Artificial Intelligence - Google Vertex/Gemini Guide

Thursday, 12 June 2025

This article is currently incomplete.

Google Vertex/Gemini, requires the finPOWER Connect Artificial Intelligence Add-On.

Vertex is Google's Enterprise AI solution whereas Gemini is more consumer-based. Either can be used with finPOWER Connect.

As with all AI services, it is configured in Cost Centres.

The article contains information for systems and/or services outside of finPOWER Connect that may be subject to change.

About Vertex

  • Google's Enterprise AI solution
  • Unless you are using 'Express Mode', configuration is quite complex
    • In early 2026, Google added an 'Express Mode' which enables applications to connect using only an API key
    • NOTE: If you already have a Vertex account, you may NOT be unable to change it to use 'Express Mode'

About Gemini

  • ALWAYS use the paid tier to ensure your data is not used for training
  • Easily configured using a simple API key

Getting a Gemini API Key

Skip this section and use the next sections if you are using Vertex instead of Gemini.

Getting a Vertex 'Express Mode' API Key

Skip this section and use the next section if you are using Vertex and are NOT using 'Express Mode'.

Getting Vertex Credentials

Unlike Gemini and Vertex 'Express Mode', Vertex requires more than just a simple API key, it requires a JSON (JavaScript text file) that contains credential information.

  • Click the button in the top-left. By default this will be 'My First Project' may, depending on whether you have existing projects. In the screenshot below it is 'Generative Language Client'
    Created from paste into Topic content
  • Click 'Console' in the top-right
    • ???
  • Click 'New Project'
    Created from paste into Topic content

* Click 'Create'

  • Ensure your new project is selected
    • screenshot
  • If necessary, use the 'Quick access', 'Billing' link to set up billing
    • screenshot
  • Click 'Quick access', 'APIs and Services'
    • screenshot (as above)
  • Click '+ Enable APIs and services'
    • screenshot
  • Search for 'vertex' and select 'vertex ai api'
    • screenshot
  • Select 'Vertex AI API'
    • screenshot
  • Click Enable
    • screenshot
  • Select 'Credentials'
    • screenshot
  • Select '+ Create credentials', 'Service account'
    • screenshot
  • Enter details and click Done
    • screenshot
  • Select the new service account
    • screenshot
  • Click 'Keys'
    • screenshot
  • Click Add key, 'Create new key'
  • Select JSON as the 'Key type'
  • This automatically downloads the JSON file to your PC
    • IMPORTANT: Save this file somewhere safe, you cannot create it again

You will need this JSON file when setting up the Cost Centre.

MAY BE REQUIRED (if you get 403 errors) Permissions:

  • screenshot
  • Vertex AI User
  • Vertex AI Administrator
  • NOTE: You may need to wait a few minutes before the 403 errors disappear

Configuring Cost Centres

Google Vertex/Gemini is configured on the Cost Centres form under the "AI - Google Vertex/Gemini" page.

  • Some models (the brain) cost more than others
    • finPOWER Connect allows you to define 'simple' and 'advanced' models to help reduce costs

Simple vs Advanced Models