Cloud Computing 101: Everything You Need to Know
Tags: cloudcomputing, cloud, aws, azure
Published: 2023-08-01 07:06:38


![Cloud Computing Banner](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/968quy42c9q65ypc0zsg.png)[Cloud computing](https://csnainc.com/cloud-computing-101-everything-you-need-to-know/) is in a race to become one of the fastest growing industries in the world­­­. With its versatile and reliable nature, it’s no wonder that businesses are rushing to adopt it. However, with so many cloud providers out there, it can be hard to know which one is right for your business. In this post, we’ll dive into the world of cloud computing and explore the titans of the industry. We’ll look at the top cloud providers, their specialties, and what sets them apart from ­­­each other.

## Why Cloud Computing Matters

In layman terms, cloud computing is a model for delivering IT services where resources such as servers, storage, and applications are accessed over the internet, instead of being physically located on-premises. This technology allows businesses to have access to­­­ a wide range of resources on a pay-as-you-go basis, which enables them to scale up or down quickly to meet their needs.

Cloud computing has provided businesses with numerous benefits, including increased agility, flexibility, and cost savings. It has also enabled businesses to access cutting-edge technologies that were previously out of reach for many small and medium-sized businesses.

As cloud computing has become more prevalent, an increasing number of companies have entered the market, offering various types of cloud services. From the big players like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform to the smaller niche players, there is no shortage of options for businesses looking to take advantage of cloud computing.

## The Rise and Evolution of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has been one of the most significant technological advancements of the last decade. It has revolutionized the way businesses and organizations operate by providing them with scalable and flexible computing resources on demand, without the need for costly infrastructure investments.

The concept of cloud computing emerged in the early 2000s, but it wasn’t until Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched in 2006 that cloud computing truly took off. AWS was the first cloud service provider to offer infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and one of the first to offer platform as a service (PaaS) solutions, and it quickly became the market leader.

As the popularity of cloud computing grew, other tech giants such as Microsoft, Google, and IBM entered the market, providing their own cloud computing offerings. Today, the cloud computing landscape is dominated by these major players, but there are also many smaller providers that offer specialized cloud services.

Cloud computing has not only evolved in terms of the number of providers but also in terms of the types of services offered. Cloud computing has expanded to include software as a service (SaaS), which provides businesses with access to software applications through the cloud. This has proved to be a popular option for companies that want to avoid the costs and complexities of managing their own software infrastructure.

## The Top Cloud Computing Titans

When it comes to cloud computing, there are a few major players that dominate the market. These are:

- Amazon
- Microsoft
- Google
- IBM
- Oracle

Each of these companies offers a suite of cloud computing services that are designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises.

1. Amazon Web Services is by far the largest cloud computing provider in the world, with a market share of around 33%. AWS offers a wide range of services, including computing, storage, databases, and analytics. Their services are used by some of the biggest companies in the world, including Netflix, Airbnb, and NASA.

2. Microsoft Azure is the second-largest cloud computing provider, with a market share of around 21%. Azure is a comprehensive cloud computing platform that includes infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS) offerings. Microsoft’s cloud services are used by companies such as BMW and Coca Cola.

3. Google Cloud Platform is the third-largest cloud computing provider, with a market share of around 11%. Google’s cloud services include computing, storage, databases, and machine learning, among others. Some of the companies that use Google’s cloud services include PayPal, Coca-Cola, and Shopify.

4. IBM Cloud is a comprehensive cloud computing platform that includes a wide range of services. IBM is a trusted name in the technology industry and their cloud services are used by companies such as American Airlines, BMW, and Coca-Cola.

5. Oracle Cloud is a cloud computing platform that specializes in enterprise-level applications and services. Some of the companies that use Oracle’s cloud services include AT&T, FedEx, and Nissan.
These five companies dominate the cloud computing market and offer a wide range of services that can meet the needs of businesses of all sizes.

## How to Choose Between Different Cloud Providers

You should put a lot of thought into which cloud provider to choose before finalizing. Each provider has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice you make can have a significant impact on your business operations.

To make an informed decision, you should first assess your business needs and goals. Consider factors such as the size of your business, the type of data you will be storing, the level of technical expertise you have available, and your budget.

Next, evaluate the features and services offered by each cloud provider. Look for providers that offer the features you need, such as scalability, security, data backup, and disaster recovery. You should also consider the level of customer support offered by each provider and their service level agreements (SLAs).

Another important consideration is the cost of each provider. While cost should not be the only factor you consider, it is important to ensure that you are getting good value for your money. Make sure the provider you are going has transparent billing practices.

Finally, it is important to consider the reputation and track record of each provider. Look for providers that have a strong track record of reliability and security, and that have a positive reputation in the industry. This applies only if you are going off-brand and don’t want to sign up with brands in the spotlight.

By taking the time to assess your needs and evaluate your options, you can choose the right cloud provider for your business and ensure that you get the most out of your cloud investment.

## Conclusion

As the demand for cloud services continues to grow, it’s important to understand the key players who are shaping this industry’s future. It’s fascinating to see how they have evolved over the years and how they continue to innovate and improve their services to meet the needs of their customers.