Google Cloud has launched confidential computing instances based on Intel's 4th Gen Xeon processors and another based on the 4th generation AMD Epyc processors.

The new instances are now generally available in multiple cloud regions as of October 3.

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– Sebastian Moss

Confidential computing encrypts data while it is being processed, keeping it secure even while in use. The approach is particularly popular in sectors such as healthcare and finance as it provides additional security for sensitive data.

The instances based on the AMD Epyc Genoa processor use AMD Secure Encrypted Virtualization technology which prevents your data and applications from being read or modified while in use. Google adds that they have a performance that matches that of Google's Titanium hardware.

The AMD-based instances are available in all regions that have C3D machines.

The Confidential VMs based on Google's C3 machine series with the 4th generation Intel Scalable processors, known as Sapphire Rapids, also use DDR5 memory and Google Titanium.

The instances have Intel Trust Domain Extensions which use hardware-based memory encryption to prevent access to data or applications while in use.

In addition, the confidential C3 VMs have Intel Advanced Matrix Extensions switch on which are designed for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning workloads, enabling users to run AI with additional security.

The Intel-based Confidential Computing instances are currently available in the Asia-Southeast1, US-Central1, and Europe-West4 regions.

Customers already using the Intel-based Confidential VMs include Thales, Anjuna Security, and Edgeless Systems.

Intel launched its Sapphire Rapids processors in January 2023. By December of that year, the company had launched its 5th Gen Xeon Scalable processors known as Emerald Rapids.

Intel has had a challenging year, having been forced to hit pause on its chip fab developments in Germany and Poland after reporting losses of $1.6 billion in Q2 of 2024. The company also revealed that it would be making 15,000 layoffs across the company as part of a plan to save $10 billion.

Last month, the company rejected an offer from Arm to acquire its product division.

This week has seen Google break ground on its first data center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and announce plans for a $1 billion investment in Thailand.