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11 Popular Cloud Computing Platforms

Choosing the right cloud platform can mean the difference between success and failure for a product, project or even a business. This breakdown covers the 11 leading cloud computing platforms and their special features.  

Mercy WawiraAleksander Hougen

Written by Mercy Wawira (Writer)

Reviewed by Aleksander Hougen (Co-Chief Editor)

Last Updated: 2024-12-29T17:29:48+00:00

All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.

Key Takeaways: The Top 11 Cloud Computing Platforms
  1. AWS Cloud — The largest cloud platform with over 200 fully featured services.
  2. Google Cloud Platform — A strong contender favored for data, machine learning and security.
  3. Microsoft Azure — A platform offering seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem that’s popular for hybrid clouds.
  4. SAP Business Technology Platform — An option known for providing enterprise-grade cloud solutions tailored for businesses that run SAP software and systems.
  5. DigitalOcean — A simple, affordable cloud computing service for developers and small businesses.
  6. Oracle Cloud — An alternative with decades of enterprise software experience that’s notable for its strong database tools.
  7. IBM Cloud — A leader in bare-metal servers.
  8. NetApp Cloud Services — A cloud platform focused on data management, storage optimization and robust backup.
  9. Alibaba Cloud — A service with a global presence focusing on e-commerce, innovative IoT and video capabilities.
  10. CloudLinux — A service with an optimized Linux OS for hosting providers and shared hosting.
  11. Hadoop — An open-source platform for distributed big data storage and processing.

Facts & Expert Analysis: Cloud Platforms and Services

  • Market Leaders: Among the cloud computing platforms, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the clear market leader with 31% of the global market share. It’s followed by Microsoft Azure at 24% and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) at 11%.1
  • Growing Industry: The cloud computing market is projected to be worth $376.36 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 16.7%.2 Cloud usage is becoming more widespread, with 98% of organizations using cloud services, and “heavy” cloud usage increasing from 53% to 63% from 2020 to 2022.3
  • Adoption Leaders: Cloud adoption and spending varies by region, with North America leading, followed by Europe and the Asia-Pacific.3
  • Cloud Breaches: Cloud security remains a top priority for the industry, with 45% of data breaches occurring in the cloud.2 

Cloud computing platforms are the underlying infrastructure and software that enable the delivery of cloud computing services and other SaaS products. They provide the foundational elements for organizations to access and utilize cloud-based resources, applications and services.

Cloud computing platforms have different types. Public clouds offer on-demand services over the internet that anyone can access. Private clouds provide dedicated infrastructure for a single organization, enhancing security and control. Hybrid clouds combine public and private cloud resources. Multi-cloud strategies use services from many providers, minimizing vendor lock-in and potentially reducing costs.

These platforms provide flexibility by letting businesses adjust their resources as needed. They’re cost-effective too, charging for only what is used. Plus, they help businesses operate during emergencies by keeping data available and consistent. 

AWS, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure are the most popular cloud computing platforms, each with unique value propositions catering to diverse business needs. However, there are many other cloud computing platforms available.

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  • 11/18/2024

    Updated article with important key takeaways.

What Is a Cloud Computing Platform?

A cloud computing platform is a set of infrastructure that provides access to IT resources over the internet. Its main role is to host applications and data, making them available from anywhere with an internet connection. 

These platforms offer various services, such as storing files, running applications and managing databases. Cloud computing platforms also provide tools and services that allow multiple users to edit documents, share data and communicate in real time. 

This method saves you money as you don’t need to buy lots of hardware and software up front. You can use more or less of the services as needed, which helps you manage your usage. Instead of buying your own equipment, you can use what the cloud provider offers online. This way, you pay for only what you use, and the provider takes care of all the underlying technology.

What Are the Types of Cloud Computing Platforms?

Cloud computing platforms are divided into four broad types. The types of cloud computing platforms are described below.

  • Public cloud platforms: These are owned and operated by third-party service providers that offer computing resources — like virtual machines and storage — over the internet. Multiple users can access them, and they provide scalability and cost-effectiveness due to the shared infrastructure.
  • Private cloud platforms: Unlike public clouds, private cloud platforms are dedicated to a single organization, either hosted internally or by a third-party provider. They offer greater control, security and customization options, making them suitable for businesses with specific compliance or performance requirements.
  • Hybrid cloud platforms: Hybrid clouds combine elements of both public and private clouds, allowing data and applications to be shared between them. This flexibility enables organizations to leverage the scalability and cost-efficiency of public clouds while retaining sensitive data and critical workloads in private environments.
  • Multi-cloud platforms: Multi-cloud platforms involve using multiple public cloud providers simultaneously to meet different workload requirements. This approach reduces vendor lock-in and enhances resilience by distributing workloads across various cloud environments.

difference between the 4 cloud types
A graphical overview of the four types of cloud platforms.

In cloud computing, picking the right platform can make all the difference for your business. Each platform comes with its unique set of services designed to meet various technical demands, business goals and even local needs.

The 11 most popular cloud computing platforms are AWS Cloud, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, SAP BTP, DigitalOcean, IBM Cloud, NetApp Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, CloudLinux and Hadoop. Let’s take a closer look at these 11 and see what makes each one stand out.

  1. AWS Cloud — Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the leading cloud service provider, offering extensive computing power, storage and other IT resources through the cloud.
  2. Google Cloud Platform — Google Cloud Platform (GCP) provides a suite of cloud computing services that run on the same infrastructure that Google uses internally for its end-user products.
  3. Microsoft Azure — Microsoft Azure is known for its integrated cloud services that allow developers and IT professionals to build, deploy and manage applications through its global network.
  4. SAP Business Technology Platform — The SAP BTP platform consolidates business data, helps manage databases and facilitates movement towards a more intelligent enterprise.
  5. DigitalOcean — DigitalOcean specializes in cloud services for deploying modern apps, with a particular focus on simplicity and scale.
  6. Oracle Cloud — Oracle Cloud offers a comprehensive cloud computing service that includes applications, platform services and engineered systems.
  7. IBM Cloud — IBM Cloud includes Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) that are built upon a set of virtualized cloud infrastructure. 
  8. NetApp Cloud Services — NetApp provides hybrid cloud data services and cloud data management, helping organizations manage applications and data across the cloud and on-premises environments.
  9. Alibaba Cloud — Alibaba Cloud, which is part of the Alibaba Group, offers a variety of online services for digital tasks. It’s known for its strong presence in Asia, and it offers scalable and secure cloud solutions.
  10. CloudLinux — CloudLinux is specifically designed for shared hosting environments, enhancing server stability and security.
  11. Hadoop — Hadoop is an open-source framework that supports the processing and storage of extremely large datasets in a computing environment.

1. AWS Cloud

aws console
AWS has more than 71 million websites running on its infrastructure.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s largest and most comprehensive cloud platform, offering over 200 cloud-based services. It provides an extensive range of solutions that include computing, storage, databases, networking, analytics, machine learning, the Internet of Things and more.

AWS launched all the way back in 2006 and has an expansive global infrastructure with 33 geographic regions, 105 availability zones, over 600 CloudFront Points of Presence, as well as 13 regional edge caches. Reflecting its market dominance, AWS commands a 31% share of the global cloud computing market.

Features:
  • Services offered: AWS offers a wide range of services, including IaaS, PaaS and SaaS, which let users run almost everything from the cloud.
  • Cloud types: It offers public, private, hybrid and multi-cloud environments, catering to all types of cloud computing needs.
  • Products offered: Specialty services such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, data lakes and IoT are part of AWS’ extensive portfolio.
  • Cloud storage: Multiple storage options are available, including object storage with S3, block storage with EBS and file storage with systems like EFS.
  • Security: AWS places a strong emphasis on security. Services include comprehensive identity and access management (IAM), encrypted data storage and transfer, and continuous security monitoring.
  • Migration options: AWS facilitates smooth and reliable migration with tools like AWS Migration Hub, AWS Database Migration Service and more.
  • Other key features: Known for its scalability and reliability, AWS also offers strong service-level agreements (SLAs) and exceptional customer support.

Pros:

  • Extensive global infrastructure
  • Wide range of services and tools
  • Strong security and compliance capabilities

Cons:

  • Navigation can be complex for beginners
  • Cost management can be challenging
  • Potential for vendor lock-in
Pricing:

AWS charges based on usage, so you only pay for what you need. Pricing can vary depending on the services you want. It has an AWS calculator tool to estimate costs before you decide, and different pricing plans help you save money based on how you use its services. For example, you can reserve computing power for one to three years, but you must pay for this time even if you don’t use it all. 

AWS also offers leftover capacity (aka spot instances) at a much lower price, but only for short durations. If you use many services, you may get a discount, and large spending of over $1 million a year can lead to additional discounts. For a common set of cloud services like virtual machines, storage, load balancing and CDN, AWS tends to be cheaper than Azure but slightly more expensive than GCP.

2. Google Cloud Platform

google cloud dashboard
Google Cloud was the first major cloud provider to commit to operating entirely on renewable energy, achieving 100% renewable energy use in 2017.

Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is Google’s answer to AWS and the third-largest cloud platform. Launched in 2008, it currently operates in 40 regions with 121 availability zones and 187 network edge locations, so it’s available in over 195 countries worldwide. 

GCP uses the same underlying infrastructure and technology that powers big Google services such as Search and YouTube. This means that Google Cloud can scale effectively and reliably just like these well-established products. It offers PaaS, SaaS, IaaS and FaaS solutions.

Google Cloud is famous for its strength in big data, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and it holds an 11% share of the global cloud computing market. With its innovative approach and strong focus on cutting-edge technologies, Google Cloud continues to gain popularity, particularly among organizations in the technology, media and gaming industries.

Features:
  • Services offered: GCP provides comprehensive cloud solutions, including IaaS, PaaS and SaaS, supporting diverse computing needs.
  • Cloud types: Equipped to handle public, private, hybrid and multi-cloud deployments, GCP meets various organizational requirements.
  • Products offered: Specialty services include big data analytics, machine learning, AI tools and extensive API options.
  • Cloud storage: The solution offers scalable and durable storage solutions such as Google Cloud Storage, persistent disks and local SSDs.
  • Security: GCP maintains robust security measures with advanced threat detection, identity management and built-in data encryption.
  • Migration options: Google Cloud migration tools and services like Anthos simplify the transition from on-premises infrastructure to the cloud with minimal disruption.
  • Other key features: GCP is known for its high scalability, strong SLAs and customer support that’s bolstered by Google’s cutting-edge technology.

Pros:

  • State-of-the-art security features
  • Leadership in machine learning
  • Commitment to sustainability

Cons:

  • Less market presence than AWS
  • Certain configurations can be costly
  • Complex pricing structure
Pricing:

GCP uses a pay-as-you-go system, meaning you only pay for what you use. It offers a GCP pricing calculator to help plan expenses, and it provides discounts for long-term usage. Users can save up to 57% for three-year commitments and up to 70% for heavy-usage tasks. This pricing structure can benefit users who require steady services over extended periods or those with high resource demands.

Moreover, Google provides automatic sustained use discounts, further reducing costs for workloads that exhibit consistent usage patterns over time. When evaluating pricing for services like cloud VMs, storage solutions, network load balancers and content delivery networks, GCP emerges as the cheapest choice compared to AWS and Azure. 

3. Microsoft Azure

microsoft azure dashboard
Microsoft Azure has more global regions than any other cloud provider.

Microsoft Azure is the third of the “big three” cloud computing providers and is the second-largest cloud service provider globally, with a 24% market share. Azure operates in 64 regions around the world — with 15 additional regions under development — totaling 79 and 126 availability zones with 37 more zones in the development phase. In total, it has grown to over 300 data centers worldwide since launching in 2010.

Azure’s expansive global infrastructure, coupled with its drive to establish a presence in new regions, makes it a reliable choice for organizations with dispersed locations or strict data residency requirements. It has strong hybrid cloud scenarios and cloud services that integrate well with Microsoft’s business applications and development tools. Azure offers over 200 distinct cloud-based services and solutions.

Features:
  • Services offered: Its comprehensive IaaS, PaaS and SaaS offerings cater to diverse computing needs.
  • Cloud types: Azure facilitates public, private, hybrid and multi-cloud solutions, making it great for any business model.
  • Products offered: Its specialty services include AI and machine learning, IoT and analytics solutions.
  • Cloud storage: The platform has diverse storage options, including blob storage, disk storage and queue storage.
  • Security: Azure is renowned for its robust security framework, which includes threat protection, multi-factor authentication and strict compliance protocols.
  • Migration options: Azure Migrate provides a central hub of tools for seamless migration from your existing infrastructure to the cloud.
  • Other key features: Azure is known for having high scalability, comprehensive disaster recovery strategies and dependable customer support. Microsoft’s long-standing expertise in enterprise software and solutions has given it a competitive edge, catering to businesses of all sizes.

Pros:

  • Extensive integration with Microsoft tools
  • Highly scalable cloud services
  • Advanced security and compliance

Cons:

  • Complex for beginners
  • Gets expensive depending on usage
  • Compatibility issues with non-Microsoft products
Pricing:

Azure operates on a pay-as-you-go system, charging for resource usage to help businesses scale and control costs. Microsoft offers tools like the Azure pricing calculators to estimate expenses and reserved instance pricing with discounts for longer commitments. As mentioned, Azure is generally the most expensive provider of the big three.

4. SAP Business Technology Platform

sap btp landing page
SAP has been around since 2012 when it was called SAP Cloud Platform. It later
rebranded to SAP Business Platform in 2021.

SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) is an enterprise-focused cloud platform gaining ground in the market with 16,000 current customers. SAP BTP stands out as an open cloud platform designed to help companies blend processes, experiences and data seamlessly. It has a small slice of the pie, with just 0.27% of the market in the PaaS category.

Features:
  • Services offered: SAP BTP offers PaaS, IaaS and SaaS, focusing on business-centric services like database management, analytics and application development.
  • Cloud types: It supports public, private, hybrid and multi-cloud deployments to suit various enterprise needs.
  • Products offered: Specialty services include SAP HANA for advanced analytics, SAP Datasphere and SAP Business Application Studio.
  • Cloud storage: SAP BTP provides robust data storage solutions tailored for enterprise needs, emphasizing data integrity and access speed.
  • Security: It features comprehensive security measures including end-to-end encryption, compliance monitoring and identity management.
  • Migration options: Tools and services such as SAP Cloud Platform Integration Suite facilitate the smooth migration and integration of existing systems with SAP BTP.
  • Other key features: The platform is notable for its scalability, enterprise-grade SLAs and extensive customer support network.

Pros:

  • Strong focus on business applications
  • Integrated analytics & machine learning
  • Comprehensive customer support

Cons:

  • Pricier than some competitors
  • Complex for new users
  • Limited third-party integrations
Pricing:

SAP BTP offers three pricing models: the SAP BTP Enterprise Agreement (BTPEA), starting at around $10,000 per year for one to three-year contracts; consumption-based pricing for most services; and a free tier model providing access to over 90 services. 

You can also subscribe to individual tools and services at a fixed rate. Overall, SAP is more expensive than AWS, Azure and Google Cloud.

5. DigitalOcean

digital ocean landing page
DigitalOcean is a simple and developer-friendly cloud platform.

Overview: DigitalOcean is a cloud infrastructure provider that focuses on offering a simple and developer-friendly platform. Launched in 2011, this solution operates 15 data centers in nine regions across the globe. 

DigitalOcean is primarily known for its straightforward and cost-effective cloud services, targeting small- to medium-sized businesses and individual developers. The platform has a global market share of 1.39% in the storage infrastructure sector.

Features:
  • Services offered: DigitalOcean mainly provides IaaS and PaaS, with an increasing focus on SaaS solutions such as its Managed Databases and App Platform.
  • Cloud types: It offers public cloud services with a simple approach to virtual servers, or “droplets,” and recently introduced private networking options.
  • Products offered: Specialty services include Kubernetes clusters, managed databases and scalable compute instances.
  • Cloud storage: DigitalOcean provides scalable and secure block storage, object storage and Spaces Object Storage Content Delivery Network (CDN).
  • Security: Security features include two-factor authentication, DDoS attack mitigation and data encryption at rest and in transit.
  • Migration options: It offers straightforward tools and documentation to support users in migrating their applications and data to DigitalOcean environments.
  • Other key features: The platform is recognized for its ease of use, robust scalability, competitive SLAs and responsive customer support. DigitalOcean has a straightforward interface geared toward developers, with a transparent and predictable pricing mode.

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface for developers
  • Cost-effective pricing structure
  • Strong community and marketplace

Cons:

  • Limited enterprise features
  • Fewer global data centers than competitors
  • Mainly caters to developers and startups
Pricing:

DigitalOcean takes a refreshingly simple approach to pricing, offering just hourly or monthly rates. There are no complex pricing tiers or discounting models to navigate. Unlike AWS, Azure and GCP, which charge per minute of usage, DigitalOcean bills per hour with no fractional charges. This makes its pricing extremely predictable and easy to understand.

6. Oracle Cloud

oracle cloud infrastructure overview page
Oracle Cloud has more third-party service integrations than AWS.

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) is Oracle’s cloud computing platform. The platform offers services across government and commercial sectors, and it has dedicated regions specifically designed to meet the distinct requirements of these different users.

Despite being a newer player in the cloud market (launched in 2016), it has grown to command 2.1% of the market share. Oracle Cloud operates in 48 geographic regions, with 58 availability domains in 24 countries.

OCI currently provides over 100 distinct products. Its competitive pricing and robust, enterprise-grade solutions have made it a popular choice among large organizations — especially businesses with pre-existing Oracle workloads. 

Features:
  • Services offered: Oracle Cloud provides comprehensive IaaS, PaaS and SaaS capabilities.
  • Cloud types: This solution supports public, private, hybrid and multi-cloud deployments.
  • Products offered: The platform includes database services such as Oracle Autonomous Database and distributed cloud services.
  • Cloud storage: Oracle Cloud offers high-performance block storage, object storage and file storage solutions.
  • Security: It includes advanced security protocols with automated updates and threat detection systems.
  • Migration options: Streamlined tools and services make for easy migration and integration with existing IT infrastructure.
  • Other key features: Oracle Cloud is notable for its high availability, performance consistency and strong enterprise focus. It also offers easy integration with Oracle’s on-premises software and infrastructure solutions.

Pros:

  • Integrated stack of cloud applications
  • Robust security and compliance tools
  • Leader in database technology

Cons:

  • Can be expensive for small businesses
  • Complex interface, features and compatibility options
  • Limited third-party integrations 
Pricing:

Oracle Cloud runs on a pay-as-you-go pricing model, with competitive rates for enterprise customers and various subscription options that are flexible and scalable. Oracle also offers OCI cost estimation tools to help organizations effectively predict and manage their spending. OCI is far cheaper than AWS, Azure and GCP for compute instances, storage and network services.

7. IBM Cloud

ibm cloud catalogs page
IBM Cloud puts a special focus on hybrid cloud solutions and bare-metal servers.

IBM Cloud offers a variety of IaaS, PaaS and SaaS tools and is noted for offering a lot of specialty services like AI, blockchain and IoT.

IBM launched its cloud platform in April 2011 and now operates in nine regions and 31 availability zones globally. As of April 2024, the company has an estimated market share of 2% and offers over 170 distinct products and services, primarily targeting enterprise customers.

Features:
  • Services offered: IBM Cloud has a wide array of IaaS, PaaS and SaaS options.
  • Cloud types: Flexible options including public, private, hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
  • Products offered: It offers specialty services such as AI with Watsonx, blockchain and IoT solutions.
  • Cloud storage: There are multiple storage types including cloud object storage with regional, cross-region and single data center options.
  • Security: It has a strong focus on enterprise security with dedicated hardware and private network options.
  • Migration options: IBM offers tools like IBM Aspera to facilitate the easy transfer of large volumes of data.
  • Other key features: IBM Cloud is acknowledged for its high scalability, customer support and enterprise-grade SLAs.

Pros:

  • Strong bare-metal cloud capabilities and hybrid cloud offerings
  • Extensive AI and machine learning capabilities
  • Highly secure and compliant

Cons:

  • Pricing can be complex
  • Inconsistent customer service
  • Integration complexity for some legacy systems
Pricing:

IBM Cloud offers various pricing options: pay-as-you-go, subscription-based and custom plans. Pay-as-you-go charges are based on usage, while subscriptions offer discounts for committed usage. Custom pricing suits specific needs, and tiered plans provide different resource levels. Some services are free with limited usage. 

For basic cloud services like virtual machines and data storage, IBM Cloud generally costs more than AWS, Google Cloud and Azure if you pay as you go. However, if you commit to using a lot of IBM Cloud resources, the subscription plans can be cheaper than the other major cloud providers.

8. NetApp Cloud Services

netapp cloud landing page
NetApp offers managed cloud storage services for AWS, Microsoft Azure and GCP.

NetApp focuses on converged and hyper-converged infrastructure. Its flagship products include FAS, AFF and ASA storage systems, along with the ONTAP data management operating system.

Features:
  • Services offered: NetApp places a strong emphasis on IaaS and PaaS with integrated data services.
  • Cloud types: NetApp specializes in hybrid and multi-cloud solutions.
  • Products offered: The platform includes Cloud Volumes ONTAP and Azure NetApp Files.
  • Cloud storage: NetApp offers advanced cloud storage solutions designed for high efficiency and data mobility.
  • Security: Robust security features including data encryption, compliance adherence and secure data transfers.
  • Migration options: This cloud provider has streamlined tools for data migration and hybrid cloud deployments.
  • Other key features: NetApp provides high performance, operational flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Pros:

  • Optimizes storage efficiency
  • Strong multi-cloud support
  • Data compliance and security

Cons:

  • May have a steep learning curve
  • Pricier than some alternatives
  • Focuses mainly on data services
Pricing:

NetApp has a subscription-based pricing model with extra pay-as-you-go options for more flexibility. Pricing varies based on the volume of data managed and the services used, with NetApp calculators available to help you estimate costs effectively. The pricing structure also adjusts for different levels of data access frequency, which can affect the overall cost depending on how often data is retrieved or modified.

NetApp Cloud Services can be reasonably priced for some situations, especially if you use its advanced data management features. However, in most cases, it costs more than the basic storage services offered by big cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud and Azure.

9. Alibaba Cloud

alibaba cloud about page
Alibaba opened its cloud division, Alibaba Cloud, in 2012.

Among Chinese storage providers, Alibaba Cloud is a leading cloud computing platform in Asia and the largest cloud platform based outside the U.S. It operates 89 availability zones across 30 regions around the world, with plans to expand to additional locations. Alibaba Cloud provides over 100 cloud-based products and services to its customers.

Alibaba remains a relatively minor player in the global cloud market, with its global market share was estimated at around 4% as of Q4 2023. However, Alibaba Cloud holds a dominant 39% market share in the cloud computing industry in China, making it the largest cloud service provider in Asia. Despite its smaller footprint, it continues to invest in growing its cloud infrastructure and service offerings worldwide.

Features:
  • Services offered: Alibaba Cloud has extensive IaaS, PaaS and SaaS offerings.
  • Cloud types: Alibaba Cloud provides public, private, hybrid and multi-cloud solutions.
  • Products offered: Its specialty services include Elastic Compute, data lakes and a machine learning platform for AI.
  • Cloud storage: Alibaba Cloud has diverse storage solutions including object storage services and elastic block storage.
  • Security: Its advanced security protocols feature an encrypted data transfer system, anti-DDoS protection and identity management solutions.
  • Migration options: Alibaba Cloud provides easy-to-use migration tools and professional services for transitioning to the cloud.
  • Other key features: The platform has notable scalability, a robust network of data centers and strong SLAs.

Pros:

  • Potentially cheaper than other clouds
  • Extensive Asian data center coverage
  • Discounted prepaid storage pricing with SCUs
  • Reliable documentation and support

Cons:

  • Interface can be complex
  • Asia-centric data centers with limited global presence
  • Fewer third-party integrations & support
  • Less familiarity especially among international engineers
Pricing:

Alibaba Cloud offers a pay-as-you-go pricing structure along with subscription options that reduce costs for long-term use. This pricing flexibility helps organizations manage expenses based on their specific usage patterns, and Alibaba pricing calculators are available to assist with financial planning.

One key aspect of Alibaba Cloud is the absence of up-front fees, which means it costs very little to get started. The provider also offers many of its services for free. Compared to other major cloud platforms, Alibaba Cloud is generally more affordable. 

10. CloudLinux

cloudlinux landing page
CloudLinux provides an operating system optimized for Linux web hosting
on cloud platforms.

CloudLinux is an operating system for hosting providers to make shared hosting safer for users. By using its system, hosting companies can fit more websites on each server, making them safer and more profitable. The system also allows for better isolation and resource management among hosted websites, enhancing stability and performance.

Over 1,000 hosting companies use CloudLinux across 11,000 servers globally. They have over 100 data center partners and 4,000 customers, with half a million servers running their software. This innovative operating system has helped revolutionize the shared hosting industry, allowing for greater security, efficiency and profitability for hosting providers.

Features:
  • Services offered: CloudLinux primarily offers IaaS with specialized hosting solutions.
  • Cloud types: Both public and private cloud environments utilize the platform as it enhances shared server setups.
  • Products offered: Its products include CloudLinux OS, KernelCare and LVE.
  • Cloud storage: CloudLinux provides secure and isolated storage solutions as part of its hosting packages.
  • Security: It features robust security measures, including server hardening and real-time malware scanning.
  • Migration options: The platform offers tools and services to transition web hosting companies to its platform smoothly.
  • Other key features: CloudLinux is known for its stability, resource efficiency, excellent customer support designed for hosting environments, and ease of use tailored for web hosting providers.

Pros:

  • Enhances server stability and security
  • Ideal for shared hosting providers
  • Efficient resource allocation per tenant

Cons:

  • Primarily tailored for web hosting
  • Limited application outside hosting
  • Requires server management expertise
Pricing:

CloudLinux offers a subscription-based pricing model, which is typically bundled with web hosting packages. Pricing is straightforward and designed to scale with the size of the hosting provider, making it cost-effective for small to large businesses.

11. Hadoop

hadoop homepage
Apache Hadoop was developed by Doug Cutting and Mike Cafarella. Cutting, who was working at Yahoo at the time, named it after his son’s toy elephant.

Hadoop is a widely used framework within cloud platforms for big data processing. The platform consists of the Hadoop Distributed File System and MapReduce processing.

The project was originally developed to support distribution for the Nutch search engine project, but later became an open-source project, growing with contributions from a large community of developers.

The ecosystem has grown to include over 20 related projects like Spark and Hive. Hadoop’s ability to handle massive volumes of structured and unstructured data makes it invaluable for big data analytics and data-driven decision-making among big companies, such as Google and AWS.

Features:
  • Services offered: Hadoop primarily provides data management as a PaaS, focusing on data processing and storage.
  • Cloud types: It’s compatible with public, private and hybrid cloud deployments, emphasizing flexibility in data processing and storage.
  • Products offered: Services include Hadoop Common, Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS), Hadoop YARN and Hadoop MapReduce.
  • Cloud storage: It offers massive storage capacity with its highly scalable HDFS.
  • Security: Hadoop includes fundamental security features but often relies on additional software for comprehensive security solutions.
  • Migration options: It supports robust tools for migrating data to and from Hadoop environments.
  • Other key features: Hadoop is recognized for its scalability, fault tolerance and cost-effectiveness in processing large datasets.

Pros:

  • Highly scalable for big data
  • Cost-effective data processing
  • Flexible and supports various add-ons

Cons:

  • Complex setup & management requiring substantial hardware
  • Not suitable for small-scale data processing needs
  • Steep learning curve for administrators and developers
  • Can be expensive to maintain for small data use cases
Pricing:

As an open-source solution, Hadoop can be deployed at no direct cost for the software. However, implementing and maintaining a Hadoop environment involves significant investment in hardware and expertise. Most costs arise from the infrastructure and personnel required to develop and maintain the system.

What Are the Top 3 Examples of Cloud Computing Platforms?

The top three examples of cloud computing platforms are Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure, which make up 67% of the global cloud infrastructure market, according to Synergy Research Group.

Which Is the Biggest Cloud Computing Platform?

The biggest cloud computing platform is Amazon Web Services.

Which Is the Best Cloud Service Provider?

The best cloud service provider can vary based on specific requirements and use cases, but AWS is frequently recognized for its extensive services and global infrastructure.

What Are the Best Free Cloud Computing Platforms and Technologies?

Many cloud computing platforms offer free trial periods or free tiers, including AWS, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure.

What Are the Top Open-Source Cloud Computing Platforms?

The top open-source cloud computing platforms include OpenStack, Apache CloudStack and Kubernetes for container orchestration.

Which Is the Best Platform to Learn Cloud Computing?

AWS and Microsoft Azure are widely regarded as the best platforms to learn cloud computing due to their comprehensive resources and extensive adoption in the industry.

What Are the Benefits of Cloud Platforms?

The benefits of cloud platforms are flexibility, security, scalability, cost savings, and accessibility. They allow organizations to be more flexible, easily increase or decrease their computing power as needed, and save costs. This lets them focus on their main business while the cloud provider manages the IT infrastructure. 

Cloud platforms also offer backup and recovery options in case of disasters, and provides tools for teams to collaborate smoothly. These benefits help businesses operate more effectively in today’s digital world.

These benefits are discussed below:

  • Scalability: Cloud platforms allow businesses to easily scale their computing resources up or down based on demand, ensuring optimal resource utilization and avoiding over-provisioning or under-provisioning.
  • Cost savings: With a pay-as-you-go pricing model, organizations only pay for the resources they consume, eliminating the need for up-front capital investments in hardware and infrastructure.
  • Accessibility: Cloud services can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, enabling remote work and global collaboration among teams and stakeholders.
  • Increased agility: Cloud platforms facilitate rapid deployment of applications and services, allowing businesses to quickly adapt to changing market conditions and customer demands.
  • Enhanced security: Cloud service providers implement robust security measures, including data encryption, access controls and regular software updates. This ensures the protection of sensitive data and applications.
  • Disaster recovery: Cloud platforms offer built-in disaster recovery and data backup solutions, minimizing downtime and safeguarding business continuity in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
  • Automatic updates: Cloud providers regularly update and maintain their platforms so that users can access the latest features and security patches without the need for manual upgrades.

Which Cloud Service Types Do Cloud Computing Platforms Offer?

The key cloud service types that cloud computing platforms offer include Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Anything as a Service (XaaS). We discuss these types of cloud computing services below:

  • Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS lets users access software applications on a subscription basis without the need for internal infrastructure or hardware. Its key features include automatic updates, scalability and cross-device compatibility.
  • Platform as a Service (PaaS): PaaS provides a platform that allows customers to develop, run and manage applications without having to build and maintain the complex infrastructure typically associated with app development.
  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): IaaS offers fundamental computing, network and storage resources on-demand over the internet on a pay-as-you-go basis.
  • Anything as a Service (XaaS): XaaS is a collective term that stands for the delivery of anything as a service. It includes all services provided over the internet that supersede traditional delivery methods.
What Are Cloud Deployment Platforms?

Cloud deployment platforms refer to the different cloud deployment models for hosting and managing cloud services. They come in several forms, including Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), Function as a Service (FaaS) and Container as a Service (CaaS).

Which Cloud Service Type Is the Best?

The “best” cloud service type depends on the specific needs of the business; however, SaaS is often considered highly efficient for companies looking for out-of-the-box software solutions.

Final Thoughts

As cloud computing continues to evolve, it remains a critical asset for businesses striving for digital transformation and operational resilience. The flexibility, scalability and cost-efficiency of cloud platforms not only drive innovation but also empower businesses to effectively adapt to changing market dynamics.

We encourage our readers to consider how cloud services could benefit their operations and strategic goals. Which aspects of cloud computing are you most interested in exploring? How do you see cloud technology evolving in the next five years? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below. Thank you for reading, and we look forward to your insights and discussions!

FAQ: Best Cloud Platform Services

  • Cloud computing platforms include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), IBM Cloud, Oracle Cloud, SAP BTP, Alibaba Cloud and many others that provide a variety of cloud-based services.

  • Cloud computing comes in four main types: public, private, hybrid and multi-cloud. A public cloud is operated by third-party providers to offer services over the internet, while a private cloud is dedicated to a single organization. Hybrid clouds blend public and private elements, and multi-cloud involves using multiple cloud services from different providers.

  • The three biggest cloud provider platforms are Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). These platforms lead the market in terms of revenue, technological innovation and global reach.

  • Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services over the internet, including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics and intelligence. An example of cloud computing is Amazon Web Services (AWS), which provides cloud-based storage solutions, computing resources and virtual servers.

Sources:

  1. Cloud Provider Market Share Trend Synergy Report
  2. Cloud Market Infrastructure  to reach  440.2 billion by USD  2032 at 16.7% CAGR
  3. The Latest Cloud Computing Statistics (updated April 2024
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