An Overview of the Cloud Providers AWS, Azure and Google Cloud Platform

The benefits of a cloud hosting model outweigh those of a traditional data centre. Cloud hosting provides businesses with access to cheaper storage and computing, whilst it also equips them with additional power as and when it is needed. Moving over to a cloud platform means companies have a constantly improving infrastructure and developers are freed up to focus on development.  

What is on offer from the cloud providers? 

The early concerns of cloud computing have been put to bed by Amazon, Microsoft and Google as they have all stepped up security and data sovereignty to now handle some of the world’s biggest enterprises’ data. Cloud vendors are constantly evolving to offer services to meet the demands that modern businesses have.

The strength in collaborating with a technically focused agency such as Blue Frontier is that you can hybridise all the cloud hosting services. It is possible to integrate with all three to create the perfect solution for your business. You can cherry pick the best features from each provider and create your own bespoke package. 

AWS (Amazon Web Services)

• The leading cloud provider in terms of market share
• Supports tech companies such as Netflix, Airbnb and Expedia
• Supports third-party integrations such as Linux
• Boasts the highest number of industry standard compliance certifications
• AWS does require some considerable knowledge to maximise its potential
• Pay as you go features can rack up considerable costs when scaling up a business or when additional support from AWS is required
• AWS requires enterprise support to be added on at a 10% premium on the customers overall AWS bill

AWS has been in operation for over 12 years and is a hugely successful and popular provider offering a robust range of tools, products and services. AWS is noted for providing easy access to computing power, data storage and the pricing is competitive too. Storage is customisable with cost based on amount and type, whilst support fees are based on monthly usage, ideal for organisations that do not require a lot of assistance. At the recent Amazon re: invent 2018 conference, it was made clear that AWS is looking to catch up with Microsoft when it comes to hybridisation, announcing masses of new features to make life easier for users.

Interestingly they announced Amazon Outpost at re: invent, bringing AWS services to on-premise facilities allowing for a truly consistent hybrid experience, with all the same tools, hardware and functionality available. 

The AWS cloud platform offers a free tier of service for individuals and start-ups who can purchase servers by the second. With 15+ years of enterprise experience, developers can lean on the experts at Amazon for support too.  

Blue Frontier offer AWS Consultancy, so that you can to get the full benefits and correct set-up. Our team can also help you choose the key features of AWS and other cloud vendors in order to curate a set up that works best for your business.

Azure (Microsoft Cloud) 

• Full range of features
• Deploy and manage virtual machines at scale
• Produce and compute at capacity in seconds
• User-friendly - integrate your existing system and processes with ease
• Fixed storage costs based upon the amount used
• Choice of tech support plans to know costs up front
• Azure services are subject to data transfer fees and you will need to pay for a support account
• Data is housed internationally so for industries where legal data hosting restrictions are in place verification from Microsoft will be required

Azure has not been operating as long as AWS in the cloud computing market, but seven years is still plenty of time for them to get their feet under the table. In fact, Microsoft has brought existing on-premises features to the Cloud bridging the gap. Azure is the go-to choice for Microsoft 365 users as it synchronises seamlessly, and Azure has always led from the front when it comes to hybridising between cloud and on-premise which has pushed AWS to step up their offering.

Azure comes with a full raft of features including support for open source software, so using this platform over the others will benefit loyal Microsoft users as it easily integrates with existing Microsoft tools.

Set up can be undertaken in a matter of minutes and, unlike its competitors, it can support both Windows and Linux and comes configured with ready to deploy server apps. As a robust SaaS cloud solution, Azure is suitable for both small and large companies especially as a cloud hosting solution for SAP systems.

Google Cloud Platform

• Platform suits those looking to launch Internet of Things products
• Ideal for those that need data analytics and machine learning
• 500+ employees dedicated to security – rely on their secure protection
• High levels of computing, storage, networking and databases
• Mobile app developers will be interested in the App Engine product
• Myriad of services for developers
• Last to enter the IaaS market so lacks features that the competition offers
• Tricky to migrate from GCP should you wish to and most features are based on Google teach so there is no control over virtual machines for customers

Google Cloud Platform offers a full array of products and services to businesses of any size. It can supply developers with computing, storage, big data and machine learning capability so will appeal as an option to most organisations. When it comes to data management it is the best choice, so should your core needs revolve around data, Google would be a suitable cloud provider.

Google has great strength in data analytics and storage segmentation, whilst GCP also seamlessly integrates with all other Google services. Google offers the most advanced machine learning products and services while the contracts are also far more flexible than the other options on the market. The App Engine product allows app developers to create applications with no need to deal with the server.

Google Cloud Platform has positioned itself as very customer friendly. They offer a free tier of service and should you commit to the platform long term - there are packages available that can reduce list prices by up to 80%.

Using multiple cloud providers, the hybrid option 

Many organisations opt to use multiple cloud services across their organisation for different use cases. Depending on your needs it may be a worthwhile consideration as the goals you may be looking to achieve may be best served by taking advantage of the best features of each cloud service provider.

Another reason may involve data sovereignty, where law or regulation may require you to store data in a certain location. This kind of strategy can enable you to get the best features from each cloud platform, such as big data analytics from Google Cloud Platform, whilst making use of other cloud computing features from Azure or AWS.

There can be issues in using multiple vendors. There will be the requirement of IT staff to have expertise across multiple cloud platforms, but as outlined already, Blue Frontier can assist in making the most of the mechanisms between each platform.

Choosing the right cloud provider

Choosing a Cloud Provider for your business is a huge decision and not one that should be taken lightly. It is best to consult with IT specialists to ensure you get the best possible advice on what services and benefits would suit your needs.

Pricing differences are minimal and essentially all cloud vendors are offering a very similar service. You should consult cloud computing industry experts who can consider your goals and requirements.  For some, a hybrid mix is the best solution, while on the other hand, a single vendor could be the answer.

Whether you are already with a cloud provider or it is new to you, Blue Frontier will assess your current IT setup and recommend the cloud computing products that are going to have the most positive impact on your business.