Cloud computing has become a must-have technology for individuals and organizations in the current decade to secure, store, process, and streamline their operations. By residing large data sets to the computing platforms, organizations can achieve flexibility, and scalability, reduce IT costs, and transform faster.
With several emerging cloud computing platforms, three giant platforms are more dominant among others: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Each platform has its specialties for its own targeted industry based on budgeting and other factors. However, they differ in strengths and weaknesses.
This guide will unwrap everything from discussing cloud computing, in general, to deeply unwrapping all three cloud computing giants in terms of their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability among industries. By understanding all these attributes, organizations can make the right decisions when choosing the cloud platform to transform their business.
Understanding Cloud Computing
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is an internet-based storage technology for individuals and organizations looking to revolutionize their digital products. Organizations can use computing services like servers, storage, databases, etc. over the Internet or cloud to store data and process operations without needing any physical hardware or storage device.
The process is simple: Businesses will purchase a computing service from a cloud computing platform according to their suitability. After they reside their data sets, organizations can easily access all the data over the internet or cloud from anywhere by logging in to these services.
Everyday life examples of cloud computing services include streaming platforms like Netflix, email services like Gmail, and cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox. All these computing services allow these organizations to save large data sets and streamline processes.
Types of Cloud Computing:
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
IaaS provides virtual computing resources like storage and servers. This enables companies and big enterprises to store large data sets virtually, rather than physical hardware. A big advantage is that these resources can be accessible from anywhere using the internet. Example: AWS EC2, Microsoft Azure VMs.
- PaaS (Platform as a Service)
PaaS is a platform built especially for developers. This allows developers to effectively code, build, deploy, and manage applications – all in one place. It enables faster development and scalability for software solutions. Example: Google App Engine, Heroku.
- SaaS (Software as a Service)
SaaS helps build and deliver ready-to-use software applications over the internet. These applications are accessible via web browsers using the internet. It allows companies to use software without installation or maintenance, often on a subscription basis. Example: Salesforce, Slack.
Key Differences in User Benefits
| IaaS | PaaS | SaaS |
| Provides raw infrastructure (VMs, storage). | Offers tools for app development and deployment. | Delivers fully functional software. |
| Users manage resources themselves. | Users focus on building applications. | Users access the software directly. |
| Best for IT professionals. | Best for developers. | Best for end users/businesses. |
Top 3 Cloud Providers – AWS, Azure, GCP
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the first leading and mature cloud computing platform. AWS mainly started as an internal infrastructure solution for Amazon’s e-commerce business. Later, it was publicly launched in 2006 by Amazon as a full-fledged cloud service provider. Over the years, AWS has grown into the world’s leading cloud platform, offering 200 fully featured demanding services to organizations, governments, and individual developers.
As of the second quarter of 2024, AWS secured a 33% share of the global cloud market and showed an excellent change in sales with up to 19% increment. According to the Q1 2024 report, AWS reported $25.04 billion in revenue, following the successful year of 2023 with the generated revenue of $90.8 billion. Prominent companies as customers of AWS include:
- Sony
- Adobe
- Coinbase
- Airbnb
- Coca-Cola
- McAfee
- Netflix
- Starbucks
- Unilever
These companies, among others, have chosen the AWS cloud platform as their go-to choice to meet their large computing needs.
Microsoft Azure
Azure was launched in 2010 by Microsoft, a few years after AWS, but growing more rapidly than AWS with a notable 33% revenue growth. They not only offer Windows-based services but also support open-source languages and can provide LinkedIn licenses, Microsoft licenses, and GitHub licenses. No other cloud computing platform has such a portfolio of services, and that’s the reason why Azure is leading among the two big cloud giants.
It is mainly developed to benefit and target Microsoft-centric companies and enterprises. Such companies largely use Microsoft products like Windows Server, SQL Server, and others to manage their applications.
Here, Azure comes as a big help! It allows these organizations to effectively build, deploy, and manage applications and services through a global network of big data centers. It is also well-suited for expert developers, IT professionals, and businesses, giving them an edge in using cloud solutions.
In 2023, Azure’s parent company Microsoft reported 17.7% revenue growth reaching $96.2 billion by offering its cloud offerings. Azure is also leading in growth with a 24% growth reported in 2024. Additionally, Azure has a strong future, as it is investing heavily in AI, including a $13 billion stake in OpenAI.
Some prominent customers of Microsoft Azure include:
- Cargill
- Coco-Cola
- Delta
- Bing
- Verizon
- MSI Computer
- LG Electronics
- CenturyLink
- Wikimedia Foundation
- LinkedIn Corp
- Bosch
Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) was launched later in 2008 by Google. Compared to AWS and Azure, GCP is the smallest in terms of deliverables and holds less market share compared to others. In the third quarter of 2024, Google Cloud reported a 35% year-over-year revenue increase along with a 13% global market share, reaching $11.4 billion.
While GCP is less competitive than others in revenue – it is an ideal choice for businesses using Google Workspace for their processes. GCP is also well-known for its cost-effective pricing, user-friendly interface, and seamless integration with Google services, making it super convenient to operate and adopt, even for beginners.
Some potential customers of GCP include:
- Verizon
- Twitch Interactive
- CenturyLink
- LinkedIn Corp
- SAP
- Facebook, Inc
- Intel
- Yahoo
- The Home Depot
- PayPal
AWS VS Azure VS GCP: Which is Best?
Well, it entirely depends on your business nature and requirements. However, here’s a quick suggestion:
- Choose AWS if you need a mature and feature-rich platform with global credibility and reach.
- Proceed with Azure, if your software nature requires a deep integration with Microsoft tools or hybrid cloud capabilities.
- If you highly prioritize data analytics, AI, or cost-effective pricing on your system, go with GCP platform.
Remember, finding and choosing the right platform isn’t just about system requirements—it also depends on regional availability. Not all cloud providers work in every region, so test and verify which one is suitable for you.
How to Choose the Right Cloud Platform?
Choosing the suitable and right cloud platform for your business is simple yet depends on your business needs. So, start by checking availability and defining your goals, such as scalability, data analytics, or hybrid cloud solutions.
Then, compare the core services of AWS, Azure, and GCP and evaluate pricing models to avoid unexpected costs. Test platforms using free tiers or trials to see which aligns best with your workflows and gives the best results. By weighing all these factors, you can choose the cloud platform that drives your business forward.
Conclusion
In today’s rapidly evolving cloud environment, many large businesses are switching their systems to both single and multi-cloud platforms to leverage their systems and optimize their workflows.
Whether you choose AWS, Azure, GCP, or a multi-cloud platform, the choice remains yours. Always choose a provider that is available in your region and is entirely aligned with your business factors like budget, goals, and future growth plans.
