With the world’s cloud computing industry expected “to reach USD 791.48 billion in 2028”, it is no wonder that there are various cloud platforms available. The technology and practices surrounding the cloud are revolutionary for businesses of all sizes and industries, granting them the means to remain competitive with scalable solutions.
As of now, three platforms dominate the market: Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud—robust, reliable programs for cloud deployments and managing operations. With that being said, like with all technology, the idea that one is better than the other may not be entirely true.
In order to determine your stance on whether the solutions are direct competitors, you need to consider the offerings of each platform and relate them back to the needs of your business (along with having a thorough understanding of what cloud technology is).
What is the cloud?
The ‘cloud’ refers to cloud technology, which is a way of using the Internet to access and store data. It is a popular computing choice for organizations across the globe, as it can help to save time, money, and resources when used effectively.
The cloud removes the need for users to buy and maintain physical servers, a bonus for increasing data security. Plus, when working within cloud environments, information can be accessed and shared from anywhere, making it easier for teams to collaborate.
What types of cloud platforms can businesses use?
Typically, cloud platforms exist in several types. Each one works according to unique frameworks, ultimately making their availability and purpose slightly different for users.
The types of cloud solutions and platforms relevant for companies include:
- Platform-as-a-service (PaaS): When a third-party provider offers a platform that allows customers to develop, run, and manage applications.
- Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS): Uses the Internet to offer computing resources in a virtualized form.
- Software-as-a-service (SaaS): Software applications hosted (and accessed) on the Internet.
- Private cloud: Involves a distinct, secure cloud computing environment in which only specified users can operate.
- Hybrid cloud: Combines private and public cloud resources.
- Public cloud: When a third-party provider shares resources with several organizations. The 'as-a-service' solutions adhere to a public cloud model.
What benefits does cloud computing offer businesses?
46% of workplace staff credit technology as the solution that increases their productivity. While that number is surely attributed to the various devices and programs companies deploy, cloud services can play a significant role in boosting business efficiency.
The benefits of using cloud infrastructure and services include:
- Improved scalability and cost savings due to the elastic nature of cloud computing.
- Increased reliability and availability of work information and tools.
- Faster deployment and provisioning of resources.
- Increased data security through off-site storage, intuitive security measures, etc.
- Improved workforce agility and flexibility.
- Increased collaboration and communication amongst team members.
- Automation of tasks via machine learning and artificial intelligence (so long as the specific platform supports this type of software).
The secret to the technology’s sauce is its versatility. Regardless of whichever platform you choose for your organization, you and your team can feel easy knowing that you can experience the benefits of the cloud, making your data and workplace processes secure and accessible.
A simple analysis of the competitors of AWS: Is one better than the other?
Azure, Google Cloud, and AWS are the largest cloud providers in the world. Used by companies across industries, the three aforementioned solutions may directly compete with each other for their market share, but the value they provide users is entirely their own.
Amazon Web Services
What is AWS?
AWS is Amazon’s cloud computing platform that provides businesses with a suite of over 200 features/services for accessing and using cloud resources. AWS is simple to use and is customizable for your company’s unique requirements.
With AWS, businesses can take advantage of features like databases, analytics, application integration, and security, as well as many other services, to empower their staff and processes. First launched in 2006, AWS can serve as a trusted cloud platform for organizations large and small.
What is the primary disadvantage of using AWS?
Unlike Azure and Google Cloud, whose pricing models are fairly straightforward (with “pay-as-you-go” as the main method for purchasing the platform), AWS’s pricing can be confusing.
At its most basic, AWS’s pricing follows three methods that customers can choose from:
- Pay-as-you-go: The standard method used by many cloud providers.
- "Save when you commit": Requires you to subscribe to a plan that charges you according to your per-hour usage of an AWS solution
- "Pay less by using more": Tier-based pricing where you receive discounts based on how much storage you use.
While it can be argued that AWS’s pricing is more comprehensive, and, thus, better value for money, it can be overwhelming to those who are new to the platform. In this case, business owners wanting a more streamlined payment experience may feel more confident enlisting the services of an AWS consultant to manage the technicalities of the platform.
Microsoft Azure
What is Microsoft Azure?
Microsoft Azure (also known as Azure) is a cloud computing platform that businesses can use to manage their data and applications. It provides a wide range of services, from storage to analytics and machine learning.
With Azure, businesses can easily scale their applications up or down depending on their needs while taking advantage of unprecedented access to Microsoft’s other Azure services.
Microsoft Azure provides companies with the capability of structuring and launching cloud-based environments from within a single interface. Azure is available through the platform’s portal, where you can buy its cloud services for use within your company. Azure can be integrated with the M365 work productivity suite—a major benefit the platform rewards Microsoft-supported businesses with.
What is the main disadvantage of Azure?
While Azure’s cloud management capabilities are impressive, the platform is not without its drawbacks. Businesses that do not have the IT or Microsoft expertise to use the platform effectively may find it confusing—an obstacle that can set your operations back without the knowledge and support of an Azure consultant.
How does Azure compare to AWS?
When comparing Azure to AWS, the least technical argument that may make the latter more attractive to business owners than the former is usability. Every technical solution you implement into your processes should be easy to use for employees of any skill level.
More often than not, everyday business owners and staff do not have the time to learn the intricacies of IT solutions, especially when they pertain to Azure (for example, Kubernetes). In the chance you and select other team members were able to learn, the responsibility of Azure management would fall on all your shoulders, requiring everyone to remove themselves from core business processes and customers whenever issues arise.
If your staff are regularly frustrated by their technology, they will quickly burn out and become less productive. At the same time, if they spend more time away from customers because of IT tools, it can be equally damaging to customer loyalty and organizational morale. If a user-friendly experience for cloud computing is what your company is after, AWS may be a better fit for you over Azure.
Google Cloud
What is Google Cloud?
Google Cloud is Google’s suite of cloud computing services. Its capabilities cover computing, networking, and more. Following a similar idea to Azure, Google Cloud packages IT solutions and offers them to organizations following a pay-as-you-go payment model, making the individual solutions easy to apply to your company’s budget.
Google cloud computing services include (but are not limited to):
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
- Google Workspace
- Google Cloud Storage
What is the main problem with Google Cloud?
The main issue with Google Cloud is that it has fewer features than Azure and AWS. While it provides a wide range of services—networking solutions, management tools, and more—they are not as comprehensive as AWS and Azure. In today’s market where customers’ needs change with the wind and the newest technologies take top priority, arming yourself with a solution that does not support the latest standards can be detrimental.
When you combine that with the complexity that comes with moving from Google Cloud to another platform, Google’s solution to cloud computing may not be suitable to the needs of a growing business like yours.
Tips for choosing a cloud platform for your company
Unfortunately, there is no black-and-white answer that businesses can use to justify their adoption of a cloud platform. A solution that works for you may not work for one of your peers. Consequently, selecting a cloud solution is a personal endeavor that requires much research and a well-thought-out plan.
Tips for choosing the right cloud platform:
- Understand your business requirements.
- Compare cost and scalability.
- Evaluate the security features and their relevancy to your business and industry.
- Consider the types of data you will be storing.
- Analyze the storage, backup, and recovery options.
- Consider the user experience. Is the platform easy to pick up?
- Review the migration process and seek assistance from cloud migration experts.
AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud: Managed cloud services can help you decide
As beneficial as the cloud is, it can be a complex platform to integrate into your business if you do not have the knowledge or time to execute the adoption process efficiently. Managed cloud services are a cost-effective solution to overcome all your cloud troubles.
The managed cloud services at Skynet MTS can support your organization’s cloud solutions 24/7/365. From cloud advisory services to optimization and security installation, Skynet MTS’s cloud specialists can grant you all the benefits of managed cloud services. Contact the team today to see what cloud will elevate your business.