Google Cloud Platform Services
We build and look after secure web and mobile systems on Google Cloud and Firebase, so your business never has to run a server of its own.
What is Google Cloud Platform (GCP)?
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is Google's set of online services for storing data, running software and hosting websites and apps, so your business doesn't need its own servers in the office. Firebase is part of Google Cloud and gives an app its database, secure logins, file storage and hosting.
Put simply, your data and software live on Google's servers instead of a machine in your office. You and your staff can get at them from anywhere, the system can grow as your business does, and there's no hardware for you to buy, repair or replace. We build web apps, iPhone and Android apps and automated workflows on Google Cloud and Firebase for businesses across Ireland and Northern Ireland, and look after them once they're live.
Who Is Google Cloud a Good Fit For?
Small Businesses That Want Room to Grow
You don't have to spend money on servers or IT equipment up front. You pay for what you use, and the same system copes whether you have five users or five thousand.
Businesses That Handle Sensitive Data
Google Cloud encrypts your data while it travels and while it's stored, and Google holds formal security certifications for the platform. We add secure logins and role-based access so each person only sees what they need.
Businesses Building Their Own Software
If you're planning an app or online product, Google Cloud has what it needs in one place, from databases and file storage to data analysis and AI tools, so it can be built, launched and updated without juggling different providers.
What Google Cloud and Firebase Can Do for Your Business
Here's what we use Google Cloud and Firebase for in the systems we build. For example, Cork Office Machines and Supplies Ltd runs its billing web app on Google Cloud Platform, where it reads printer usage data from emails automatically and has taken over 90% of the monthly billing work off the family's hands.
- Cloud Hosting and Websites: your website or web app runs on Google's servers, so it loads quickly and copes with busy periods without you having to upgrade anything.
- Secure User Logins: Firebase Authentication handles logins securely, so your staff or customers can sign in with an email address or phone number without us having to build a security system from scratch.
- Cloud Databases and Storage: your customer details, jobs, sales and documents are kept in a secure cloud database instead of on an office computer where they could be lost or damaged.
- Cloud Functions and Automation: routine tasks happen in the background, such as sending invoices, creating PDFs, updating records or processing orders, without anyone having to do them by hand.
- Data Security and Backups: client data is held on Google Cloud in an EU region and encrypted, and we back it up every night to separate storage, so there's always a second copy that doesn't depend on the live system.
- Data Analysis and AI Tools: Google's tools such as BigQuery can work through large amounts of data, and its AI tools can help with tasks like sorting incoming information or answering customer questions.
Why Work With Us on Google Cloud?
Clear Communication From the Start
We take the time to understand what you want to achieve, then agree a clear plan and a fixed price for the first version before any work starts. You deal with one person from start to finish.
A Working First Version in Weeks
You shouldn't have to wait months to see anything. A first version usually takes 4 to 8 weeks, and you can try out working screens along the way.
Built Around Your Business
We build software that fits the way you already work, rather than asking you to change your processes to suit a package.
Benefits From Early On
Because we build in stages, you start getting value from the first version, and the system then grows over the months and years as you decide what to add.
Only What You Need
We build the features your business needs most first and leave out anything that won't earn its keep, which keeps the cost down.
Fits In With How You Work Now
We plan the move to a new system so it sits alongside your current setup and your day to day work carries on without disruption.
Frequently asked questions
Is Google Cloud a good choice for a small business?
Yes, for most small businesses it is. You don't buy or maintain any servers, you pay for what you use, and the same system can grow as your business does. That's why we build on Google Cloud and Firebase for nearly every client, from tradespeople to compliance consultancies.
What is Firebase and is it suitable for a small business?
Firebase is part of Google Cloud and gives an app its database, secure logins, file storage, hosting and background tasks such as sending emails or creating PDFs. It suits small businesses well because there are no servers to manage and it copes with a handful of users or many thousands. We use Firebase in nearly every app we build.
Is Google Cloud secure?
Yes. Google Cloud encrypts data while it travels between the app and the servers and while it's stored, and Google holds formal security certifications for the platform. We add secure logins and role-based access, so each person only sees what they need, and audit trails where a system needs them. We don't hold those certifications ourselves, and we're happy to complete your security questionnaire.
Where is Google Cloud data stored?
Google Cloud lets you choose the region where your data is kept, from data centres around the world. For the systems we build, your data is held in an EU region. Keeping it in the EU means it stays within the European data protection framework, which matters for GDPR.
Does using Google Cloud help with GDPR?
It helps a lot, because your data can be kept in an EU region, encrypted and limited to the people who need it. We also sign a GDPR data processing agreement when you ask. GDPR compliance still depends on how your organisation uses the system, so we talk through what personal data you need to collect and who should see it.
How much does Google Cloud cost for a small business?
Google Cloud charges for what you use, so the running cost depends on how many people use the system and how much data it stores. For a typical small business app, it's a small part of the overall cost, and we talk it through when we scope your project so there are no surprises. Building a first version usually costs €3,000 to €8,000.
Does Google Cloud back up my data automatically?
Google Cloud has its own protection built in, but we don't rely on that alone. Client data is also backed up every night to separate, off-site storage outside Google. That way there's always a second copy of your data that doesn't depend on the live system.
Will I be locked in to Google Cloud or to you?
No. You own the source code and the data for software we build for you. Because your system runs in its own Google Cloud project, the project, the code and the data can be handed over if you ever move to another developer, and you won't lose data in the move.
Do you provide Google Cloud development in Ireland?
Yes. We're based in County Kildare and build Google Cloud and Firebase systems for businesses across Ireland and Northern Ireland. You deal with one person from start to finish, the person who builds and supports your system.
What can you build for my business on Google Cloud?
We build web apps, iPhone and Android apps, dashboards and automated workflows on Google Cloud, including apps with GPS tracking, barcode and QR code scanning and offline working. Cork Office Machines and Supplies Ltd, for example, runs its billing system on Google Cloud, reading printer usage data from emails automatically. A first version usually takes 4 to 8 weeks, and the system then grows in stages.
Ready to Harness the Power of Google Cloud?
Let's talk about what you'd like to run on Google Cloud and how we'd build it for your business.