Google is partnering with open-source companies to compete with Amazon in the cloud, rather than competing directly with them. This approach allows Google Cloud to tap into the expertise and resources of these businesses while also expanding its own offerings. In this context, Google has partnered with InfluxData, a startup that commercializes the open-source time series database InfluxDB. By working with open-source companies, Google aims to gain a competitive edge in the cloud market without directly competing with Amazon's own offerings.