Google’s New A2A Protocol: What It Means for Business Leaders
Imagine this: your company’s AI assistant can talk directly to your vendor’s AI assistant. No manual data entry, no clunky integrations—just smooth, secure collaboration between digital coworkers.
That’s the vision behind Google’s new protocol: Agent-to-Agent (A2A).
And it’s not just Google behind this. Over 50 big-name partners—like Salesforce, Atlassian, SAP, and Twilio—are backing the initiative. A2A could be one of the most important shifts in enterprise technology we’ve seen in years.
So What Is A2A?
In simple terms, A2A is a new internet protocol that allows AI agents—the digital assistants running inside apps and systems—to talk to each other, even if they’re built by different companies or running on different platforms.
It’s like giving AI systems a common language so they can collaborate, just like people do in a meeting or over email.
Why Does This Matter?
Right now, most AI tools are locked in their own silos. Your customer service chatbot doesn’t “talk” to your inventory AI. Your marketing assistant can’t coordinate with your sales forecasting tool.
A2A changes that.
It opens the door for:
Cross-company automation: Imagine your sales AI automatically scheduling demos with a client’s procurement AI.
Fewer manual handoffs: AI agents can carry out full workflows across apps without human intervention.
Stronger partnerships: Vendors’ systems can now work more fluidly with yours—saving time, reducing friction, and creating new business value.
A Simple Example
Let’s say you're hiring.
Your HR AI posts a job.
Another AI agent screens resumes.
A third one checks references and coordinates interview scheduling.
All of them might be from different platforms—but with A2A, they can communicate and keep the process moving automatically.
The result? Less admin. Faster results. Fewer errors.
What Makes A2A Different?
Here’s what’s built into the A2A protocol:
Agent discovery: AI agents can describe what they do, so other agents know how to use them.
Secure communication: Everything is encrypted and access-controlled, so sensitive data stays safe.
Real-time updates: Agents can collaborate on long-running tasks and keep each other (and you) updated along the way.
Flexible channels: Agents can use text, forms, or even audio/video to work together.
What Should Business Leaders Do Now?
Start the conversation with your tech team. Ask them what AI agents you already use—and whether they could benefit from interoperability.
Think beyond departments. A2A works best when you connect different systems. Consider how AI could streamline processes across HR, sales, finance, and operations.
Watch the ecosystem. With 50+ partners already on board, the A2A-compatible tools you use may soon be ready to “speak” to one another.
Final Thought
Just like email transformed how people work, A2A will transform how AI works on your behalf. It’s still early—but business leaders who understand and embrace this shift will be a step ahead.
AI is no longer just a tool—it’s a team. A2A makes that team stronger.
