What Is Google Cloud? Platform, Products, Benefits and How to Use
Google has gone through several rounds of rebranding for its cloud products. From GSuite to Google Workspace, and from Google Cloud to GCP and back, the company has changed course on its naming convention several times. So, what is Google Cloud? Learn all the basics in this guide.
Written by Mercy Wawira (Writer)
Reviewed by Aleksander Hougen (Co-Chief Editor)
Last Updated: 2024-08-27T07:02:07+00:00
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Google Cloud is Google’s huge digital workspace. It offers many tools and services, including a cloud computing environment (Google Cloud Platform, or GCP) and productivity tools like Gmail and Google Drive, which are part of Google Workspace. Though Google Cloud includes more than just GCP, in this article we’ll focus on answering one question: What is Google Cloud?
Some Google Cloud services help you store data, analyze large amounts of information and even create smart apps that can learn and make decisions. Using Google Cloud has its ups and downs. It’s flexible and can grow with your needs, but it has a steep learning curve for some. To start using Google Cloud, sign up and choose the services you need.
Google Cloud offers a wide range of services, from cloud computing to collaboration tools, all in one place. It’s fast, safe and available over the Internet, so your work is always ready whenever you need it. Google Cloud can be a game changer for growing your projects.
What Is Google Cloud?
Google Cloud is a catch-all term for all the public cloud services Google provides. It’s not just for tech experts; it’s for anyone who wants to use Google’s digital tools and services. From storing files online with Google Drive to sending emails through Gmail, it covers a wide range of services, including Google Cloud Platform’s technical tools.
How Does It Work?
GCP is a suite of cloud computing services delivered over the Internet, including servers, backup, networking, analytics and databases. It operates on a globally distributed infrastructure, with data centers that house servers and networking equipment optimized for cloud workloads. Users can access and manage GCP services through its console, APIs or command-line tools.
What Is a Google Cloud Account?
To get started with Google Cloud, you need to create a Google Cloud account. To do this, simply visit Google Cloud’s free tier page and sign up with your details. Think of this as your access pass to all the different tools and services available. With this account, you can store files, send emails, build apps and more.
What Is the Difference Between Google Cloud and GCP?
Google Cloud and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) refer to Google’s cloud services. However, Google is moving toward using only the term “Google Cloud.” GCP is a collection of cloud computing services that includes everything from computing and storage to networking and machine learning. It uses the same tech that powers products like Google Search and YouTube.
The idea behind this change is to simplify the terminology and to show that Google Cloud is more than just a platform; it’s an entire range of cloud services and tools for people and businesses. The name “Google Cloud” now encompasses everything that GCP represents, along with all other Google cloud services.
What Is the History of the Google Cloud Platform?
Google’s journey toward cloud computing began in 2008 with the introduction of the Google App Engine, a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offering designed to support application development and host web applications in Google’s managed data centers. App Engine became publicly available in 2011, marking Google’s entry into the rapidly growing cloud computing market.
Google recognized the growing importance of cloud computing and rose to the challenge. In 2010, it launched Google Cloud Storage, which allowed people to store data in Google’s cloud. In 2012, it launched Google Compute Engine, which let users create and manage virtual computers in the cloud. The name “Google Cloud Platform” was introduced the same year.
In 2016, Google made some changes to how it presented its cloud business. The company decided to group all its business tools, such as email and calendars, under a new brand called “G Suite.” G Suite was rebranded to “Google Workspace” in October 2020 to reflect a change in its app suite. The G Suite brand then merged to the overarching “Google Cloud” umbrella.
According to a 2024 Synergy Research report, Google Cloud had a market share of 11% as of Q4 of 2023. It’s now the third-largest cloud platform, but it still trails well behind AWS and Microsoft Azure.
What Products or Services Does Google Cloud Platform Offer?
Google Cloud Platform offers many types of products and services, such as computing, storage, databases, networking, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, security, developer tools, containers, data analytics, cloud management tools, big data and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. We delve further into Google Cloud Platform’s products below.
Computing and Hosting
Computing and hosting are core parts of any cloud computing platform and are what allows users to use the service’s hardware to run applications or host websites.
On GCP, this simply means using Google’s virtual computers to run your website or other applications. This is part of what we call cloud computing technology — you don’t need to buy expensive computers or worry about running them 24/7.
GCP offers services like Compute Engine and App Engine, which let you use Google’s hardware to host whatever you’re building, be it a small website or a large and complex application. Google Cloud’s other computing and hosting services include Cloud Run, Spot VMs and SQL Server.
Storage and Database
can store, even ones with terabytes of data.
In cloud computing, storage and database refers to various ways of storing, accessing and serving data such as files.
When it comes to storing your data, GCP has you covered with secure and scalable options. Whether you need to keep certain files safe or organize a bunch of customer data, services like Cloud Storage, which helps you store unstructured data, can help.
Cloud SQL and Cloud Bigtable offer managed relational and NoSQL database services, respectively. Google Cloud Filestore and Cloud Datastore are additional services that cater to file storage and document-oriented database needs.
Networking
Networking is the third core component of cloud computing and is what connects all the compute, storage, database and hosting services together, as well facilitating access from the outside.
GCP’s networking tools help connect your apps and services with the world. It’s like a digital road that lets data travel safely and quickly across the internet. Products like Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), Cloud CDN and Cloud Load Balancing ensure that your data gets where it needs to go securely and that your services can handle many users at once.
Other GCP networking services include Cloud Interconnect and Cloud DNS. Cloud DNS ensures high availability and low latency for your domain’s DNS records, which helps users quickly find your applications on the internet.
AI and Machine Learning
a cloud-based machine learning engine.
AI (artificial intelligence) and Machine Learning refers to programs that leverage techniques like neural networks to perform various tasks such as interpreting text, audio or images, improving code, facial recognition and more.
Google Cloud provides easy-to-use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools. Vertex AI lets developers add smart capabilities to their apps without needing to be AI experts. The Cloud Vision API interprets images, while the Cloud Natural Language API helps apps comprehend written text. Cloud Speech-to-Text interprets audio and voice commands.
With these AI/ML services, your apps can see, hear and understand just like humans. You can build intelligent features like facial recognition, voice assistants, automated document reading and more. Google Cloud makes cutting-edge AI accessible to any developer or business.
Security and Identity Management
access to all Google Cloud services.
Cloud security and identity management refers to a collection of tools and techniques to protect a cloud environment from threats or downtime Because cloud computing platforms are widely accessible, they have a relatively large attack surface, meaning security is a top concern.
Google Cloud has strong security tools to keep your data and apps safe. Services like Identity and Access Management and Cloud KMS control access privileges. Other tools protect your projects by watching out for threats and suspicious activity.
Though Google Cloud offers strong security features, it’s important to configure them properly for optimal protection. Understanding access controls and utilizing multi-factor authentication is important for safeguarding your data and applications.
Developer Tools
Since PaaS solutions are used to create applications and services, it’s important that they offer a solid range of developer tools including SDKs, deployment tools and CLIs.
GCP offers a variety of tools to make building and managing your apps easier. From writing code to testing and deploying applications, services like Cloud SDK and Container Registry provide everything you need to get your apps up and running smoothly.
The integration of Cloud Build and Cloud Source Repositories with these tools facilitates continuous integration and delivery, and automates the build and deployment process.
Containers
Containers let you package your app and all the parts it needs to run. This makes it easy to move your app around and scale it up or down as needed, without having to worry about dependencies or system requirements.
Google Kubernetes Engine is a service that helps manage these containers, making it simpler to deploy and manage your apps across different environments.
Services like Cloud Run and Container Registry enhance the container ecosystem, providing a seamless experience from containerization to deployment.
Data Analytics
seconds and query your data immediately.
Data analytics is the process of taking a large amount of data and analyzing it for patterns, insights and predictions.
GCP’s data analytics services like BigQuery allow you to process and analyze big data sets, turning them into actionable insights. This can help you understand how your users behave or how your business is doing, leading to better decision-making.
Cloud Management Tools
steps to get started with monitoring services.
Cloud management tools are vital, especially when a platform is as large as Google Cloud. These tools gather all the services and resources in one place, making it easy to manage it all and monitor performance.
Managing and monitoring your cloud resources is important, and Google Cloud provides tools to help. These services let you track usage, manage costs and ensure your applications are running smoothly. Cloud Monitoring and Cloud Billing are key tools for effective cloud management.
Big Data
to take advantage of open-source data tools.
Big Data refers to datasets that are so huge that even storing them can be a challenge, much less analyze them for useful information.
For projects that deal with huge amounts of data, GCP’s big data services offer powerful tools for storing, processing and analyzing vast datasets. Services such as Google Cloud Dataflow, Dataproc and Bigtable help you work with large data sets more efficiently, providing the insights you need to inform strategies and decisions.
The integration of machine learning capabilities with BigQuery and the flexibility of Cloud Bigtable show how GCP’s big data solutions are not just about storage and processing but also about deriving actionable insights.
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things is the network of physical objects connected to the internet, not just limited to computers or mobile devices. This includes everything from normal house lights to life-saving medical equipment.
Previously, GCP offered Google Cloud IoT Core for managing large, internet-connected device deployments. This service was discontinued in August 2023, but Google Cloud still supports third-party Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
Cloud Functions, Pub/Sub, Cloud Spanner, Storage and Vertex AI enable secure device onboarding, performance monitoring and data collection and analysis. Additionally, GCP partners with companies that provide complete IoT solutions. Though not a direct Cloud IoT Core replacement, these services offer building blocks to create strong, scalable IoT solutions.
What Are Some Other Google Cloud Products?
Google Cloud Platform offers a wide range of services beyond the ones in the main categories. Business intelligence tools like Google Data Studio provide advanced data visualization, while Cloud Functions works with your serverless computing needs.
Google Cloud also assists with cloud migration tools for migrating workloads or data. For hybrid or multi-cloud environments, solutions like Anthos help manage resources across platforms. Industry-specific offerings, such as those for healthcare and finance, allow organizations to leverage the cloud for their unique needs.
Other Google Cloud services include distributed cloud capabilities via Anthos, which supports workloads closer to the edge of the network. Productivity tools like Google Workspace are also integrated, and the Operations Suite provides comprehensive management of Google Cloud resources and applications.
productivity apps such as Gmail, Docs and Drive.
GCP broadens its reach with Distributed Cloud, bringing Google’s infrastructure closer to home. Google Workspace boosts team productivity, media services enhance content delivery, maps and geospatial services add value to location-based apps, mixed reality opens new engagement avenues and Web3 exploration offers a peek into the future of technology.
What Are the Benefits of Google Cloud?
Google Cloud offers many benefits, such as boosting growth and sparking innovation with its powerful computing, secure storage and smart analytics. It’s great for helping businesses run more smoothly, make better decisions and better serve customers. Additionally, Google Cloud is adaptable, meaning it scales to accommodate your growing business.
We describe some of the benefits of Google Cloud below.
- More flexibility: Google Cloud easily adjusts as your business grows, helping you control costs.
- Improved security: Google Cloud keeps your data safe with strong security measures, letting you focus on your work.
- Better decision-making: Data analytics tools make it easier to understand your business, leading to smarter choices.
- Innovation at your fingertips: With Google Cloud, you can use the latest tech to help you innovate.
- Reliability: You can rely on Google Cloud because it’s built on Google’s proven technology, so you can access the services whenever you need them.
- Global reach: Google Cloud’s worldwide data centers make your website or app faster for users everywhere.
What Are the Disadvantages of Google Cloud?
Google Cloud has plenty of perks, but there are also some drawbacks. It can be difficult for new users to learn, costs can add up and it requires constant upkeep. Being aware of these factors can help businesses make informed decisions and steer clear of surprises.
We describe some of the disadvantages of Google Cloud below.
- Learning curve: It may be difficult to get started with Google Cloud because it offers so many services.
- Cost complexities: Figuring out how much Google Cloud will cost can be confusing, and you might end up spending more than you expected.
- Integration efforts: Merging Google Cloud with existing IT systems can be challenging and may require expert assistance.
- Dependence on Internet connectivity: You need a good internet connection to use Google Cloud, which could be a problem in some places.
- Limited control: Google controls the computer equipment for you, which may not be ideal for everyone.
How to Use Google Cloud
GCP opens up a world of opportunities for businesses and individuals, with powerful tools for computing, data storage and more. With just a few simple steps, you can sign up and prepare to deploy your first project. The platform has a user-friendly interface, as well as comprehensive documentation and tutorials for users. The flexible pricing will suit organizations of all sizes.
Below, we outline the main steps to get up and running on GCP. Even those new to cloud computing can get started with confidence.
- Sign up for a Plan
The first step is to create a Google Cloud account. To do so, visit the Google Cloud website and sign up. During this process, you’ll select a plan. Google Cloud offers a free tier and $300 in credits for 90 days to all new users. This is a great way to get started and experiment with what GCP can do without committing financially.
- Set up a Project
Once you’re signed in to the Google Cloud Console, the next step is to create a project. All your work on GCP is organized into projects. You’ll manage services, resources and permissions in these projects. You can have multiple projects, so organize them in a way that makes sense for your needs.
- Explore the Google Cloud Platform Services
To access services like computing, storage and networking, navigate to the left-hand side of the console and choose the service you want to start using. For this example, we’ll show you how to get started with the Compute Engine.
- Choose “Compute Engine”
Click on the “Compute Engine” option in the menu. This will take you to the dedicated section for managing virtual machine instances on GCP. Please note that you need to click “enable” to get started with Compute Engine if it is not already enabled.
- Create a Virtual Instance
Go back to the navigation menu and click on the Compute Engine submenu to get started with creating virtual machines. Locate the “virtual instances” area and click the “create” button.
- Provisioning Your Virtual Instance
You can personalize your VM’s settings in the virtual machine creation wizard. For example, you can assign a unique name for quick identification. You’ll also choose where you want your VM to reside based on worldwide regions and zones, considering factors like performance and cost. It will take about one minute for the virtual machine to be set up.
- Connecting to Your Virtual Instance
You can now connect to your VM using tools like SSH or Remote Desktop Protocol, depending on your chosen operating system. You do this by clicking “connect.” Once connected, verify everything is set up as expected and take steps to secure your VM with firewalls and user permissions.
Now that your VM is secure and ready, it’s time to explore its potential. Install software, configure it for your needs and unleash your creativity!
You can explore other Google Cloud services and integrate them with your virtual instance. Be sure to keep an eye on performance with Google Cloud’s monitoring tools, and set up billing alerts to avoid unexpected charges. As you learn the ropes, adjust and optimize your setup to better meet your project’s needs. For more guidance, check the Google Cloud documentation.
What Are the Use Cases of Google Cloud Platform?
Google Cloud Platform helps different industries with storing and analyzing data, hosting websites, running machine learning projects and supporting Internet of Things applications. These are just some examples of how businesses can use GCP to innovate and grow.
We explore several key GCP use cases below, demonstrating how it provides solutions for businesses to innovate and grow.
- Cloud data storage: GCP provides secure, flexible cloud storage for large databases, as well as backup and recovery.
- Web hosting: GCP offers a space on the internet for your website or app to live, making it accessible to users worldwide.
- Data analytics: GCP helps you analyze data to uncover useful insights or make predictions using tools like BigQuery, thus leading to smarter decision-making.
What Is Google Cloud’s Pricing Plan?
GCP has user-friendly pricing. The free tier allows you to test out the platform or host small projects like websites or file storage. GCP also provides free credits for limited expanded service access, though usage beyond the free credits will incur charges. In addition, special programs offer free access to educational institutions to support learning and development.
GCP has committed use discounts for those who plan to use its services long term, promising up to 57% off for commitments of a year or more and up to 70% off for heavy-duty tasks. This allows long-term users to access GCP’s powerful tools at a lower price. Alternatively, the “pay-as-you-go” model only charges for the resources you use, facilitating budget management.
Who Are Google Cloud Competitors?
Google Cloud competes with several key players in the cloud computing market. Notable competitors include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, DigitalOcean, IBM Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, Oracle Cloud and OVHCloud. Each competitor offers a unique set of services and pricing models catering to different market segments, from startups to large enterprises.
Final Thoughts
Diving into Google Cloud might feel like a big leap. However, now that we’ve walked you through it, the platform should feel more approachable. Google Cloud accommodates a wide range of users, catering to individuals and large enterprises alike.
Different cloud service providers cater to a wide range of needs. Google Cloud has advanced features for developing intelligent applications, while AWS or Microsoft Azure might be more suitable for specific requirements or existing Microsoft integration.
What are your thoughts on this topic? Do you have any prior experience with Google Cloud, or are you curious to learn more? Share your observations and experiences in the comments below — we love to hear from you! Thank you for reading.
FAQ: Google Cloud Platform
Google Cloud is used for storing data, running apps and websites, analyzing information and much more.
You might need Google Cloud if you want to use Google’s powerful tools and services for your digital projects.
Google Cloud has a free tier, but for expanded usage, you’ll need to pay.
Google Drive is for storing files online and is part of the larger Google Cloud Platform, which includes a wide range of services for businesses and developers, such as web hosting and data analysis.