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From Vibe Coding to Firebase Deployment: A Full Workflow with AI and Custom Hosting

ยท 8 min read

In this hands-on guide, we'll go from an idea to a published website using modern AI tooling. We'll explore the concept of vibe coding, use Firebase Studio to build the app, deploy it, optionally add a custom domain via CloudMySite, and even set up monitoring and cleanup steps.


This is the full journey โ€” from prompting to production. You can also check the contents of this blog live in below video:




๐ŸŽง What is Vibe Coding?โ€‹


Vibe coding is a new approach to software development where you:


  1. Focus on expressing ideas
  2. Let an AI (like Gemini) generate the code
  3. Iterate with feedback prompts rather than typing every line

The term was popularized by Andrej Karpathy and has gained traction with tools like Replit Ghostwriter, Amazon Q Developer, and Gemini in Firebase Studio.


๐ŸŽฏ Why It's Neededโ€‹


  1. Speed up prototyping
  2. Lower barrier for non-developers
  3. Encourage experimentation
  4. Build from *what you want1. rather than how to build it

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ How to Vibe Codeโ€‹


  1. ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Prompt the AI
    โ€œMake a to-do list with reminders.โ€

  2. ๐Ÿง  LLM generates code
    You get HTML, CSS, JavaScript, maybe even Firebase Firestore logic.

  3. ๐Ÿ‘€ Preview & Tweak
    Ask: โ€œMake the buttons blueโ€_ or _โ€œAdd swipe-to-deleteโ€

  4. ๐Ÿš€ Deploy & Iterate
    Test live. Iterate fast.



  1. โšก Speed: You can build entire features in minutes
  2. ๐ŸŒ€ Flow-first mindset: Create first, refactor later
  3. ๐ŸŒ Lower barrier: Designers and beginners can ship real apps

๐Ÿ“Š Real-World Adoptionโ€‹


  1. Y Combinator startups now build MVPs using vibe coding
  2. Amazon Q Developer is being used in production at scale
  3. Companies like Visa, Reddit, DoorDash are listing vibe coding as a required skill

๐Ÿš€ Productivity Gainsโ€‹


  1. Up to 5ร— faster prototyping
  2. You skip boilerplate โ€” AI handles it
  3. You focus on creativity, UX, and testing

โš ๏ธ What to Watch Out Forโ€‹


  1. ๐Ÿ” Security: You must review AI-generated code for vulnerabilities
  2. ๐Ÿงฉ Scalability: It's great for small apps, but larger systems still need architectural guidance
  3. ๐Ÿงพ Understanding: You may not know how every line of code works unless you dig in

๐Ÿ”ฅ Enter Firebase Studio: Your AI Coding Assistantโ€‹


Firebase Studio at https://studio.firebase.google.com allows you to build entire apps using Gemini by simply typing prompts.


Before we do that, letโ€™s walk through the setup.


โ˜๏ธ Setting Up Firebase and Google Cloudโ€‹


Step 1: Create a Google Accountโ€‹


  1. Visit https://accounts.google.com/signup
  2. Complete the signup process

Step 2: Create a Google Cloud Projectโ€‹


  1. Go to https://console.cloud.google.com
  2. Click Select project > New Project
  3. Give it a name (e.g., vibe-demo-app)
  4. Enable Billing if required (many Firebase features are free in Spark tier)


  1. Visit https://firebase.google.com
  2. Click Go to Console
  3. Choose your Google Cloud project
  4. Click Register App > choose Web icon

Done! Your Firebase app is now set up and connected.


๐Ÿง  Firebase Console vs Firebase Studioโ€‹


FeatureFirebase Console (console.firebase.google.com)Firebase Studio (studio.firebase.google.com)
PurposeManage backends and servicesBuild full-stack apps via AI prompts
UITraditional dashboardIn-browser code editor with Gemini
DeploymentCLI / GitHub ActionsOne-click inside Studio
AI SupportโŒโœ… Gemini built-in
UsersDevOps & engineersBuilders, designers, vibe coders
Live PreviewโŒโœ…
Custom DomainsVia Hosting settingsCan link in Hosting tab or deploy externally

Use both together: build with Studio โ†’ monitor/scale in Console.


โšก Build a Web App with Firebase Studioโ€‹


Step 1: Open Studioโ€‹


  1. Go to https://studio.firebase.google.com
  2. Click Start from scratch
  3. Select your Firebase project

Step 2: Prompt Geminiโ€‹


Enter this:


Build a responsive personal portfolio website with sections for About, Projects, Contact. Use Firebase Hosting. Make it clean and modern.

Studio will:


  1. Generate HTML/CSS/JS
  2. Scaffold hosting settings
  3. Show preview panel

Step 3: Customize and Testโ€‹


  1. Edit content inline (like project names or images)
  2. Use additional prompts like:

Add a dark mode toggle
Make the project cards responsive

Step 4: Deployโ€‹


  1. Click Deploy (top-right)
  2. Studio will deploy to a default .web.app domain

Example: https://vibe-portfolio-demo.web.app


๐ŸŒ Connect a Custom Domain via CloudMySiteโ€‹


CloudMySite.com offers free hosting โ€” you only pay for the domain.


Steps:โ€‹


  1. Go to https://cloudmysite.com
  2. Search for and purchase a domain
  3. From the dashboard, click Add Site
  4. Point the domain to your Firebase Hosting target (e.g. CNAME to ghs.googlehosted.com)
  5. Update Firebase Hosting settings in Console to add custom domain

โœ… Within minutes, your Firebase-hosted app runs on your domain.


๐Ÿ” Monitor & Logsโ€‹


Firebase Console Monitoring:โ€‹


  1. Go to console.firebase.google.com
  2. Open Performance or Analytics tabs
  3. Set up monitoring for slow loads, user sessions, errors

View Logs:โ€‹


  1. In Firebase Console, go to Functions > Logs (if using backend)
  2. Or view Hosting logs from Google Cloud Logging:

  1. Visit console.cloud.google.com/logs
  2. Filter by resource.type="firebase_hosting_site"

๐Ÿ”ฎ Explore Genkit (Optional)โ€‹


Genkit.dev is Google's framework for building AI-powered apps using local + cloud models.


Use it to:


  1. Add AI search to your site
  2. Use Gemini + embedding models
  3. Run local inference or Vertex AI endpoints

Genkit can be integrated with Firebase Functions and deployed serverlessly.


๐Ÿš€ Starting with a Firebase Studio Templateโ€‹


Firebase Studio makes it incredibly easy to jumpstart your app with production-ready templates that cover a wide range of use cases. Whether youโ€™re building a mobile app, an AI assistant, or a web dashboard, thereโ€™s a curated template to help you get moving quickly.


๐Ÿ”ง Whatโ€™s Available?โ€‹


Firebase Studio includes a rich selection of pre-configured templates across different categories:


  1. Backends (Node.js, Flask, Go, etc.)
  2. AI Apps powered by Gemini and other models
  3. Web Projects (Next.js, React, Vue)
  4. Mobile templates (Flutter, Android, iOS)
  5. Databases with Firestore, SQL, or external APIs
  6. Sample apps and complete solution blueprints

You can start with a community-contributed template, an official Google-backed one, or even a blank template to roll your own from scratch.


๐Ÿ—‚๏ธ Templates are available directly in Firebase Studio or on GitHub.
๐Ÿ”— Get started with a Firebase Studio template


๐ŸŽฏ What to Do Nextโ€‹


  1. Explore the generated code and config files
  2. Add authentication, Firestore, or hosting as needed
  3. Use prompts to modify UI, logic, or connect APIs
  4. Preview and deploy with one click

Templates in Firebase Studio provide a perfect blend of speed and flexibility โ€” letting you vibe code your way into a functional, scalable app.


๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Delete App and Projectโ€‹


Delete Firebase App:โ€‹


  1. Go to https://console.firebase.google.com
  2. Project settings > General > Click Delete this app

Delete GCP Project:โ€‹


  1. Go to https://console.cloud.google.com/projectdelete
  2. Select your project
  3. Confirm deletion

๐Ÿ›‘ Warning: this action is irreversible โ€” data will be permanently lost.


โœ… Recapโ€‹


  1. Vibe coding lets you prototype apps through natural prompts
  2. Firebase Studio + Gemini brings this to life
  3. Deploy your app with a click
  4. Use CloudMySite to add a real domain
  5. Monitor usage, extend with Genkit, or clean up when done

From idea to live site โ€” no IDE required.


๐Ÿš€ Call to Actionโ€‹


Whether you're experimenting with AI coding for the first time or deploying your tenth Firebase app, the right tools can save hours and spark creativity. If you're looking for a fast, free way to bring your site online with zero DevOps hassle, check out CloudMySite Genie.


โœจ Use the AI-powered Genie at cloudmysite.com/genie to instantly generate and deploy your website โ€” no coding required.


Want to connect your Firebase project to a custom domain or migrate your vibe-coded site to production? Genie takes care of that, too โ€” just describe your goals, and it handles the rest.


๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ’ป Ready to go from prompt to published site in minutes?
๐Ÿ‘‰ Start with Genie

Ready to build your next idea? Try Firebase Studio + CloudMySite now and turn your prompt into a product.

I Created a Real Human Ad - No Camera, No Crew, $12 Budget!

ยท 14 min read

What if you could create a complete, polished advertisement โ€” visuals, voiceover, and full video โ€” all for under $12?


That's exactly what I set out to prove in this project. In this blog post, I'll walk you through:


  1. The tools I used and why
  2. A cost breakdown
  3. Comparisons with OpenAI Sora and WanAI
  4. How I ultimately built the ad using Vertex AI VEO


Let's get started.



๐Ÿง  Why AI-Powered Ads Matterโ€‹


AI-powered ads are revolutionizing how we create and scale marketing content. Here's why:


  1. โšก Speed: Full video ads can be created in minutes
  2. ๐Ÿ’ฐ Affordability: Cost is a fraction of traditional production
  3. ๐Ÿ”„ Scalability: Generate multiple ad variants quickly
  4. ๐ŸŽฅ No actors or equipment needed

With just a text prompt, these tools handle:


  1. Script generation
  2. Voice narration
  3. Visual animation


๐Ÿงช Tools Compared: Sora, WanAI, and Vertex AIโ€‹


To benchmark what works best, I tested three AI platforms:


๐Ÿ”ท 1. OpenAI Soraโ€‹


Sora delivered a high-quality 8-second cinematic video based on my prompt.


  1. โœ… Smooth transitions
  2. โœ… Excellent lighting and motion
  3. โŒ Limited access
  4. โŒ No built-in voice-over

Sora can be ideal for short cinematic storytelling, but not suitable for complete end-to-end ad creation unless you combine tools.



๐Ÿ”ถ 2. WanAIโ€‹


WanAI provided an easy-to-use interface, but I hit a limitation quickly.


  1. โŒ Video generation failed
  2. โŒ No output, even after retries
  3. โš ๏ธ Likely due to the free-tier restriction

If you're using WanAI's free version, it may not be reliable for actual ad production.


๐ŸŒ Accessing WanAI via Alibaba Model Studioโ€‹


WanAI is part of Alibaba Cloud's generative AI offerings and can be accessed through the Model Studio interface. While not as frictionless as some Western platforms, it's still worth exploring โ€” especially for experimentation.


๐Ÿชช Step 1: Create an Alibaba Cloud Accountโ€‹

  1. Visit https://www.alibabacloud.com
  2. Register for a new account (email and phone verification required)
  3. You may be prompted to complete identity verification depending on your region

๐Ÿง  Step 2: Navigate to Model Studioโ€‹

  1. After logging in, search for Model Studio from the Alibaba Cloud Console or access it directly at: https://modelstudio.console.aliyun.com
  2. Agree to terms and enable the service for your account

๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Step 3: Find WanAIโ€‹

  1. Inside Model Studio, explore the generative AI models section
  2. Locate WanAI or its equivalent under video generation or multi-modal AI
  3. Note: the UI is partially in Chinese โ€” use browser translation if needed

๐ŸŽฌ Step 4: Provide Prompt and Generateโ€‹

  1. Use a descriptive text prompt to generate your video
  2. Wait for processing (this may take 1-2 minutes)
  3. Note: in the free tier, results may be throttled or not generated at all

โš ๏ธ In my case, WanAI did not produce a video under the free plan โ€” likely due to quota restrictions or runtime limits.


If you're interested in evaluating WanAI for business use, consider upgrading to a paid Alibaba Cloud subscription to unlock full capabilities.



โœ… 3. Vertex AI VEOโ€‹


This is where the magic happened. Vertex AI VEO allowed me to:


  1. ๐ŸŽž๏ธ Generate a high-quality 24 1. 30 second video
  2. ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Add professional voice narration
  3. ๐Ÿงฑ Use slide-based or text-prompt-based generation
  4. โœ… Fully control the visuals, timing, and tone

Best of all, the total cost stayed under $12 for the complete video with voice.



๐Ÿ“Š AI Platform Comparisonโ€‹


Below is a detailed comparison of the AI tools used during this ad creation journey:


ToolPlatformModalitiesPublic AccessStrengthsWeaknesses
Vertex AI (VEO)Google CloudImage, Video (VLOGGER), Sound (AudioLM)Requires GCP AccountOne-stop shop to create audio, image, and video.
Transparent pricing
Requires billing setup and project configuration
SoraOpenAI (Experimental)Video-only (no sound)No (Research preview)Photorealism, physics-aware scenesNot yet publicly available
Alibaba ModelScopeAlibaba CloudImage, Text2Video, VoicePublic (HuggingFace / GitHub)Open-source, wide model supportPoor video quality, UI less polished, DIY integration


๐ŸŽฌ How I Built the Ad in Vertex AI VEOโ€‹


๐Ÿงฐ Media Studio: A Unified Interface for Generative Creativityโ€‹


One of the most powerful components of Google's AI content ecosystem is the Media Studio โ€” a clean, intuitive interface that brings together all major generative modalities.


From a single dashboard, you can:


  1. Imagen 1. Generate stunning images using natural language descriptions
  2. Chirp 1. Produce voice-over narration with lifelike clarity
  3. Lyria 1. Compose custom music tracks based on mood, tone, and genre
  4. Veo 1. Generate high-quality, dynamic video scenes

1๏ธโƒฃ Start with a Prompt or Slide Structureโ€‹


In my case, I used a text prompt generated from the Model Studio prompt generator to define a narrative sequence of four emotional scenes:


Generate a series of four images depicting a business user, a middle-aged Asian man with short, dark hair, showcasing a range of emotions. In the first image, he is depicted feeling frustrated, his brow furrowed, and his lips pursed in a grimace. He is wearing a crisp, dark blue suit and a white dress shirt, conveying a sense of professionalism. The office is a typical corporate setting, with a large window behind him overlooking a bustling city landscape, with a cool color scheme. In the second image, he is intrigued, his eyes widened slightly as he leans forward in his chair, studying some documents on his desk. The office is the same, but a warm, muted orange tones color scheme is implemented, with soft light filtering in. In the third image, he is captured in a moment of excited, his arms raised in a gesture of triumph and a wide grin on his face. The office is the same, with high-contrast color scheme and dramatic lighting. In the fourth and final image, the user is portrayed as relieved and relaxed, his shoulders slumped in a comfortable posture, and a gentle smile playing on his lips. He is wearing the same suit as in the first three images, but now is sitting on a comfy couch in a modern, minimalist living room with a calm, pastel color scheme and soft, warm ambient lighting.

You can either:


  1. Enter your enter a prompt similar to above, or
  2. use Create Prompt from Model Studio prompt generator

2๏ธโƒฃ ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Create or Upload an Image:โ€‹


If you already have an image of your character or scene, you can upload it to enhance, animate, or extend it using AI tools inside Media Studio.


Alternatively, you can generate a new image using Imagen, Google's generative image model.


For example, try a prompt like:

Photorealistic depiction of a middle-aged Asian business man sitting in a modern office, looking frustrated, with a city skyline visible through the window behind him

This will help you visually establish the first emotional scene for your AI-generated ad.


With links to documentation and API references at the top, Media Studio is designed for both no-code users and developers โ€” enabling fast experimentation and production across image, voice, music, and video workflows.


Whether you're creating an ad, explainer video, music-backed clip, or voice-over narration โ€” Media Studio serves as your creative AI command center.


Sample images I created


3๏ธโƒฃ Generate Videoโ€‹


โš™๏ธ VEO 2 Configuration and Output Setupโ€‹


To generate the final video outputs, I used VEO 2 โ€” the latest iteration of Vertex AI's video generation model. Here's how I configured it for optimal results:


  1. Model: VEO 2
  2. Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (landscape, suitable for YouTube and web ads)
  3. Number of Results: 4 (to get multiple variations for creative flexibility)
  4. Video Length: 8 seconds per scene (ideal for short ad segments)

I also specified a Google Cloud Storage (GCS) output path for storing the generated videos:


gs://[your-bucket-name]/ads/


Storing outputs in GCS helped ensure persistence, easy access, and safe backup of all video assets during editing and review.


Finally, I enabled the Prompt Enhancement feature, which uses an LLM to automatically rewrite and enrich prompts for better video quality and fidelity. This dramatically improved the expressiveness and alignment of the output with my original creative intent.


๐Ÿงฉ Prompt-to-Image: From Concept to VEO Inputโ€‹


After generating the composite image showing the four emotional expressions using the earlier prompt, I downloaded it and used a basic image editor to split it into four separate images โ€” each representing one distinct emotion:


  1. Frustrated
  2. Intrigued
  3. Excited
  4. Relieved

I uploaded these images one by one into Vertex AI VEO, using them as input slides. For each image, I crafted a specific narrative prompt to guide the video generation:


  1. Frustrated:
A small business user is frustrated at the speed, availability of his website โ€” and that too after spending an exorbitant amount.
  1. Intrigued:
The same user is now intrigued after discovering a new cloud-based website platform that promises better speed, uptime, and affordability.
  1. Excited:
He is excited and overjoyed after seeing his website go live instantly, with blazing fast performance and zero downtime.
  1. Relieved:
Now relaxed and smiling, he's enjoying peace of mind, knowing that his online business is running smoothly and cost-effectively.

This scene-by-scene approach allowed VEO to generate a seamless, emotionally resonant ad narrative โ€” visual storytelling powered entirely by AI.


For each image, I provided a targeted contextual prompt. For example, for the first image:


A small business user is frustrated at the speed, availability of his website โ€” and that too after spending an exorbitant amount.

This approach helped VEO sequence the emotional narrative visually and thematically, delivering a more dynamic and relatable ad experience.


Choose:

  1. Aspect ratio: 16:9
  2. Duration: 24-30 seconds
  3. Resolution: 720p or 1080p

Within 1-2 minutes, VEO generated a fluid video matching my structure.


4๏ธโƒฃ Add Voice-Overโ€‹


Now that the video was created, had to add a voice where I used Vertex AI's built-in voice generation:

  1. English narration or multilingual depending on your ad.
  2. Voice: Choose the voice. Ensure you are choosing male or female based on the character
  3. Output: Clean, clear, and professional

You can review and re-generate multiple options, then export the audio.


5๏ธโƒฃ ๐ŸŽต Background Music Generation (Optional)โ€‹


To enhance the emotional tone of the ad, I also generated background music using AI.


I used the following prompt to create the audio:


A melodious soft music required for advertisement where a light music plays.

The result was a gentle, unobtrusive melody that blended perfectly with the voice-over and visuals โ€” helping to elevate the overall ad experience without overpowering the narration.


๐ŸŽž๏ธ Editing the Final Ad in CapCutโ€‹


Once all the individual video clips were generated by VEO and downloaded, I moved to the final phase of production: editing and assembling the ad in CapCut.


CapCut is a free and user-friendly video editor that offers a wide range of tools to polish raw footage into a professional-quality video.


๐Ÿชœ Step-by-Step: Editing AI-Generated Videos in CapCutโ€‹


1๏ธโƒฃ Launch CapCut and Start a New Projectโ€‹


  1. Open CapCut on your desktop or mobile device
  2. Click โ€œNew Projectโ€
  3. Drag and drop all your downloaded video clips into the timeline

2๏ธโƒฃ Arrange the Video Sequenceโ€‹


  1. Organize the clips in the intended narrative flow:
  2. Frustrated scene
  3. Intrigued scene
  4. Excited scene
  5. Relieved scene
  6. Trim any silent lead-in or fade-out to keep the pacing tight

3๏ธโƒฃ Add Transitionsโ€‹


  1. Insert subtle transitions (e.g., fade, slide, or zoom) between clips
  2. This creates smoother scene shifts and a more cohesive visual flow

4๏ธโƒฃ Import and Sync Voice-Overโ€‹


  1. Import the AI-generated voice-over audio file
  2. Drag it to the audio track in the timeline
  3. Adjust timing and sync it with the visuals so that emotional cues align

5๏ธโƒฃ Add Background Musicโ€‹


  1. Import the AI-generated background music file or you can choose from Canva or Capcut assets to have a background music
  2. Lower the background music volume (e.g., 30-40%) so it complements the voice-over
  3. Apply fade-in and fade-out to ensure the music blends smoothly

6๏ธโƒฃ Overlay Text or Branding (Optional)โ€‹


  1. Add on-screen text, brand logo, or a call-to-action (CTA) at the end:
  2. โ€œVisit nowโ€
  3. โ€œStart your website in minutesโ€
  4. โ€œPowered by AIโ€

7๏ธโƒฃ Export the Final Videoโ€‹


  1. Set export resolution to 1080p for best quality
  2. Click Export
  3. Save your finished ad for distribution or upload to your preferred platform


Using CapCut gave me complete control over how the scenes, voice, and music came together โ€” transforming AI-generated assets into a polished, emotionally compelling advertisement ready for publishing.



๐Ÿ’ต Cost Estimation: How I Calculated the $12 Budgetโ€‹


One of the key takeaways from this experiment was demonstrating that a professional-quality ad can be produced for under $12, using only AI-powered tools โ€” no actors, no cameras, no editing studio.


Here's how I calculated the total cost:


๐Ÿ” Reference Sourcesโ€‹


To estimate costs accurately, I referred to:


  1. Yahoo Finance coverage of Google's VEO pricing
  2. Google Cloud's official pricing calculator

๐Ÿ“Š Breakdown of Costsโ€‹


ItemEstimated Cost
VEO video generation (24-30s at 720p-1080p)~$7.50-$8.00
Voice-over generation (via Chirp or custom TTS)~$2.00-$2.50
Background music (via Lyria)~$0.50
GCS storage (temporary)~$0.10
Editing (CapCut - Free Tier)$0.00
Total~$10-12 USD

๐Ÿง  Note: Costs are based on prompt complexity, video duration, resolution, and number of generated outputs. For most short-form ads under 30 seconds, this range is a realistic budget using cloud-based generative AI.



๐Ÿ“ˆ Final Thoughtsโ€‹


Creating professional ads used to take:

  1. Studios
  2. Actors
  3. Editing software
  4. Weeks of effort

Now, with tools like Vertex AI VEO you can create powerful, production-ready ads in minutes and under $12.


Ready to create your own AI ad? Here's what to do:


  1. Sign up for Vertex AI

  2. Use my prompt templates above

  3. Experiment with different voices and music

  4. Share your results!


๐Ÿ“Ž Key Takeawaysโ€‹


  1. ๐ŸŽฏ Use Sora if you have access and need cinematic shots
  2. โš ๏ธ Avoid relying on WanAI's free tier for production work
  3. โœ… Vertex AI VEO is the best choice for full, affordable ad creation with voice-over and visuals

Ready to create your own ad? Let me know, and I'll share a downloadable template and workflow to get you started!




Call to Actionโ€‹


Choosing the right platform depends on your organizations needs. For more insights, subscribe to our newsletter for insights on cloud computing, tips, and the latest trends in technology. or follow our video series on cloud comparisons.


Interested in creating ads without the high agency cost? If yes, please contact us and we'll be more than glad to help you embark on not only building professional ads but also marketing on all platforms.

Train and Deploy an AutoML Image Classification Model with Vertex AI

ยท 4 min read

This tutorial guides you through the process of using Vertex AI to train and deploy an AutoML Image Classification model. You'll use a public flower image dataset, train the model using AutoML, evaluate its performance, deploy it to an endpoint, and send predictions โ€” all from the Google Cloud Console.



๐Ÿงฑ Step 1: Set Up Your Google Cloud Projectโ€‹


Select or Create a Projectโ€‹


  1. Visit the Google Cloud Console project selector.
  2. Choose an existing project or create a new one for this tutorial.

๐Ÿ’ก Tip: If you don't plan to retain the resources, create a new project so cleanup is easier.


Open Cloud Shellโ€‹


Click the Activate Cloud Shell button in the top-right of the console. Once ready, set your project ID:


gcloud config set project PROJECT_ID
export projectid=PROJECT_ID
echo $projectid

Replace PROJECT_ID with your actual project identifier.



๐Ÿ”ง Step 2: Enable Required APIsโ€‹


Run the following command in Cloud Shell:


gcloud services enable   iam.googleapis.com   compute.googleapis.com   notebooks.googleapis.com   storage.googleapis.com   aiplatform.googleapis.com

๐Ÿ” Step 3: Set IAM Permissionsโ€‹


Grant the necessary IAM roles:


gcloud projects add-iam-policy-binding PROJECT_ID   --member="user:your-email@example.com"   --role=roles/aiplatform.user

gcloud projects add-iam-policy-binding PROJECT_ID --member="user:your-email@example.com" --role=roles/storage.admin

These permissions allow you to use Vertex AI and access Cloud Storage for dataset management.


๐Ÿ—‚๏ธ Step 4: Create and Import Image Datasetโ€‹


Open Vertex AI > Datasetsโ€‹


  1. Click Create Dataset.
  2. Select Image as the data type.
  3. Choose Image Classification (Single-label).
  4. Set region to us-central1.
  5. Enter a name for the dataset (optional).
  6. Click Create.

Import Data from Cloud Storageโ€‹


Use this public CSV containing image URIs and labels:


cloud-samples-data/ai-platform/flowers/flowers.csv

This CSV includes rows like:


gs://cloud-samples-data/ai-platform/flowers/daisy/10559679065_50d2b16f6d.jpg,daisy
gs://cloud-samples-data/ai-platform/flowers/dandelion/10828951106_c3cd47983f.jpg,dandelion

๐Ÿ“Œ You'll see a preview of your images and labels after import completes (takes a few minutes).



๐Ÿง  Step 5: Train AutoML Modelโ€‹


  1. Go to the Models section.
  2. Click Train new model.
  3. Select:
    1. Training method: AutoML
    2. Target dataset: Your image dataset
  4. (Optional) Name your model.
  5. Define training options:
    • Training budget: 8 node hours
    • Enable Incremental Training: Only if you have a base model
  6. Click Start training.

๐Ÿ“ฌ Youโ€™ll get an email notification when training finishes (can take several hours).


๐Ÿ“ˆ Step 6: Evaluate Modelโ€‹


Navigate to the Evaluate tab of your model:


  • View key metrics:
    • Precision
    • Recall
    • Confusion Matrix
  • Analyze false positives, false negatives, and true positives.
  • Use Review Similar Images to find label inconsistencies or outliers.

๐Ÿ” Fix incorrect labels and re-train if needed to improve accuracy.


๐Ÿš€ Step 7: Deploy Model to Endpointโ€‹


  1. Go to Deploy & Test tab.
  2. Click Deploy to Endpoint.
  3. Choose:
    • Create New Endpoint
    • Name: image-classification
    • Traffic Split: 100%
    • Compute Nodes: 1
  4. Click Deploy.

Deployment takes a few minutes.


๐Ÿงช Step 8: Send a Predictionโ€‹


After deployment:


  1. Go to Deploy & Test > Test your model.
  2. Click Upload Image.
  3. Choose a local image.
  4. View the predicted label and confidence.

๐Ÿงน Step 9: Clean Up Resourcesโ€‹


To avoid charges, delete the resources:

Undeploy Modelโ€‹


Vertex AI > Models > Deploy & Test > Undeploy

Delete Endpointโ€‹


Vertex AI > Endpoints > Delete image-classification

9.3 Delete Model and Datasetโ€‹


Vertex AI > Models > Delete
Vertex AI > Datasets > Delete

Delete Cloud Storage Bucketโ€‹


Go to Cloud Storage and delete your bucket.


๐Ÿ“š Summaryโ€‹


  • โœ… Created dataset with labeled images
  • โœ… Trained an AutoML image classification model
  • โœ… Evaluated model performance
  • โœ… Deployed to a live endpoint
  • โœ… Sent predictions and cleaned up

Vertex AI simplifies machine learning workflows with a UI-based AutoML approach. Stay tuned for more advanced tutorials on custom training, multi-class classification, and model explainability.


๐Ÿ’ก "Teaching AI has never been easier. With Vertex AI, all you need is your data."

Mastering Data Transfer Times for Cloud Migration

ยท 7 min read

First, let's understand what cloud data transfer is and its significance. In today's digital age, many applications are transitioning to the cloud, often resulting in hybrid models wherecomponents may reside on-premises or in cloud environments. This shift necessitates robustdata transfer capabilities to ensure seamless communication between on-premises and cloud components.

Businesses are moving towards cloud services not because they enjoy managing data centers, but because they aim to run their operations more efficiently. Cloud providers specialize in managing data center operations, allowing businesses to focus on their core activities. This fundamental shift underlines the need for ongoing data transfer from onpremises infrastructure to cloud environments.

To give you a clearer picture, we present an indicative reference architecture focusing on Azure (though similar principles apply to AWS and Google Cloud). This architecture includes various components such as virtual networks, subnets, load balancers, applications, databases, and peripheral services like Azure Monitor and API Management. This setup exemplifies a typical scenario for a hybrid application requiring data transfer between cloud and on-premises environments.

Indicative Reference Architecture

Calculating Data Transfer Times

A key aspect of cloud migration is understanding how to efficiently transfer application data. We highlight useful tools and calculators that have aided numerous cloud migrations. For example, the decision between using AWS Snowball, Azure Data Box, or internet transfer is a common dilemma. These tools help estimate the time required to transfer data volumes across different bandwidths, offering insights into the most cost-effective and efficient strategies. Following calculators should be used to calculate data transfer costs.

Ref: https://cloud.google.com/architecture/migration-to-google-cloud-transferring-your-large-datasets#time

Ref: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-choose-data-transfer-solution

Following image from Google documentation provides a good chart on data size with respect to network bandwidth:

Calculating Data Transfer Times

Cost-Effective Data Transfer Strategies

Simplification is the name of the game when it comes to data transfer. Utilizing simple commands and tools like Azure's azcopy, AWS S3 sync, and Google's equivalent services can significantly streamline the process. Moreover, working closely with the networking team to schedule transfers during off-peak hours and chunking data to manage bandwidth utilization are strategies that can minimize disruption and maximize efficiency.

[x] Leverage SDK and APIs where applicable [x] Work with the organizations network team [x] Try to split data transfers and leverage resumable transfers [x] Compress & Optimize the data [x] Use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), caching and regions closer to data [x] Leverage cloud provider products to its strength and do your own analysis

Deep Dive Comparison

We compare data transfer services across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, covering direct connectivity options, transfer acceleration mechanisms, physical data transfer appliances, and services tailored for large data movements. Each cloud provider offers unique solutions, from AWS's Direct Connect and Snowball to Azure's ExpressRoute and Data Box, and Google Cloud's Interconnect and Transfer Appliance.

AWSAzureGCP
AWS Direct ConnectAzure ExpressRouteCloud Interconnect
Provides a dedicated network connection from on-premises to AWS.Offers private connections between Azure data centers and infrastructure.Provides direct physical connections to Google Cloud.
Amazon S3 Transfer AccelerationAzure Blob Storage TransferGoogle Transfer Appliance
Speeds up the transfer of files to S3 using optimized network protocols.Accelerates data transfer to Blob storage using Azure's global network.A rackable high-capacity storage server for large data transfers.
AWS Snowball/SnowmobileAzure Data BoxGoogle Transfer appliance
Physical devices for transporting large volumes of data into and out of AWS.Devices to transfer large amounts of data into Azure Storage.Is a high-capacity storage device that can transfer and securely ship data to a Google upload facility. The service is available in two configurations: 100TB or 480TB of raw storage capacity, or up to 200TB or 1PB compressed.
AWS Storage GatewayAzure Import/ExportGoogle Cloud Storage Transfer Service
Connects on-premises software applications with cloud-based storage.Service for importing/exporting large amounts of data using hard drives and SSDs.Provides similar but not ditto same services such as DataPrep.
AWS DataSyncAzure File SyncGoogle Cloud Storage Transfer Service
Automates data transfer between on-premises storage and AWS services.Synchronizes files across Azure File shares and on-premises servers.Automates data synchronization from and to GCP Storage from external sources.
CloudEndureAzure Site RecoveryMigrate 4 Compute Engine
AWS CloudEndure works with both Linux and Windows VMs hosted on hypervisors, including VMware, Hyper-V and KVM. CloudEndure also supports workloads running on physical servers as well as cloud-based workloads running in AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform and other environmentsHelp your business to keep doing businessโ€”even during major IT outages. Azure Site Recovery offers ease of deployment, cost effectiveness, and dependability.To lift & shift on-prem apps to GCP.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our exploration of the data transfer speed and corresponding services provided by AWS, Azure, and GCP, it should be clear what options to consider for what data size and that each platform offers a wealth of options designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses moving and managing big data. Whether you require direct network connectivity, physical data transport devices, or services that synchronize your files across cloud environments, there is a solution tailored to your specific requirements.

Choosing the right service hinges on various factors such as data volume, transfer frequency, security needs, and the level of integration required with your existing infrastructure. AWS shines with its comprehensive services like Direct Connect and Snowball for massive data migration tasks. Azure's strength lies in its enterprise-focused offerings like ExpressRoute and Data Box, which ensure seamless integration with existing systems. Meanwhile, GCP stands out with its Interconnect and Transfer Appliance services, catering to those deeply invested in analytics and cloud-native applications.

Each cloud provider has clearly put significant thought into how to alleviate the complexities of big data transfers. By understanding the subtleties of each service, organizations can make informed decisions that align with their strategic goals, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition to the cloud.

As the cloud ecosystem continues to evolve, the tools and services for data transfer are bound to expand and innovate further. Businesses should stay informed of these developments to continue leveraging the best that cloud technology has to offer. In conclusion, the journey of selecting the right data transfer service is as critical as the data itself, paving the way for a future where cloud-driven solutions are the cornerstones of business operations.

Call to Actionโ€‹

Choosing the right platform depends on your organizations needs. For more insights, subscribe to our newsletter for insights on cloud computing, tips, and the latest trends in technology. or follow our video series on cloud comparisons.

Interested in having your organization setup on cloud? If yes, please contact us and we'll be more than glad to help you embark on cloud journey.

AWS vs Google vs Azure: Decoding the Ultimate Cloud Battle

ยท 14 min read

In the ever-evolving world of technology, one question frequently arises among professionals and businesses alike: which cloud provider is the best fit for my needs? With a plethora of options available, including giants like AWS (Amazon Web Services), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, the decision can seem daunting. This blog aims to shed light on the key differences and strengths of these leading cloud services, helping you navigate the complex landscape of cloud computing.

"Choose wisely: AWS's global reach and vast services, Azure's seamless integration with Microsoft's ecosystem, and Google Cloud's leading data analytics and machine learning capabilities are shaping the future of the cloud, driving innovation, and redefining what's possible in technology."


Understanding Cloud Computingโ€‹

Cloud computing has revolutionized the way we store, manage, and process data. At its core, cloud computing allows users to access and utilize computing resources over the internet, offering flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. As the demand for these services grows, so does the landscape of providers, with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud leading the charge. But what makes cloud computing so significant, and how has it evolved over the years? This section delves into the basics of cloud computing, its importance, and the transformative impact it has had on businesses and technology strategies worldwide.


Comparing Cloud Providersโ€‹

When it comes to selecting a cloud service provider, the choice often boils down to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Each provider offers unique strengths and services tailored to different business needs.


AWSโ€‹

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a pioneer in the cloud computing domain, offering an extensive range of services. From powerful compute options like EC2 to innovative technologies such as AWS Lambda for serverless computing, AWS caters to a wide array of computing needs. Its global network of data centers ensures high availability and reliability for businesses worldwide.


Azureโ€‹

Microsoft Azure provides a seamless integration with Microsoft's software ecosystem, making it an attractive option for enterprises heavily invested in Microsoft products. Azure excels in hybrid cloud solutions, allowing businesses to bridge their on-premises infrastructure with the cloud. Azure's AI and machine learning services are also noteworthy, offering cutting-edge tools for businesses to leverage.

Read more about Azure


Google Cloudโ€‹

Google Cloud stands out for its data analytics and machine learning services, building on Google's extensive experience in data management and AI. With solutions like BigQuery and TensorFlow, Google Cloud is ideal for projects that require advanced data analysis and machine learning capabilities.


Other Providersโ€‹

Beyond these giants, the cloud landscape includes other notable providers such as IBM Cloud, Oracle Cloud, and Alibaba Cloud, each offering unique services and regional strengths.


Choosing the Right Cloud Providerโ€‹

Selecting the right cloud provider depends on several factors:

  • Cost Efficiency: Comparing pricing models is crucial as costs can vary significantly based on resource consumption, storage needs, and network usage.
  • Service Offerings: Consider the range of services offered and how they align with your project requirements.
  • Scalability and Flexibility: Assess the provider's ability to scale resources up or down based on demand.
  • Security and Compliance: Ensure the provider meets your industry's security standards and compliance requirements.
  • Support and Community: Consider the level of support offered and the active community around the cloud services.

The Future of Cloud Computingโ€‹

The future of cloud computing is poised for exponential growth, with emerging trends such as edge computing, serverless architectures, and AI-driven cloud services shaping the next wave of innovation. Businesses must stay abreast of these developments to leverage cloud computing effectively and maintain a competitive edge.



Service Comparison: AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud Computeโ€‹

ServiceAmazon Web ServicesGoogle Cloud PlatformMicrosoft Azure
Deploy, manage, and maintain virtual serversElastic Compute Cloud EC2Compute EngineVirtual Machines Virtual Machine Scale Sets
Shared Web hostingAWS AmplifyWeb AppsFirebase
Management support for Docker/Kubernetes containersEC2 Container Service (ECS)Kubernetes EngineContainer Service
Docker container registryEC2 Container Registry (ECR)Container RegistryContainer Registry
Orchestrate and manage microservice-based applicationsAWS Elastic BeanstalkApp EngineService Fabric
Integrate systems and run backend logic processesLambdaCloud FunctionsFunctions
Run large-scale parallel and high-performance batch computingBatchPreemptible VMsBatch
Automatically scale instancesAuto ScalingInstance GroupsVirtual Machine Scale Sets App Service Scale Capability PAAS AutoScaling

Service Comparison: AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud Storageโ€‹

ServiceAmazon Web ServicesGoogle Cloud PlatformMicrosoft Azure
Object storage service for use casesSimple Storage Services (S3)Google Cloud StorageStorage (Block Blob)
Virtual server disk infrastructureElastic Block Store (EBS)Compute Engine Persistent DisksStorage (Page Blobs)
Archive storageS3 Infrequent Access (IA) GlacierNearline ColdlineStorage (Cool) Storage (Archive) Data Archive
Create and configure shared file systemsElastic File System (EFS)
File Store
ZFS / AvereAzure Files Azure NetApp Files
Hybrid storageStorage GatewayEgnyte SyncStorSimple
Bulk data transfer solutions

Elastic File System (EFS) File Store Snowmobile

Storage transfer ServiceImport/Export Azure Data Box
Snowmobile
BackupObject StorageBackup
Cold Archive Storage
Storage Gateway
Automatic protection and disaster recoveryDisaster RecoveryDisaster Recovery CookbookSite Recovery

Service Comparison: AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud Networking and Content Deliveryโ€‹

ServiceAmazon Web ServicesGoogle Cloud PlatformMicrosoft Azure
Isolated, private cloud private networkingVirtual Private CloudVirtual Private CloudVirtual Network
Cross-premises connectivityAPI GatewayCloud VPNVPN Gateway
Manage DNS names and recordsRoute 53Google Cloud DNSAzure DNS Traffic Manager
Global content delivery networksCloudFrontCloud InterconnectContent Delivery Network
Dedicated, private network connectionDirect ConnectCloud InterconnectExpressRoute
Load balancing configurationElastic Load BalancingCloud Load BalancingLoad Balancer Application Gateway

Service Comparison: AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud Databaseโ€‹

ServiceAmazon Web ServicesGoogle Cloud PlatformMicrosoft Azure
Managed relational database-as-a-serviceRDSCloud SQL Cloud Spanner Database for PostgreSQLSQL Database Database for MySQL
NoSQL (Indexed)DynamoDB Cloud BigtableCloud DatastoreCosmos DB
NoSQL (Key-value)DynamoDB SimpleDBCloud Datastoretable Storage
Managed data warehouseRedshiftBig QuerySQL Data Warehouse

Service Comparison: AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud Big Data & Advanced Analyticsโ€‹

ServiceAmazon Web ServicesGoogle Cloud PlatformMicrosoft Azure
Big Data Managed Cluster as a ServiceEMRCloud DataProcAzure HDInsight
Cloud SearchCloudSearch OpenSearch ServiceSearchAzure Search
Streaming ServiceKinesis Kinesis Video StreamsCloud DataflowAzure Stream Analytics
Data WarehouseRedshiftBigQueryAzure SQL Data Warehouse
Business Intelligence, Data VisualizationQuickSight LookerGoogle Data StudioPowerBI
Cloud EtLAWS Data Pipeline AWS GlueCloud DataPrep Cloud Data FusionAzure Data Factory Azure Data Catalog
Simple Workflow Service (SWF)Cloud ComposerLogic Apps
third party data exchangeAWS Data ExchangeAnalytics HubAzure Data Share
Data Analytics platformRedshiftBig QueryAzure Databricks

Service Comparison: AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud Artificial Intelligenceโ€‹

ServiceAmazon Web ServicesGoogle Cloud PlatformMicrosoft Azure
Language Processing AIAmazon LexNatural Language APILUIS (Language Understanding Intelligent Service)
Amazon ComprehendCloud text-to-SpeechAzure Bot Service
DialogFlow Enterprise EditionAzure text Analytic
Speech Recognition AIAmazon Pollytranslation APISpeaker Recognition
Amazon transcribeSpeech APISpeech to text
Amazon translateSpeech translation
Image Recognition AIAmazon RecognitionVision APIEmotion API
Cloud Video IntelligenceComputer Vision
Face API
Machine LearningAmazon Machine LearningCloud DataLabAzure Machine Learning
Amazon Sageโ€‹MakerCloud AutoMLAzure Machine Learning Workbench
AWS NeuronVertex AIAzure Machine Learning Model Management
Machine Learning FrameworkstensorFlow on AWSVertex AI (tensorFlow, Pytorch, XGBoost, Scikit-Learn)Azure Machine Learning
Pytorch on AWS
Apache MXNet on AWS
Business analysisAmazon ForecastVertex AI (tensorFlow, Pytorch, XGBoost, Scikit-Learn)Azure Analysis Service
Amazon Fraud DetectorAzure Metrics Advisor
Amazon Lookout for MetricsPersonalize
Amazon Augmented AI (Amazon A2I)
Amazon Personalize
Machine Learning InferenceAmazon Elastic InferenceVertex AI Predictionstime Series Insights reference data sets

Service Comparison: AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud Management and Monitoringโ€‹

ServiceAmazon Web ServicesGoogle Cloud PlatformMicrosoft Azure
Cloud advisor capabilitiestrusted AdvisorCloud Platform SecurityAdvisor
DevOps deployment orchestrationOpsWorks (Chef-based)Cloud Deployment ManagerAutomation
CloudFormationResource Manager
Cloud resources management monitoringCloudWatchStackdriver MonitoringPortal
X-RayCloud ShellMonitor
Management ConsoleDebuggerApplication Insights
trace
Error Reporting
AdministrationApplication Discovery ServiceCloud ConsoleLog Analytics
Systems ManagerOperations Management Suite
Personal Health DashboardResource Health
Storage Explorer
BillingBilling APICloud Billing APIBilling API

Service Comparison: AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud Securityโ€‹

ServiceAmazon Web ServicesGoogle Cloud PlatformMicrosoft Azure
Authentication and authorizationIdentity and Access Management (IAM)Cloud IAMActive DirectoryActive Directory Premium
OrganizationsCloud Identity-Aware Proxy
Information ProtectionInformation Protection
Protect and safeguard with data encryptionKey Management ServiceStorage Service Encryption
Hardware-based security modulesCloudHSMCloud KeyKey Vault
Management Service
FirewallWeb Application FirewallCloud ArmorApplication Gateway
Cloud security assessment and certification servicesInspectorSecurity Command CenterSecurity Center
Certificate Manager
Directory servicesAWS Directory ServiceIdentity PlatformActive Directory Domain Services
Identity managementCognitoFirebase AuthenticationActive Directory B2C
Support cloud directoriesDirectory ServiceWindows Server Active Directory
ComplianceArtifactService trust Portal
Cloud services with protectionShieldCloud ArmorDDoS Protection Service

Service Comparison: AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud Developerโ€‹

ServiceAmazon Web ServicesGoogle Cloud PlatformMicrosoft Azure
Media transcodingElastic transcodertranscoder APIAzure Media Services
Cloud source code repositoryCodeCommitSource RepositoriesDevOps Server
Build Continuous IntegrationCodeBuildCloud BuildAzure DevOps Server
DeploymentCodeDeployCloud BuildAzure Pipeline
DevOps - Continuous Integration DeliveryCodePipelineCloud BuildAzure Devtest Labs
SDK for various languagesAWS Mobile SDKFirebaseAzure SDK

Lets discuss how we can optimize your business operations. Contact us for a consultation Contact Us


Conclusionโ€‹

Choosing between AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud depends on your specific needs, budget, and long-term technology strategy. By understanding the strengths and offerings of each provider, businesses can make informed decisions that align with their objectives. As the cloud computing landscape continues to evolve, staying informed and adaptable will be key to leveraging the power of the cloud to drive business success.