An on-demand service made available to users through the internet from a cloud computing provider’s servers and not from a company’s on-premises servers is termed a cloud service. Cloud services include, backup solutions, online data storage, hosted office suites, web-based email services, document collaboration services, manager technical support services, and database processing.
For this review, we have taken into consideration a comprehensive research report titled, ‘Global Private Cloud Services Market’ from Straits Research. This report discusses the private cloud services market at large and focuses on growth opportunities, main markets, future forecasts, and key market players. It covers a range of market players:
- Oracle
- IBM
- Citrix Systems
- com
- Dell EMC
- Equinix
- HP
- Red Hat
- RightScale
- Datadirect Networks
- BMC Switzerland
- VMware
- Enomaly
- Microsoft
- Tibco Software
- Amazon Web Services
- Blackiron Data ULC
- Cisco Systems
- Net
As per our analysis, the top five players of the private cloud service provider market are Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Oracle Cloud, and IBM Cloud. These players dominate the global market and provide unique features and services that complement their business. Given below is a summary of the offerings to understand why these five players are considered as global private cloud services market leaders.
Logo by Amazon Web Services as seen on the Website
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS is an Amazon company founded in 2002 and is globally considered the most popular cloud service provider. The reason behind Amazon’s broad adoption is AWS’s comprehensiveness, which offers more than 165 fully-featured services from global data centers. The service is used by millions globally and racked up a profit of USD 7.2 billion from total revenue of USD 25.6 billion in 2018.
Its wide range of services includes Virtual Private Cloud, Simple Storage Device, and Simple Notification System. AWS provides more than 40 global compliance certifications and places a strong focus on security AWS is also the only cloud service provider with a global footprint that includes 78 Availability Zones (AZs) in 25 regions and has plans to launch more AZs.
Logo by Microsoft Azure as seen on the Website
- Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure is one of the fastest-growing clouds in the market despite being launched relatively recently. While predicting Microsoft Azure’s revenue is a tough job, it is expected to grow between USD 33 billion to USD 35 billion, making it one of the most profitable cloud services. Azure offers the most number of data centers and has recently won a USD 10 billion contract from the U.S. government.
Microsoft Azure offers several services in multiple categories, such as IoT, Mixed Reality, Windows Virtual Desktop, and Blockchain. It provides the maximum number of and most advanced intelligent services and products, which makes it the most attractive cloud service. Azure offers more than 90 global compliance certifications and the most advanced security services and products.
Logo by Google Cloud as seen on the Website
- Google Cloud
Google Cloud offers services in various categories, much like Microsoft Azure and AWS. These categories include identity, storage, AI, database, and ML. Google offers its services in 20 regions, through more than 200 countries and 61 zones.
Google Cloud racks up annual revenue of around USD 8 billion. It offers certifications, such as Associate Cloud Engineer, G Suite, Professional Cloud Security Engineer, Professional Data Engineer, Professional Cloud Network Engineer, Professional Cloud Developer, and Professional Cloud Architect.
Logo by Oracle Cloud as seen on the Website
- Oracle Cloud
Oracle Cloud is an offering from Oracle Corporation and offers SaaS (Software-as-a-Service), PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service), IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service), and DaaS (Data-as-a-Service).
Oracle Cloud’s offerings are divided according to SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, and DaaS, and include Load Balancing, DNS Monitoring, FastConnect, Ravello, Application Development, Blockchain Applications, Content and Enterprise, CX, EPM, IoT, ERP, and HCM.
Logo by IBM Cloud as seen on the Website
- IBM Cloud
IBM developed the IBM Cloud as a set of cloud computing services meant specifically for businesses. IBM Cloud also includes the IaaS, SaaS, PaaS, and DaaS services via private, public, and hybrid models.
This cloud service possesses services, such as Compute, VMware, Migration, IoT, AI, Mobile, Security, Dev Tools, Management, Integration, Cloud Packs, Network, Private Cloud, Storage, and Database. The annual revenue of IBM Cloud is USD 19.16 billion.
Cloud Provider Pros
Let’s take a look at some of the individual strengths of the top three cloud service providers.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Possesses the greatest global reach
- Renowned for reliable service
- Wide range and flexibility of services
- An ideal CSP for or large organizations
- Microsoft Azure
- Provides a hybrid solution
- Offers easy first-time cloud migration
- Works well with Windows-based organizations
- An ideal CSP for startups and developers
- Google Cloud
- Is a total container-based model
- Renowned as the most eco-conscious and cost-efficient option
- Suitable for sites in a hyperscale networking environment
- An ideal CSP for creators of cloud-based software and apps
While the three platforms, all coming from reputable organizations that exemplify technological innovation, may differ in services and functionalities they offer, they do hold common ground in terms of excellent support, on-demand pricing, a free tier, and an unflinching focus on security.
Conclusion
While Amazon bags the market share with its AWS platform, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it would be the right fit for a specific organization. If you are an organization that runs on a Microsoft environment, Azure may be the better option. On the other hand, businesses that need more innovation and less reach would prefer Google Cloud. This review is intended to provide business owners with insight into the cloud service provider market so that they can make informed decisions.
