If you have been using cloud services, you must be familiar with Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Azure, the three most prominent players in the cloud computing industry. Although you can adopt a multi-cloud strategy and work with all three, most entrepreneurs want to stick to a single cloud service provider. Each option we’ve discussed in this post is popular for its exceptional services. We’ll compare them on the basis of services, cloud infrastructure, perks, pricing, and other parameters to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is the most preferred choice for data management. The reasons for its growing popularity include cost-efficiency, scalability, increased storage capacity, and lesser infrastructure requirements. The concept is simple instead of using physical resources for your servers, database, storage, networking, and other digital operations, you work with a cloud provider that offers their servers to manage your data and programs. 

You no longer need to have local servers to store your files and extensive database. The biggest benefit of cloud computing is its pay-as-you-go model, where you only pay for the services you use.

Let’s start with a brief overview of each cloud company.

Amazon Web Services

AWS is the market leader in the cloud computing world. The company holds the highest number of shares and operates globally, offering extensive coverage to startups, small businesses, multinational corporations, and government agencies. The benefits of AWS are wider, with over 200 cloud services. AWS is the most viable choice for those looking for scalability, solutions tailored to their unique businesses, and an extensive community. DoorDash, Disney, Samsung, and Adobe are a few popular companies that use Amazon Web Services. Choosing the Right AWS Managed Service Provider is always vital for companies.

Microsoft Azure

Azure is Microsoft’s cloud computing solution consisting of IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. Established in 2010, Azure has grown to become a key competitor in the cloud computing world. It’s famous among entrepreneurs and those who have Microsoft subscriptions. The system blends seamlessly with Microsoft tools, like SharePoint, SQL Server, Microsoft 365, etc. Another reason for its growing popularity is its ability to provide seamless integration for your on-premises and cloud servers. This allows businesses to keep their own data centers and have cloud services. Azure’s customers include Starbucks, the Center Of Disease Control, HP, and Renault. Microsoft Azure is a flexible cloud platform that can help in different stages of web development for installation and efficient management of applications, extending the Azure services across the global network of Microsoft-managed data centers.

Google Cloud

Google Cloud is another key player that offers highly scalable and innovative cloud solutions. The most notable features that have set the service apart from other cloud service providers are its eco-friendly infrastructure and data-driven model. With Google Cloud, you get AI and Machine Learning, storage solutions, database management, networking, developer tools, robust security, and data analytics. Companies currently using Google Cloud services include Mercedes Benz, Toyota, Spotify, PayPal, Orange, Target, and The Home Depot. GCP cloud computing services run on the same infrastructure that Google uses internally for its end-user products. 

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Vs. Google Cloud Vs. Azure

Here are the key differences between these cloud service providers.

Services Offered

Amazon Web Service tops the list when it comes to the number of cloud services offered. It currently has 240+ services, which is by far the most you can get from a cloud solution provider. From AWS Lambda to Amazon RDS to Amazon CloudFront, there is a service for all internet-based operations. They have also neatly organized their product list under different categories, such as analytics, database, compute, containers, developer tools, and more.

Azure Cloud offers 200+ products that streamline database management, storage, networking, computing, and analytics. Google Cloud has comparatively few products, but they are enough for most AI-driven businesses. These are also properly organized into four categories: Compute, Big Data, Services, and Storage.

Storage

All three platforms boast excellent storage capacity, with AWS often chosen as the ultimate choice for data backups. Amazon claims that its cloud storage products can store any volume of data. If your focus is on data analytics and efficiency, such as streaming videos, Google Cloud is a good choice. Azure is a preferred option for businesses using Microsoft products, as its storage integrates well with Microsoft tools. Azure also offers a hybrid cloud setup.

Networking

With 108 availability zones in 34 regions, AWS has the most extensive global coverage, making it the best choice for businesses with global operations. AWS is also known for its premium security, including end-to-end encryption. Speed-wise, Google Cloud uses Google’s fiber-optic network that powers YouTube, Gmail, and other Google services. So, if you want high-speed internet and efficient data transfer service, Google Cloud is the best bet. 

With super fast content delivery, Google Cloud is ideal for real-time gaming and video streaming service providers. Azure is available in 60+ regions and is as secure and powerful as the other two cloud service providers. Its special trait is its hybrid cloud functionality and excellent integration options with Microsoft tools. Its load balancing is designed to handle local and global traffic efficiently.

AI and Machine Learning

Google Cloud excels in this field. Data-driven solutions are one of its remarkable service, setting it apart from AWS and Azure. Amazon has also integrated Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Tools, but they are not as extensive and easy-to-use as those offered by Google Cloud. Both, Azure and Amazon, have ML Studios. Amazon’s SageMaker is super complex and require a comprehensive understanding of python coding and data engineering.

Pricing

Each cloud service provider has pay-as-you-go pricing model, but the rates vary greatly depending on the resources you use. AWS has a fairly complex pricing structure, which is specifically for businesses that need flexible pricing. Google Cloud offers several discounts for its regular, long-term users. 

Final Words

Google Cloud, AWS, and Azure are among the most popular cloud service providers. Their specialties lie in their scalability, flexible pricing, extensive network, ample storage, and excellent computing power, all of which make them a great fit for all types and sizes of businesses. For better cloud usage, you can depend on external cloud services.

AWS is the best of all, as it offers a wide range of services, while Google Cloud is for eco-conscious clients and those with AI-driven business models. Azure is for businesses who are already using Microsoft’s products, as its cloud operations integrate with Microsoft tools, making digital operations smoother.