KeyBank will use automations to migrate its platforms and applications to Google Cloud. The multiyear partnership announced last week will give the bank access to Google’s advanced data and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

Migrations come with challenges, but the $186.3 billion bank already has established a program with several workstreams to manage aspects of the application transfer to Google Cloud, KeyBank CIO Amy Brady told Bank Automation News.

“Tools will be used to create dependency maps, automation will be utilized to transform and migrate workloads, and risk partners will provide oversight throughout the migration,” Brady said.

The Cleveland-based bank also established a steering committee to review progress and risks, and is taking steps to communicate updates to teammates, Brady added.

Google, KeyBank and Deloitte made a joint announcement last week about the partnership. Deloitte is the bank’s system integrator and will help facilitate and optimize the migration of the bank’s data centers to Google Cloud, Brady said. Under the agreement, KeyBank will migrate its infrastructure to Google Cloud beginning this year, eventually moving the majority of its products and services to the cloud by 2025.

KeyBank runs the IBM-mainframe-based Hogan core banking system, which is not included in the migration plan.

While the bank would not disclose the financial details of the partnership, Brady did tell BAN that KeyBank chose Google over other cloud providers due to its existing partnership with Google Cloud.

“We have a long partnership with Google Cloud, in which we have built and quickly scaled cutting-edge digital services for our clients with security at the core,” she said.

KeyBank was an early adopter of Anthos, Google’s multi- and hybrid-cloud management platform, and Kubernetes, a Google-created open-source cloud software solution that powers KeyBank’s digital properties and apps. KeyBank also launched its first digital health care-focused bank, Laurel Road for Doctors, on Google Cloud in 2021.

The extended partnership will allow KeyBank to leverage Google Cloud’s advanced data solutions and artificial intelligence technologies to create a faster, personalized and secure digital experience, Brady said.

One example: KeyBank will use Google Cloud’s conversational AI virtual agent, Contact Center AI, to provide more natural and accurate interactions with customers. The AI will provide call center agents with more detailed information about a customer’s pending charges and a specific FAQ before they connect with customers, the bank said in a release.

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