AWS vs Azure vs Google Which Cloud Platform is best?

Most businesses in this digital age have migrated their operations to cloud computing, and even traditional industries are embracing digital transformation through cloud computing and SaaS for improved outcomes. This shift has had a significant impact on the cloud computing market, which is estimated to be worth USD 1240 billion in the next five years. As a result, developers and businesses are faced with a dilemma: AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud – which cloud platform is the best choice?

AWS vs Azure vs Google

The comparison of features, pricing, and market share sets AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud apart. AWS, the oldest platform, offers a broad range of features and services to cater to diverse computing needs. Azure, in second place, stands out in automation, AI/ML, and data analytics. On the other hand, Google Cloud is a newcomer with only 90 services, compared to AWS and Azure's 200 each. Nonetheless, Google's reputation and future potential have driven up the demand for GCP.

In terms of market share, Amazon's AWS has the largest user base and a well-established network since it was the first to enter the cloud computing market. Azure and Google Cloud are following in their footsteps.

An Analysis of Cloud Computing Platforms

Cloud computing platforms have been abundant since Amazon Web Services launched in 2006. While there are many options, AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud have emerged as the dominant players in the market, collectively controlling 62% of the market share as of 2022. However, the question of which platform is the best remains a topic of debate. To provide better insight into which platform is best for business and development needs, it is necessary to conduct a comparative analysis of Microsoft Azure, Amazon AWS, and Google Cloud.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides solutions for data storage, content management and delivery, and computing. It offers a mix of Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-service (SaaS) through its services.

AWS was developed to improve the efficiency of Amazon's retail operations. It began as a data center that provided a memory bank, hosted datasets, and performed backend computations for developers. Today, it has become the "Operating System of the Internet", serving a diverse range of industries such as governance, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, outsourcing service companies, etc. Notable entities that use AWS include Netflix, Expedia, Airbnb, Coursera, and Coca-Cola.

Compared to other major cloud computing platforms, AWS is the most mature and generates the most revenue, owing to its early entry into the market. The platform provides a vast range of more than 18000 services that include computing, storage, data analytics and ML, content management and delivery, and more. AWS was also the first to introduce the concept of Pay-As-You-Go. It provides a generous free tier, supports all operating systems, efficiently handles end-users and resources, regardless of their number, and offers many other advantages. Also Check How To Choose the Right AWS Certification?

Microsoft Azure

Microsoft's Azure is a cloud computing platform that was developed four years after the launch of Amazon Web Services (AWS). Although it has a smaller library of on-demand computing services compared to AWS, it has become a significant rival in the market. Azure's cloud computing solutions for data analytics and machine learning are on par with AWS in terms of functionality and ease-of-use. It offers a range of cloud solutions for developing, scaling, deploying, and running cloud applications across all service categories, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Serverless computing.

Microsoft's Azure has expanded its services to over 200 options in a relatively short period. It has been recognized as a leader in Gartner's Magic Quadrant CIPS report nine times and has scored highly in reliability. Azure's cloud infrastructure also includes a disaster recovery tool, which sets it apart from AWS and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). This feature provides developers with greater flexibility and backup options, regardless of the tech stack, operating system, or location.

Azure, like AWS, offers a pay-as-you-go subscription service. However, it is generally considered to be more cost-effective than AWS, making it an attractive option for businesses and developers who prioritize cost efficiency. Also check - Pathway for Earning Microsoft Azure Certifications

Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

Google Cloud may not be as widely recognized as its competitors, AWS and Microsoft Azure, but it is quickly gaining ground in the world of cloud computing. With over 100 services available, including IaaS, PaaS, IoT integration, web content and media delivery, AI and ML, Serverless, and networking features, Google Cloud is a force to be reckoned with. The birth of Google Cloud began with the launch of App Engine, which allowed developers to host and deploy web apps and application frameworks on Google's system. After receiving a positive response from the developer community, Google made App Engine public in 2011, redefining it as a fully-fledged Google product. Google Cloud's services in machine learning, advanced computing, and developer-focused platform have set it apart from its competitors in certain aspects. Due to Google's significant influence in the technology industry and the growing demand for GCP developers, many experts predict that Google Cloud will surpass its competitors and become the leading cloud platform in the near future.

AWS vs Azure vs Google Comparison in Nutshell

AWS

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1. AWS has more than 18,000 services and solutions, which can be grouped into computing, storage, machine learning, data analytics, content management and delivery.
2. AWS offers the lowest price for its EC2 instances, followed by Google Cloud and Azure.
3. Amazon Web Services (AWS) has multiple storage options, including AWS Simple Storage Service (S3), which provides object storage via a web interface.

Azure

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1. Azure relies on an open-source cloud computing virtual network as its foundation for computing. However, it cannot be used on macOS unlike AWS and GCP.
2. Azure is the most cost-effective option, followed by Google Cloud and AWS.
3. Azure Storage is a cloud platform that provides various storage services for enterprises. It offers specialized services such as Azure Data Lake and Queue Storage.

Google

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1. Google Cloud may not be as advanced as AWS and Azure in terms of functionality and computing but it has its own unique advantages that help it compete with them.
2. Google Cloud has the most generous free-tier, with $300 in credits to use within 12 months.
3. Google Cloud's storage services are fundamental but efficient. Their solutions are reliable and conclusive, as they cater to both SQL and non-SQL databases.

Cloud Features Comparison: AWS vs Azure vs Google

As businesses move their operations to the cloud, there is intense competition between Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. All three are focused on enhancing customer satisfaction by offering innovative solutions. There are already hundreds of services available on their platforms, and more are expected in the near future.

• Amazon Web Services (AWS):

AWS has more than 18,000 services and solutions, which can be grouped into computing, storage, machine learning, data analytics, content management and delivery, and cloud app integration. These services provide scalability, project customization, and efficiency.

EC2 is AWS's primary computing service, providing secure and scalable cloud computing services. The auto-scaling feature makes it cost-effective for businesses. Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS) is another tool offered by AWS for developers to configure docker container services. ECS manages IAM roles, tracks container health, and scales the project accordingly. AWS also offers Kubernetes container services through Beanstalk, Lambda, Batch, Load Balancing, Lightsail, and Serverless Application Repository.

Despite its vast array of features, mature services, and available support, AWS has some drawbacks, including higher costs as service usage increases, additional charges for technical support, and a steep learning curve beyond the initial stages.

• Microsoft Azure:

Azure relies on an open-source cloud computing virtual network as its foundation for computing. However, it cannot be used on macOS unlike AWS and GCP. Its computing services are only compatible with Linux and Windows OS for tasks ranging from project development to deployment and testing. Oracle is a third-party supplier that is compatible with Azure. Azure also provides notable computing services like Azure IaaS, Azure Batch, Azure Spring Cloud, Azure Fabric, Azure PaaS, and Azure Functions.

For container service, developers typically choose Azure Kubernetes Service, based on Kubernetes (K8s). AKS is well-suited for Azure's enterprise-focused cloud platform, allowing multiple teams within an organization to collaborate and work concurrently in a shared environment.

• Google Cloud:

Google Cloud may not be as advanced as AWS and Azure in terms of functionality and computing, but it has its own unique advantages that help it compete with them. One example is Cloud Functions, which runs cloud applications and allows for code scalability from other Google platforms. Additionally, Google's global network and caching service ensure a seamless user experience.

GCE also supports Kubernetes and Knative for container management and app deployment. However, GCP's limited number of services is a disadvantage compared to its competitors. Currently, it offers over 100 services and solutions for hosting, computing, networking, analytics, ML, big data, and database storage and management. See the comparison table below for a brief overview of AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud.

Price Comparison: AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud - Which one is more efficient?

Price comparison is an essential aspect of choosing a cloud service provider. AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud are the top three cloud service providers globally, with each having its unique features and pricing models. When it comes to pricing, all three providers have complex and ever-changing pricing structures, making it challenging to make an apples-to-apples comparison. However, some generalizations can be made.

In terms of raw computing power, AWS offers the lowest price for its EC2 instances, followed by Google Cloud and Azure. However, when it comes to storage, Azure is the most cost-effective option, followed by Google Cloud and AWS. Google Cloud has the most generous free-tier, with $300 in credits to use within 12 months, while Azure and AWS only offer $200 in credits.

Another factor to consider is the availability of discounts and reserved instances. AWS offers the most extensive range of discount options, including reserved instances, spot instances, and savings plans. Azure has a similar model to AWS, while Google Cloud offers a committed use discount that requires a minimum usage commitment for one or three years.

Ultimately, the most efficient cloud provider depends on your specific needs and usage patterns. It's crucial to evaluate your workload requirements and determine which provider offers the most cost-effective solution for your business.

Storage Comparison: AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud

After pricing, storage is a critical factor when comparing AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud services. Companies are attracted to the possibility of having unlimited or extended storage capacity through cloud computing. It is essential to evaluate which platform's storage capabilities are the most suitable for your project.

• AWS Storage

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has multiple storage options, including AWS Simple Storage Service (S3), which provides object storage via a web interface. AWS also offers block storage through Elastic Block System (EBS). For larger storage capacities, enterprises can choose AWS Storage Gateway, which provides both cloud storage and local caching. Additionally, there are other storage alternatives like Elastic File Storage (EFS) to expand storage as needed, Snowball, Snowball Edge, Snowmobile, etc. AWS also has database tools such as RDS and Neptune.

• Azure Storage

Azure Storage is a cloud platform that provides various storage services for enterprises. It offers specialized services such as Azure Data Lake and Queue Storage, which are useful for managing large datasets. For unstructured datasets, Blog Storage is a better option. Azure also provides hybrid database solutions through SQL. Another unique feature of Azure is its backup recovery service, which includes Azure Backup and Azure Site Recovery. This service simplifies disaster recovery by creating copies of data, replicating it, and facilitating restoration. Overall, Azure is a preferred cloud platform due to its exceptional features and services.

• Google Cloud Storage

In comparison to its rivals, Google Cloud's storage services are fundamental but efficient. Their solutions are reliable and conclusive, as they cater to both SQL and non-SQL databases. Notable options include Cloud SQL for managing databases, Cloud Datastore and Cloud Bigtable for NoSQL databases, and Cloud Spanner, which offers limitless scalability.

Who is the market leader - Microsoft Azure vs Amazon AWS vs Google Cloud?

Recent market reports from Statista indicates that AWS holds the largest market share of the cloud computing industry with 33%, followed by Azure with 21% and Google Cloud with 8%. The size of the cloud computing market grew by 35% and is projected to continue expanding with a CAGR of 17.9% to reach USD 1240.9 billion by 2027. However, revenue earnings data from the fourth quarter of 2021 reveals that despite AWS's dominance, Azure generated a higher capital mark of USD 17.7 billion compared to AWS's USD 13.5 billion. Google Cloud's earnings were moderate, with an overall sum of USD 4.05 billion.

Summing up:

After analyzing the features and capabilities of AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform, it is difficult to declare any one platform as the best. Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice depends on the specific business requirements and budget.

AWS is a mature cloud platform with a vast range of services and features, making it suitable for large enterprises with complex requirements. Azure, on the other hand, is a popular choice for businesses with a Microsoft-centric IT environment and has robust security and compliance capabilities. Google Cloud Platform is well-suited for businesses looking for an AI/ML-based solution with robust data analytics capabilities.

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