatically backed up and can be restored if they fail.
4. Security:
   Google Compute Engine provides a variety of security features to protect your VMs. You can create firewalls, restrict access, and encrypt your data. It provides a secure platform with features like Identity and Access Management (IAM), firewall rules, and encryption for data at rest and in transit. Google Cloud also adheres to various industry compliance standards, making it suitable for regulated industries.
5. Integrated services:
   GCE seamlessly integrates with other Google Cloud services, such as Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE), Cloud Storage, and BigQuery, allowing you to build comprehensive cloud-native solutions.
6. Global Network:
   GCE takes advantage of Google’s extensive global network infrastructure, providing low-latency access to users and customers worldwide. This global reach is crucial for applications that require high availability and performance.
7. Pay-as-You-Go Pricing:
   GCE follows a pay-as-you-go pricing model, which means users only pay for the resources they consume. There are also options for sustained use discounts, committed use contracts, and custom pricing agreements, allowing you to optimize costs based on your usage patterns.
8. Automatic Resource Management:
   Google Compute Engine offers features like Autoscaling and Managed Instance Groups, which allow your application to automatically adjust resources based on traffic and demand. This ensures that your application remains responsive and cost-effective.

Other Google Compute engine features are highlighted as follows;

• Machine Rightsizing:
  – GCE is the recommended engine for optimum machine size.
  – Stackdriver statistics detailing the computing capacities of the machine size.
  – New recommendation for machine resizing is 24 hours after VM creation.
• Global Load Balancing:
  – Multiple region options for stability
  – Instance metadata
  – Startup Scripts
• Preemptible:
  – Users can enjoy up to 80% discount
  – No SLA
• Availability Policies:
  – Live Migrate
  – Auto Restart
  – Per-second billing
  – Sustained use discount
  – Committed use discount

Google Compute Engine (GCE) Vs. Other GCP Compute and Processing Options

	COMPUTE ENGINE	KUBERNETES ENGINE	APP ENG STANDARD	APP ENG FLEXIBLE	CLOUD FUNCTION
Language Support	Any	Any	Python, Node.js, GO, Java, PHP	Python, GO, Node.js, Java, PHP, Ruby, .Net, Custom Runtime	Python, Node.js, GO
Usage Model	Iaas	IaaS, PaaS	PaaS	PaaS	Micro-Service Architecture
Scaling	Service Autoscaling	Clusters	Autoscaling Managed Server	Autoscaling Managed server	Serverless
Primary Usecase	General Workloads	Container Workloads	Scalable Apps, Mobile Apps	Web-based	Lightweight Event Action

Conclusion

GCE is a powerful and versatile IaaS offering that can be used for a variety of workloads. It offers a wide range of features and capabilities, making it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes. In our next article, we shall explore the common Compute Engine actions in the GCP. Till then keep on following the Cloud. Let’s have your comments about how you feel about this blog post. It will help us serve you better.