Introduction
Cloud service providers are one of the most lucrative businesses today. Microsoft's Azure, Amazon's AWS, Google's Cloud, and many others are increasing each quarter. Today, more and more businesses are migrating to the cloud. This article talks about the top 10 cloud service providers in the world.
Cloud computing
Cloud computing is Web-based computing that allows businesses and individuals to consume computing resources such as virtual machines, databases, processing, memory, services, storage, messaging, events, and pay-as-you-go. Cloud services often improve upon older ones—for example, the pay-as-you-go model charges for resources as they are used. Unlike traditional computing, you do not need to pay if you do not use any resources. Instead, like a water connection or an electricity line, you have a meter that keeps track of your monthly usage. You then pay for that usage at a given rate.
Advantages of Cloud Computing
- Cloud computing allows businesses to cut operational and fixed monthly costs of hardware, databases, servers, and software licenses. Eventually, it will reduce the need for IT resources, including people. This is because all hardware, database servers, web servers, Software, products, and services are hosted in the cloud and added to an account as needed.
- Cloud computing offers 24/7 uptime (99.99% uptime). In addition, cloud servers and data centers are managed by the cloud service provided. Therefore, there is no need for employee management.
- Cloud computing is scalable and reliable. There is no limit to the number of users or resources. Furthermore, the cloud increases processing and resources as needed. Therefore, you can always scale down if you do not need help.
- Cloud computing provides maintainability and automatically updates new Software, OS, databases, and third-party Software. It also reduces IT labor costs for a business.
- Cloud service providers have data centers in various locations, which makes them faster and more reliable. Larger companies such as Microsoft and AWS even have data centers worldwide.
Cloud computing can be divided into three major categories, Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
IaaS offers the entire IT computing infrastructure, provisioned and managed over the internet. The critical components of IaaS are used to replace existing development and test environments, virtual machines, website hosting, storage, backup, networking, servers, operating systems, middleware, data, applications, and high-performance computing (HPC).
According to Gartner Magic Quadrant, AWS leads among top cloud services providers, followed by Microsoft and Google Cloud in the IaaS position.
The PaaS component of cloud computing offers a complete development and deployment environment in the cloud, including dev, test, QA, debugging, and deployment tools and services. SaaS is Software developed and hosted by someone else. Businesses or individuals can use them as needed.
Today, most top cloud service providers offer all these services. The two leaders in cloud computing are Amazon and Microsoft, followed by Google, Alibaba, and IBM. This article will compare the top cloud computing providers and their categories.
According to a report by Canalys, worldwide cloud infrastructure services spending increased 34% to US$55.9 billion in Q1 2022 as organizations prioritized digitalization strategies to meet market challenges. The latest Canalys data estimates expenditure was over US$2 billion more than in the previous quarter and US$14 billion more than in Q1 2021.
Here is a list of my top 10 cloud service providers:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Microsoft Azure
- Google Cloud
- Alibaba Cloud
- IBM Cloud
- Oracle
- Salesforce
- SAP
- Rackspace Cloud
- VMWare
The following table summarizes the top 3 key players and their offerings in cloud computing. For Q3 2022, AWS reported revenue increased 27 percent year-over-year to $20.5 billion from $16.5 billion in Q3 2021. In addition, AWS's operating income was $5.4 billion, compared with operating revenue of $4.9 billion in the third quarter of 2021.
For the same quarter, Microsoft reported revenue from its Intelligent Cloud of $20.3 billion, which increased 20 percent from the previous quarter in 2021. Google Cloud says revenue of $6.86 billion, up from $4.99 billion in 2021. However, its losses widened slightly, from $644 million to $699 million.
|
AWS |
Azure |
Google Cloud |
Company |
AWS Inc. |
Microsoft |
Google |
Launch year |
2006 |
2010 |
2008 |
Geographical Regions |
25 |
54 |
21 |
Availability Zones |
78 |
140 (countries) |
61 |
Key offerings |
Compute, storage, database, analytics, networking, machine learning, AI, mobile, developer tools, IoT, security, enterprise applications, blockchain. |
Compute, storage, mobile, data management, messaging, media services, CDN, machine learning and AI, developer tools, security, blockchain, functions, IoT. |
Compute, storage, databases, networking, big data, cloud AI, management tools, Identity and security, IoT, API platform |
Compliance Certificates |
46 |
90 |
|
Q3, 2022 Revenue |
$20.5 billion |
$20.3 billion |
$6.8 billion |
1. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is an Amazon company that was launched in the year 2002. AWS is the most popular cloud service provider in the world.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world's most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform, offering over 165 fully-featured services from data centers globally. Millions of customers use this service.
AWS's revenue in 2018 was $25.6 billion, with a profit of $7.2 billion. The revenue is expected to grow to $33 billion in 2019.
AWS Services
AWS offers hundreds of services. These include Virtual Private Cloud, EC2, AWS Data Transfer, Simple Storage Service, DynamoDB, Elastic Compute Cloud, AWS Key Management Service, AmazonCloudWatch, Simple Notification Service, Relational Database Service, Route 53, Simple Queue Service, CloudTrail, and Simple Email Service.
The following graphic lists the various categories of services available in AWS. The right side of the list includes AWS's featured services.
AWS Security
Cloud security is the highest priority for AWS. As a customer, you will benefit from a data center and network architecture built to meet the requirements of the most security-sensitive organizations.
AWS security offers infrastructure security, DDoS mitigation, data encryption, inventory and configuration, monitoring and logging, identity and access control, and penetration testing.
Compliances
AWS provides 40+ compliance certifications for the global, US, and other countries. Here is the list of various supported compliance certifications:
AWS global availability
AWS offers the most significant global footprint in the market. No cloud provider offers as many regions or Availability Zones (AZs). This includes 78 AZs within 25 geographic regions around the world. Furthermore, AWS has announced plans for nine more AZs and three more regions in Cape Town, Jakarta, and Milan.
AWS Certifications
AWS certifications are divided into four categories: Foundational, Associate, Professional, and Specialty.
2. Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure is one of the fastest-growing clouds among them all. Azure was launched years after the release of AWS and Google Cloud but is still knocking on the door to become the top cloud services provider. Microsoft Azure recently won a $10 billion US government contract.
While Microsoft Azure's revenue is difficult to predict, Microsoft broke down its last quarter's revenue into three categories: Productivity and Business Processes, Intelligent Cloud, and Personal Computing. The respective revenue was $11.0 billion, $11.4 billion, and $11.3 billion.
Microsoft's Azure revenue is expected to grow between $33 billion to $35 billion. This makes Azure one of the most profitable cloud services in the world.
Azure Services
Azure offers hundreds of services within various categories, including AI + Machine Learning, Analytics, Blockchain, Compute, Containers, Databases, Developer Tools, DevOps, Identity, Integration, Internet of Things, Management, Media, Microsoft Azure Stack, Migration, Mixed Reality, Mobile, Networking, Security, Storage, Web, and Windows Virtual Desktop.
Azure, the Intelligent Cloud
What makes Azure the most attractive and intelligent is its exclusive offering of Microsoft's previous products and services in the cloud. Azure's cloud supremacy revolves around its intelligence. Azure provides the most advanced and maximum number of intelligent products and services.
Microsoft's Windows operating system Windows and database SQL Server are now available in the Cloud via Windows Virtual Desktop.
Microsoft's mixed reality technology (products for HoloLens) is also available in the Azure Cloud.
Microsoft's TFS and VSTS are now available in Azure via Azure DevOps.
Microsoft's popular Office suite and enterprise products, such as Sharepoint and Power BI, are now available as Office 365 and PowerXXX tools in the cloud. Furthermore, some of the most popular and advanced developer tools and compilers are available in Azure via various UI, workflows, and interfaces.
Microsoft is a leader in AI + Machine Learning, and Microsoft Cognitive Services is one of the company's most advanced offerings.
Azure Security
Azure offers the most advanced security products and services. The following table lists Azure security options:
Azure Compliance
Azure offers 90 compliance certifications for global, US government, region-specific, and industry-specific. The following is a list of Azure compliance certifications.
Azure Stack
Azure Stack is a service of Azure that allows enterprises to run apps in an on-premises environment and perform Azure services in your data center. Azure Stack syncs with global Azure and upgrades when new services and updates are available on Azure.
Azure for Government
Azure for Government is an exclusive cloud designed for federal, state, and local US government agencies.
Azure Government offers government exclusivity. As a result, only US federal, state, local, and tribal governments and their partners have access to this dedicated instance with operations controlled by screened US citizens.
Azure Government offers the broadest and most compliance certifications. It runs on six government-only data center regions, all granted an Impacted Level 5 Provisional Authorization.
Azure global availability
Azure offers more data centers around the world than any other cloud provider.
Azure Certifications
Here is a list of Microsoft Azure certifications.
- AZ-103: Microsoft Azure Administrator
- AZ-203: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure
- AZ-300: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies
- AZ-301: Microsoft Azure Architect Design
- AZ-400: Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions
- AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies
- AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- 70-487: Developing Microsoft Azure and Web Services
- 70-537: Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack
3. IBM Cloud
IBM Cloud, developed by IBM, is a set of cloud computing services for businesses. Like other cloud service providers, the IBM cloud includes IaaS, SaaS, and PaaS services via public, private, and hybrid cloud models.
Compute, Network, Storage, Cloud Packs, Management, Security, Database, Analytics, AI, IoT, Mobile, Dev Tools, Blockchain, Integration, Migration, Private Cloud, and VMware.
Annual revenue: $19.16 billion
4. Google Cloud
Google Cloud Platform is Google's Cloud. Like AWS and Azure, Google Cloud offers similar services in various categories, including computing, storage, identity, security, database, AI and machine learning, virtualization, DevOps, and more.
Here is a list of complete products and services categories for Google Cloud Platform services:
AI and Machine Learning, API Management, Compute, Containers, Data Analytics, Databases, Developer Tools, Healthcare and Life Sciences, Hybrid and Multi-cloud, Internet of Things, Management Tools, Media and Gaming, Migration, Networking, Security and Identity, Serverless Computing, and Storage.
Google products in the cloud also offer G Suite, Google Maps Platform, Google Hardware, Google Identity, Chrome Enterprise, Android Enterprise, Apigee, Firebase, and Orbitera.
Google Cloud Services are available in 20 regions, 61 zones, and 200+ countries.
Google Cloud's annual revenue is close to $8 billion.
Google Cloud Certifications
Here is a list of Google Cloud certifications:
- Associate Cloud Engineer
- Professional Data Engineer
- Professional Cloud Architect
- Professional Cloud Developer
- Professional Cloud Network Engineer
- Professional Cloud Security Engineer
- G Suite
5. Oracle Cloud
Oracle cloud platform is the cloud offering of Oracle corporation. Oracle Cloud offers IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and Data as a Service (DaaS).
Oracle offerings include the following:
Oracle IaaS offerings are Compute, Storage, Networking, Governance, Database, Load Balancing, DNS Monitoring, Ravello, and FastConnect.
Oracle PaaS offerings are Data Management, Application Development, Integration, Business Analytics, Security, Management, and Content and Enterprise.
Oracle SaaS offerings are CX, HCM, ERP, SCM, EPM, IoT, Analytics, Data, and Blockchain Applications.
Oracle DaaS is the Oracle Data Cloud.
6. Alibaba Cloud
Alibaba Cloud is the largest cloud provider in China. Alibaba Cloud, founded in 2009, is registered and headquartered in Singapore. It was initially built to serve Alibaba's e-commerce ecosystem and is now offered to the public.
Alibaba offers various products and services in multiple categories, including Elastic Computing, Storage and CDN, Networking, Database Services, Security, Monitoring and Management, Domains and Websites, Analytics and Data Technology, Application Services, Media Services, Middleware, Cloud Communication, Apsara Stack, and Internet of Things.
Alibaba Cloud is available in 19 regions and 56 availability zones around the globe.
Alibaba Cloud's revenue is $4.5 million annually.
Which is the best cloud for you?
According to Gartner Magic Quadrant for Cloud Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), AWS is a leader in its ability to execute, but Microsoft's Azure leads as a visionary. Google is third in the race, followed by Oracle, Alibaba, and IBM. However, the best cloud is very relative, and often it depends on the types of services your business needs. While AWS and Azure are necks the neck in pricing, innovation, and services, some services offer better than others.
So, how do you decide which cloud service provider is best for me? Here is a detailed article I have written on this topic that might help you answer your question:
What is the Best Cloud Service Provider for My Business?
The Verdict
Microsoft Azure and AWS are necks the neck in the race for cloud supremacy. Both offer similar products, services, and costs. However, Google, IBM, and other clouds are improving daily.
If I chose a cloud provider for my business, it would have to be Azure or AWS. The reason is apparent: both companies are way ahead in the race. You cannot go wrong with either of these.
You may also decide upon alternatives if other clouds offer specific tools and services. For example, IBM Watson is a unique product used in IBM's cloud service.
Most large enterprises use multiple clouds. For example, one of my clients uses AWS for file storage and messaging, Azure for DevOps, database and developer tools, and Google's Cloud for documents and emails.
One size doesn't fit all. You need to figure out what your needs are and which cloud fits you the best.
Summary
I reviewed this article's top 10 cloud service providers based on their revenue, popularity, and service offerings. Read What is a Cloud Service Provider to learn more about cloud providers. Also, read How to Choose the Best Cloud Provider For Me.
References
Respective product websites, including Microsoft, AWS Inc, Google Inc., and others. Logos are the copyright of their respective owners.