Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is a suite of cloud computing services that runs on the same infrastructure that Google uses internally for end-user products like Gmail, Calendar, Drive, YouTube, etc. It provides a reliable place to compute and store data and helps developers build, test, and deploy applications. GCP provides Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and serverless computing environments.

Eligibility

UNCG faculty, staff, and students are eligible to access UNCG’s GCP. However, only certain users can create or own a GCP “project.”

Projects are where users manage application programming interfaces (APIs), enabling billing, and manage collaborators and permissions for Google Cloud resources. GCP projects form the basis for creating, enabling, and using all Google Cloud services.

UNCG’s GCP only permits and supports certain types of projects:

• Student projects
• Google Workspace projects (i.e., using Google Drive, Calendar, App Script or, other APIs)
• Teaching & Learning using GCP
• Research Infrastructure (supported by the Cloud Cyberinfrastructure Innovation (CCI) Lab)
• UNCG Community Partner projects requiring GCP

If your project type is not listed above, please contact Information Technology Services (ITS) to discuss alternate options. (Note: Infrastructure unrelated to research is supported on Microsoft Azure, not Google Cloud Platform.)

Access

Existing GCP projects are accessed and managed by logging into console.cloud.google.com with UNCG credentials.

New GPP projects can be initiated as follows:

• Current students can self-create projects via console.cloud.google.com.
• Faculty or staff must request new GCP projects through the GCP project request form.

Benefits

• GCP provides IaaS, PaaS, and serverless environments in the cloud.
• UNCG is a member of the Internet2 GCP Net+ program that provides benefits such as egress cost waivers, credit opportunities, and billing efficiencies.
• In addition to the NET+ GCP offering, Internet2 leverages regional and national trusted research infrastructure to provide private peering services and direct access to Google Cloud Platform Dedicated Interconnect through the Internet2 Cloud Connect service. Advanced, resilient, secure, community-enabled services through Internet2 make it easier for researchers to access and use cloud resources.

Learn about additional benefits at Internet2 Google Cloud Services (GCP).

Resources

• UNCG GCP project request form
• Internet2 Net+ GCP Program
• Google Cloud Platform Console
• Google Cloud