Cloud service providers are technology companies that offer third-party services pertaining to cloud-based platforms, cloud infrastructures, and cloud-based applications.
They’re becoming a major part of how businesses operate thanks to their accessible pricing and availability models. Cloud services range from cloud storage to computing power, and analytics and could even be utilized for software development.
According to Allied Market Research, the global cloud services market was estimated at $325.68 million in 2019 and it’s projected to reach a value of $1.62 billion by 2030.
Understanding the various providers of cloud services in the market can help you better leverage their power to help your business, whilst being cost-effective.
Top 5 Cloud Service Providers in 2023
- Amazon Web Services: Best in Cloud Computing
- Microsoft Azure: Best in Hybrid Cloud
- Google Cloud Platform: Best in Application Deployment
- IBM Cloud: Best in Cloud-based AI
- Oracle: Best in Databases
Comparing the Top Cloud Computing Companies
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1. Amazon Web Services: Best in Cloud Computing
Amazon Web Services is a cloud computing platform and a subsidiary of Amazon. It’s best known for providing on-demand access to computing power, storage, database analysis, and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities in a pay-as-you-go model.
Cloud Services Offered
AWS offers a wide range of cloud-based services, such as:
- Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud
- AWS Lambda
- Amazon Simple Storage Service
- Elastic Block Store
- Amazon Virtual Private Cloud
- Amazon Route 53
Key Features of Amazon’s Cloud Computing Services
There are a number of features that make AWS solutions stand out from the competition, including:
- Scalability
- Cost-effectiveness and affordability
- Reliability
- Security
- Global reach of the services
Pricing
Thanks to a pay-as-you-go model, AWS services range in price depending on the specific service being utilized, the region, and the amount of usage.
You can expect small-scale usage to cost a few dollars per month, as Amazon sets its cloud computing prices at under $0.1 per gigabyte (GB) depending on the service. However, large-scale enterprises can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars monthly.
2. Microsoft Azure: Best in Hybrid Cloud
Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform and a subsidiary of Microsoft. It offers a wide range of services for both individuals and enterprises, allowing them to build, deploy, and manage applications and services in the cloud.
Cloud Services by Azure
Azure is most known for its infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings, but it also offers a number of cloud services, such as:
- Azure Kubernetes
- Azure SQL
- Azure Machine Learning
- Azure Backup
- Azure Cosmos DP
- Azure Active Directory
Key Features of Azure’s Cloud Services
Some features that Azure’s hybrid and private cloud services share include:
- Flexibility
- Analytics support
- Strong IT support
- Scalability
- Affordability
- Reliability
Pricing
Microsoft Azure’s services are on the most affordable end, with a pay-as-you-go model for cloud services that users can purchase per hour. Depending on the desired availability of resources, you can expect it to cost anywhere from $0.065 per hour to $1.41 per hour of usage.
3. Google Cloud Platform: Best in Application Deployment
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is a suite of cloud computing services offered by Google. Its technical offerings range from infrastructure and platform services to computing power and database hosting.
Cloud Services by GCP
GCP offers a number of open-source and open systems suitable for both individual users and enterprises, such as:
- Google Compute Engine
- Google Kubernetes Engine
- Google Cloud Spanner
- Google Cloud Virtual Network
Key Features of GCP’s Cloud Services
There are a number of features that make GCP the best option on the market for cloud-based application deployment, including:
- Affordability
- User-friendliness
- Speed
- Advanced admin control capabilities
- Cloud-based data transfer
Pricing
For GCP’s application deployment, pricing is calculated at $15 a month per active delivery pipeline.
4. IBM Cloud: Best in Cloud-based AI
IBM has one of the most in-depth and highly developed portfolios of enterprise solutions of any provider across the tech sector. As a cloud provider, it has a global footprint offering its IaaS and PaaS solutions from data centers from all over the world.
Cloud Services by IBM Cloud
IBM’s recent focus has been on its Watson AI initiative, alongside a number of AI, machine learning, and data analytics services, all of which are interpreted within its cloud platform.
- IBM Cloud Code Engine
- IBM Hyper Protect Virtual Servers
- IBM Cloud Functions
- IBM WebSphere Application Servers
- IBM Power Systems Virtual Servers
Key Features of IBM Cloud Services
Some of IBM cloud services key features include:
- High availability
- Cloud infrastructure administration
- Open-source technology integration
- Private, public, and hybrid cloud support
- Persistent data storage
Pricing
Pricing for IBM Cloud services varies depending on the particular services and availability. However, the starting plan for the IBM Watson AI service is $140 per month, with a free version available for individual users.
5. Oracle: Best in Databases
Oracle specializes in developing and marketing computer hardware systems and enterprise-grade software products. It offers a wide range of cloud-based database solutions including its own database-as-a-service offering.
Cloud Services by Oracle
Oracle offers a wide array of cloud-based services, such as:
- Oracle Cloud Infrastructure
- Oracle Big Data Cloud
- Oracle Database Cloud Service
- Oracle Autonomous Database
Key Features of Oracle Cloud
The company’s focus is its legacy strength in database and core enterprise offerings, mainly its Oracle software on the Oracle cloud. Key features included in the services include:
- Built-in database optimization
- Reliability and security
- Cost-efficiency and affordability
- High availability
- Scalability
- Flexibility
Pricing
The average pricing for Oracle databases depends on the type of database and the features required:
- Oracle Autonomous Database costs an average of $6.80 per hour.
- Oracle Database Cloud Service costs an average of $7.50 per hour.
- Oracle Big Data Cloud costs an average of $1.50 per hour.
6. VMware: Best in Virtual Machines
VMware is the leading company in cloud-based virtualization technology and services. It offers a number of cloud-based offerings, mainly in virtual machine management in a wide variety of environments.
Cloud Services by VMware
VMware offers a number of services that operate alongside the offerings of other cloud service providers, such as:
- VMware Cloud on AWS
- VMware Cloud Foundation
- VMware Cloud Director
- VMware vCloud Air
Key Features of VMware Cloud
The most prominent features found in VMware cloud offerings include:
- Automated deployment
- High availability and reliability
- Security
- Scalability
Pricing
Hosting a VMware virtual machine on a cloud environment is relatively affordable and is charged by the hour. Hosting a VMware machine on AWS cloud costs around $0.02 per hour, while hosting more resource-intensive machines on the VMware Cloud Foundation environment can cost upwards of $0.30 per hour.
7. Salesforce: Best in Customer Relationship Management
Salesforce is a leading cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) platform used by businesses to streamline customer interactions, sales, and marketing. It’s the leader in cloud-based CRM solutions, with over 100,000 customers.
Cloud Services by Salesforce
Salesforce has been rapidly expanding into a wider range of cloud-based enterprise software, from marketing to commerce and integration:
- Sales Cloud
- Service Cloud
- Marketing Cloud
- Commerce Cloud
Key Features of Salesforce in Cloud Services
Salesforce is continuing to evolve its Einstein AI platform, aiming to create a smart CRM assistant as an offering. Features of Salesforce services include:
- Automation capabilities
- Software personalization
- Advanced analytics
- Security
- AI-powered customer management
Pricing
The average pricing for the Salesforce Einstein AI platform is $75 per month. This pricing includes access to all of the features mentioned above as well as unlimited users and unlimited storage.
8. Alibaba: Best in Cloud Infrastructure
Alibaba is the strongest cloud leader in Asia with a growing market in the rest of the world. Recently, the company has been focusing on improving its infrastructure and cloud IaaS offerings, alongside investing in machine learning and AI.
Cloud Services by Alibaba
Alibaba Group offers a wide range of cloud computing and infrastructure services, including:
- Elastic Compute Service
- Elastic High Performance Computing
- Serverless Kubernetes
- Object Storage Service
- Data Transmissions Service
Key Features of Alibaba Cloud
Some of the key features in Alibaba’s cloud offerings are:
- High performance and computing capabilities
- Scalability
- Cost-effectiveness
- Security and reliability
- Flexibility and customizability
Pricing
With pay-as-you-go and subscription-based options, Alibaba Cloud Computing services are offered in a number of plans starting at $19.99 per month and going up to $8,000 per month for enterprises.
9. Hewlett Packard Enterprise: Best in Intelligent Edge Computing
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is a leading provider of cloud-based technology solutions, ranging from enterprise hardware and software to dedicated Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and edge computing solutions.
Cloud Services by HPE
HPE offers a number of cloud-based services that build on a foundation of flexibility and scalability, such as:
- HPE GreenLake
- IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS
- Intelligent Edge Computing
- Virtualization
- AI, ML, and Analytics
Key Features of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in Cloud
A few of the main features found in HPE’s cloud services include:
- Fast and efficient data processing
- Data access on the edge
- Built-in IoT devices communication
- Built-in monitoring and control
Pricing
HPE offers a number of payment plans and options for its cloud computing and edge computing services. They vary depending on the services and capacity included.
10. HashiCorp: Best in Cloud Infrastructure Management
HashiCorp is best known as the toolbox of the cloud, offering a variety of solutions that makes it a leader in cloud infrastructure management. Its tools are designed to help organizations better manage their cloud infrastructure more efficiently, securely, and cost-effectively.
Cloud Services by HashiCorp
HashiCorp offers a number of enterprise-grade cloud management tools, such as:
- Terraform Cloud: Infrastructure as code platform
- Vault: Security and access control management tool
- Consul: Platform connecting and configuration tool
- Nomad: Workload orchestration platform
- Vagrant: Automated environment management
Key Features of HashiCorp Cloud Services
With applications available as plug-ins to web-based tools, a few of the key features of HashiCorp’s cloud toolbox include:
- Hybrid and multicloud support
- Built-in automation and orchestration capabilities
- Secure access to cloud resources
- End-to-end encryption
- Cost-effective
- Role-based access control
Pricing
HashiCorp offers a variety of pricing plans based on the services needed and the size of an organization. Prices range from free to enterprise plans with annual fees. The average cost of HashiCorp’s cloud services is around $100 per month or $20 per user.
11. SAP: Best in Cloud Data Processing
SAP is an enterprise-grade software company that provides application and software solutions to businesses of all sizes. It’s also widely recognized in the industry of cloud data processing and the SAP/HANA database management system.
Cloud Services by SAP
SAP offers a number of cloud-based services, such as:
- SAP Cloud Platform
- SAP Analytics Cloud
- SAP Data Warehouse Cloud
- SAP SuccessFactors
Key Features of SAP in Cloud Data Processing
Some of the key features of using SAP for cloud data processing solutions include:
- High-performance capabilities
- Scalability
- Security
- Integrated big data analytics
Pricing
SAP’s cloud services are offered on a subscription basis, and prices vary depending on the service and usage. On average, businesses can expect to pay around $50–$100 per month for their cloud services.
12. Cisco Systems: Best in Networking
Cisco Systems is one of the leading manufacturers and developers of enterprise networking technology. It provides an extensive range of products and services needed to build internal networks and cloud-based solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Cloud Services by Cisco
Cisco offers a number of services and products for building and managing a network, such as:
- Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) Anywhere
- Cisco SD-WAN Cloud OnRamp
- Cisco Cloud Security
- Meraki vMX
- Cisco SD-WAN vEdge
Key Features of Cisco Cloud Networking
Key features of Cisco networking and cloud computing solutions include:
- Scalability
- Availability and reliability
- Compatibility with Cisco tools
- Security
- High speeds
Pricing
Cisco’s ACI platform is priced on a per-application or per-user basis. However, it varies greatly depending on factors such as deployment size, included features, and the requested level of support.
13. Nutanix: Best in Cloud Computing and Virtualization
Nutanix is a cloud computing and virtualization service provider that offers an array of innovative solutions to businesses globally. It offers a cloud platform clients can use for computing and virtualization, and it is a leading player in hyper-converged infrastructure.
Cloud Services by Nutanix
Nutanix offers a number of cloud computing and virtualization services, such as:
- Nutanix AHV
- Nutanix Clusters
- Nutanix Calm
- Nutanix Xi Leap
- Nutanix Xi Frame
Key Features of Nutanix in Cloud Computing
Key features of Nutanix cloud services include:
- Scalability
- High availability
- Hybrid and multicloud support
- User-friendliness
- Integrated data services
Pricing
Nutanix offers a number of pricing plans that vary per product. Some products are charged on a per user per month pace, while others require an upfront commitment payment.
14. ServiceNow: Best in IT Services and Operations Management
ServiceNow is a provider of IT services management (ITSM), IT operations management (ITOM), and IT business management (ITBM) solutions. It helps businesses of all sizes manage and monitor their third-party applications and workflows in the cloud.
Cloud Services by ServiceNow
ServiceNow offers a number of cloud-based IT services, such as:
- Software Asset Management
- ServiceNow Cloud Management
- SecOps
- Governance, Risk, and Compliance
Key Features of ServiceNow in IT Cloud Computing
A few of the key features found in ServiceNow solutions include:
- Automation
- Built-in analytics
- Security
- Self-service portal
- Multicloud support
Pricing
ServiceNow’s pricing model is subscription-based with the cost varying depending on the number of users and the type of service offered. It can vary from $500 to $2,500 per month or a $30,000 to $60,000 payment for packages.
15. Adobe: Best in SaaS
Adobe is the leading company in providing creative software solutions that are cloud-based, native, or on a SaaS basis. It mainly excels in the creative industries of graphic design, video editing, and web development.
Cloud Services by Adobe
Some notable cloud services offered by Adobe are:
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Adobe Document Cloud
- Adobe Experience Cloud
- Adobe Marketing Cloud
Key Features of Adobe in SaaS
A few of the key features found in Adobe’s SaaS solutions include:
- Collaboration
- Personalization
- Built-in analytics
- Artificial intelligence tools
- Document management
- User-friendliness
Pricing
Adobe offers a number of monthly and annual plans for its products that vary in cost depending on the included features. However, they range from $9.99 per month to $79.99 per month.
16. Workday: Best in Cloud Project and Resource Management
Workday is a provider of some of the best cloud-based project and business resource management solutions. Its comprehensive platform allows businesses to better manage their projects, employees, resources, and finances online.
Cloud Services by Workday
Cloud-based services and SaaS offered by Workday include:
- Human Capital Management (HCM)
- Payroll Processing
- Analytics and Reporting
- Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting
- Financial Management
Key Features of Workday in Cloud-based SaaS
Some of the key features of using Workday’s cloud-based solutions include:
- Remote access to services
- Scalability
- Integrated HCM and finance
- AI and machine learning capabilities
- Ensuring regulatory compliance
Pricing
Workday pricing varies based on a variety of factors, such as the number of users, the modules being used, and the level of support required. As a result, there is no single price for Workday that applies to all customers.
What to Look for in a Cloud Computing Company?
Cloud computing has become an essential part of the modern business landscape, providing companies with flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solutions for their IT needs. However, when searching for a cloud computing company, it is important to take into consideration the various factors that can affect the quality and reliability of the services provided.
Global reach and experience are important considerations because they’re an indication of the company’s ability to provide reliable and secure cloud services. Also, a company with a long history of success and a large client base is more likely to have the resources and experience to handle your needs.
Another key consideration is the technical support and customer service the company offers. You need to be confident you can access the help you need when you need it, whether it’s technical support, troubleshooting, or general guidance. Look for cloud computing companies that offer 24/7 customer support and have a reputation for excellent customer service.
Most importantly, the types of cloud services they offer are critical when determining whether a cloud computing and services company is the right fit for your business.
Choosing a Top Cloud Computing Company
As cloud computing services continue to play a role in the future of many industries and businesses, it’s important to understand the differences between their services and how they would best suit your own needs and requirements.
There are many excellent cloud computing companies that specialize in a different subdomain of cloud computing, supplying the solution to a different business needs.
