What is Cloud Service Providers? Types, Benefits, & Examples (2024)

In the digital era, the demand for cloud computing has increased like never before. It has brought about significant transformations in how businesses store, access, and share information. It allows organizations to carry out various tasks through the internet. Increased security, scalability, reduced costs, and better collaboration are a few benefits of cloud computing. That is why the need for cloud computing companies has increased a lot. Cloud computing service providers allow you to easily access data from remote servers and ensure optimum convenience. However, choosing the best cloud web hosting provider is vital for obtaining better services.

In this article, you will get to know about the biggest cloud companies and their role in the competitive world.

What Do Cloud Service Providers Do?

Now that you have an idea of the top cloud providers in the world, let’s understand what cloud companies do. Cloud service providers enable you to easily access computing services without investing in building your infrastructure. The cloud companies can offer you access to the following:

1. Infrastructure:Infrastructure forms the very foundation of any computing environment. Cloud providers can offer you access to the infrastructures such as database services, servers, networks, data management, and data storage.
2. Software:Cloud service providers offer ready-to-use applications to businesses. You can get standard and even custom applications to suit the specific requirements of your organization.
3. Platforms:With top cloud companies in the world, you can gain access to the platforms essential for developing and deploying applications. It makes developing and launching applications faster and more cost-effective. Leveragingfinancial software development serviceswithin these platforms further streamlines the financial management processes, making it an indispensable tool for businesses aiming to maintain competitive advantage in the digital economy.

Types of Cloud Service Providers

Cloud providers offer three main types of services: IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.

1. IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Companies like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) provide virtual machines, storage, and networks over the internet. This lets businesses use computing resources without buying physical hardware.
2. PaaS (Platform as a Service): Platforms such as Heroku, Red Hat OpenShift, and Google App Engine offer tools for developers to build, test, and launch applications. This simplifies the development process.
3. SaaS (Software as a Service): Services like Salesforce, Microsoft Office 365, and Dropbox provide software applications over the internet. Users can access these apps through web browsers, avoiding the need to install or maintain them on their devices.

These services help businesses of all sizes by offering flexibility, scalability, and cost savings.

Cloud Service Provider Examples

Cloud service providers offer computing power and storage over the internet. Some well-known providers are Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

AWS is popular for its wide range of services like EC2 for running applications and S3 for storing files. Azure offers similar services, such as Virtual Machines and Blob Storage.

GCP provides Compute Engine for running applications and Cloud Storage for data. These companies help businesses use technology without owning physical hardware, making it easier and cheaper to scale up or down as needed.

Benefits of Using a Cloud Service Provider

Using a cloud service provider offers numerous benefits that can enhance business operations. Below is a table highlighting the key advantages of using cloud services:

Key Features of Cloud Service Provider Companies

When you want to collaborate withcloud computing solutions companies, knowing the top features to look for is important. Here are some of the key features of cloud companies that you must know.

• Resource Pooling:Resource pooling is an important feature of cloud service providers. It refers to the ability of the cloud providers to distribute resources to more than one client and offer them services as per the specific requirements.
• Economical:Cloud companies help businesses lower their data storage and IT costs significantly. Many cloud companies in the USA and other regions offer their cloud services for free. However, if you want to expand your storage capacities, you may have to pay a nominal fee for the service.
• Automation:Automation is another important feature of cloud companies. Cloud service providers help in automating several tasks of businesses and significantly reduce manual efforts. Right from the deployment of commands to the sorting of data, human interference can be minimized.
• Rapid Scalability:Handling the increase in workloads is one of the major challenges of most businesses. However, with the services of cloud companies, this will no longer be a problem. Cloud storage can easily handle the increase in data load of organizations and ensure smooth operations.
• Easy Maintenance:When you opt for the services of cloud service providers, you do not have to worry about maintenance. The cloud companies will take care of the maintenance of the cloud servers. The servers are effectively maintained with zero downtime. Moreover, the resources of the cloud companies undergo several updates to enhance their potential and capabilities.
• Security:Security is one of the most appealing features of cloud computing companies. The threat of data breaches and piracy has been increasing in recent times. However, your data stored in the cloud is completely safe from all such security threats.

10 Best Cloud Service Providers in 2024

Are you wondering who the biggest cloud providers are? Here is the complete list of the top 10 cloud based service providers in the world that you must know. Let’s dive in!

1. Amazon Web Services
2. Google Cloud Platform
3. Microsoft Azure
4. IBM Cloud
5. Oracle Cloud
6. Alibaba Cloud
7. Salesforce
8. Verizon Cloud
9. VMware
10. Red Hat

1. Amazon Web Services (Best for Public Cloud)

When it comes to the largest cloud providers, Amazon Web Services undoubtedly tops the list. It is one of the safest platforms for cloud service. It offers cloud-based toolsets that are unique and stands out from the other providers in the industry. AWS provides more than 200 fully featured services which include storage, database, and computing. By using the services of AWS, you can easily develop flexible, scalable, and reliable applications. The company keeps launching new service vices to expand its reach and benefit the users more. Connect with professionals to learn about KnowledgeHut’s Cloud Computing course fees.

Top Companies using Amazon Web Services (AWS):

• Netflix
• Airbnb
• Spotify
• Peloton
• Uber
• Pinterest
• Expedia
• Samsung
• Novartis
• Sony

2. Google Cloud Platform

Next on the list is the Google Cloud Platform (GCP). It ranks third among the largest cloud computing companies in the world. Google Cloud Platform is a global leader in AI, machine learning, and data analytics. It provides enterprise-ready cloud services and enables developers to develop, deploy, and test applications on its scalable infrastructure. GCP serves as integrated storage that is leveraged by enterprises and developers for live data. Besides the free trial, the services of Google Cloud Platform are made available to the users at flexible payment plans.

Top Companiesusing Google Cloud Platform (GCP):

• Verizon
• SAP
• Twitch
• CenturyLink
• LinkedIn
• NewsCorp
• Intel
• Facebook
• Marriott
• Yahoo

3. Microsoft Azure (Best for Developer Solutions)

Microsoft Azure is also one of the prominent cloud computing companies in the world. It is among the top competitors of Amazon Web Services. The company provides artificial intelligence capabilities and exceptional hybrid cloud experience to users. Companies with expensive facilities and large data centers can greatly be benefitted from the services of Microsoft Azure. The services of Microsoft Azure help in designing, deploying, and managing applications over a worldwide network. The best thing is that it offers a trial version of 30 days.

Top Companies using Microsoft Azure:

• Macy’s
• The Home Depot
• Starbucks
• Fidelity Investments
• Bank of America
• Walmart
• Coca-Cola
• JPMorgan Chase
• Citigroup
• Standard Chartered

4. IBM Cloud

IBM Cloud provides in-depth enterprise solutions to the technology sector. It offers PaaS, SaaS, and IaaS through various cloud delivery models. With IBM Cloud, users have the freedom to choose the desired data models, tools, and delivery models for creating next-generation applications. The company focuses on delivering the best services to add value to your business.

Top Companies using IBM Cloud:

• City Furniture, Inc.
• Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem)
• Carrefour Belgium
• Canadian Malartic
• Bord Gáis Energy
• Blue NAP Americas
• Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Ltd (Krungsri)
• Arizona Department of Transportation

5. Oracle Cloud

Oracle Cloud is also one of the top cloud computing companies in the globe. It started late but has gained a lot of popularity over the years. The major cloud service offerings of the company include Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and Oracle Cloud Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). Oracle Cloud provides storage, networking, and computing services to users. The company is consistently growing in the competitive marketplace and garnering good reviews for its cloud platform.

Top Companies using Oracle Cloud:

• Labcorp
• Diebold Nixdorf
• CVS Health
• Universal Studios
• Zurich
• UnitedHealth Group
• Hitachi
• Ahold Delhaize
• Bank of America

6. Alibaba Cloud (Best for Elastic Computing)

Alibaba Cloud is known as the fourth largest cloud provider platform in the world. The Singapore-based company boasts a robust cloud infrastructure and provides a wide range of cloud services to users. Some prominent cloud services offered by Alibaba Cloud include database storage, large-scale computing, network visualization, elastic computing, big data analytics, and management services.

Top Companies using Alibaba Cloud:

• ABS-CBN
• PrestoMall (formerly 11street Malaysia)
• Hang Seng Bank
• Chow Tai f*ck Jewellery Group

7. Salesforce (Best for CRM Solutions)

Salesforce is also one of the top-rated cloud computing solution companies around the globe. Salesforce Cloud Computing provides businesses with all the applications they would require for smooth operations. From mobile applications to customer service, CRM, and ERP, the company offers everything on one platform. The top cloud services provided by Salesforce include Service Cloud, Marketing Cloud, and Sales Cloud. While Service Cloud helps in the delivery of better customer services, Sales Cloud allows effective management of customer information.

8. Verizon Cloud (Best for Multi-Cloud Services)

When it comes about the biggest cloud providers, Verizon Cloud cannot be overlooked. Verizon Cloud has been developed with the aim of maintaining enterprise workloads with high performance and strong security. It gives users the flexibility to choose the desired cloud services as per the specific needs of their business. With Verizon Cloud, you can easily lower your data risks and ensure optimum data integrity. The reliability and speed provided by Verizon Cloud set it apart from the others in the industry.

9. VMware

Next on the biggest cloud companies list is VMware. It is known as a universal leader in cloud infrastructure and virtualization. The safe cloud platform provides storage, networking, computing, and disaster recovery services to users around the globe. The cloud computing services offered by the company help in reducing expenses, lowering IT intricacy, and providing flexible, agile services to businesses. The focus of the solutions provided by VMware is to increase the profits of the organizations and lower operational costs.

Top companies using VMware:

• Columbia Sportswear
• Netease Games
• Lakeridge Health
• Arvato Systems

10. Red Hat

Red Hat is yet another provider of cloud services to businesses worldwide. It aims to deliver flexible and agile solutions to businesses. With Red Hat Cloud, you can easily modernize, manage, and update your business applications. It helps in managing several tasks from a single platform. It allows the developers to easily develop, host, deploy, and launch applications in much less time.

Top Companies using Red Hat:

• UPS
• Magellan Aerospace
• Harris Corporation
• Saint-Gobain

How to Choose a Cloud Service Provider?

Choosing a cloud service provider involves several key considerations to ensure it meets your business needs. Follow the below steps:

• Pricing Models: Compare costs and ensure they align with your budget and scalability needs.
• Security and Compliance: Check for robust security measures, data encryption, and industry compliance.
• Reliability and Performance: Assess uptime guarantees and performance benchmarks.
• Support and Customer Service: Ensure 24/7 support and responsive customer service.
• Integration Capabilities: Consider how well the provider integrates with your existing systems.
• Geographic Locations: Ensure the provider's locations meet your low latency and data residency requirements.
• Customer Reviews and Case Studies: Read reviews and case studies to gauge real-world performance and customer satisfaction.

Who is the Biggest Cloud Service Provider?

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the biggest cloud provider in the world. After AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform are the biggest cloud companies by revenue and market share. Collectively, these three companies capture more than 65% of the total spending on cloud services.

Here is a quick look at the top cloud service provider companies market share.

Who is the Largest Provider of Cloud Services?

Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure are among the biggest cloud companies in the world. These companies provide helpful cloud services to several global businesses and enable them to maximize their profits. The big cloud service providers continuously strive to deliver value to organizations in the global landscape.

Small Cloud Service Providers

Undoubtedly, the best cloud hosting providers occupy a significant share of the global market. However, there are also other small cloud service providers. The small providers include small- and medium-sized businesses that usually operate in the regional sectors.

Some of the small cloud providers are listed below.

• Japan and Korea: KT Cloud, Fujitsu, NAVER Cloud
• China: JD Cloud, Baidu AI Cloud, UCloud
• Europe: Leaseweb, Bleu, Hetzner

What is a Cloud Computing Online Platform?

The cloud computing online platform is basically an operating system along with the hardware of a server present in an internet-based data center. It allows the hardware and software products to co-exist at scale and remotely. In other words, a cloud computing platform can be referred to as the distribution of different services through the Internet. It includes resources such as software, servers, databases, data storage, and networking.

There are three types of cloud platforms – private cloud, public cloud, and hybrid cloud. While the private cloud exclusively belongs to a single organization, public cloud platforms refer to third-party providers. On the other hand, a hybrid cloud is a combination of both private and public cloud platforms.

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Tips for Choosing Cloud Provider Companies

With the growing demand for cloud services, the number of cloud companies worldwide is increasing. This makes it difficult for businesses to make the right choice. If you are confused about choosing the best cloud companies in India or other countries, here are a few tips that can help.

• Consider the Features and Tools:When choosing a cloud company for your business, the first thing to consider is the feature and tools it offers. Make sure the company offers important features such as security, data management, data storage, and more.
• Check the Reliability:If you do not want any disturbance in your business operations, it is important to collaborate with a reliable cloud company. When it comes to reliability, you must consider the uptime of services of the cloud provider. The company that guarantees the best uptime is indeed a reliable provider.
• Consider Your Business Requirements:When choosing a cloud service provider, you need to consider your specific business needs. Make sure that the services offered by the company align well with your business goals and objectives.
• Know the Costs:Cost is another important consideration when selecting a cloud service provider. Make sure to choose a cloud company that provides services within the set budget of your business. Thelist of cloud costfactorscompiled by ScienceSoft will help you understand and take into account everything that will determine the cost in your case.

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Conclusion

Cloud computing has become a buzzword in recent times. Now that you know the biggest cloud providers in the world, choosing the right service provider can be easy. Want to expand your knowledge about cloud computing? Enrolling in a cloud computing course is the best option. KnowledgeHut is an ideal provider of cloud computing courses. Want to get greater insights into AWS architecture? Enrolling in theAWS Solution Architect course can be beneficial.