- TransNumerik
- 28/01/2025
Comparison of the Three Cloud Giants: AWS, Azure and GCP
Cloud Computing has become an essential pillar of modern businesses, offering flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solutions to meet the varied needs of organizations.
Among the main market players, Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) stand out with their robust and diverse offerings.
However, each provider excels in specific areas, making it crucial to compare their features to make an informed choice. The choice of a Cloud platform depends on criteria such as storage needs, databases, computing power, Artificial Intelligence, and much more. Here is an in-depth analysis of their differences on key criteria.
Market Shares According to 2022 data, AWS dominates the market with a 34% share, followed by Azure at 21% and Google Cloud at 11%. (Expert Beacon)
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Launched in 2006, AWS is the pioneer of cloud computing and offers over 200 comprehensive services, including computing, storage, and databases. This maturity makes it a preferred choice for large enterprises requiring a wide range of services and robust infrastructure. (ambitsoftware.com)
Microsoft Azure
Introduced in 2010, Azure quickly established itself as a major cloud platform, particularly for companies already integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem. Its seamless integration with products such as Microsoft Office, Dynamics, and Windows facilitates the transition to the cloud for these organizations. (ambitsoftware.com)
Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
GCP is recognized for its advanced capabilities in artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as its big data services. Companies focused on data analysis and technological innovation find an ideal partner in GCP. (Expert Beacon)
Storage
AWS
Advantage in terms of variety and storage options. S3 is an industry standard.
AZURE
Ideal for companies already using the Microsoft ecosystem.
GOOGLE CLOUD
Strong on cost and performance, particularly suitable for global access.
Databases
AWS
Best flexibility with extensive SQL and NoSQL options.
AZURE
Cosmos DB is powerful for low-latency applications.
GOOGLE CLOUD
BigQuery dominates for massive data analysis.
Compute
AWS
Offers the most customizable options with EC2 and Lambda.
Azure
Well-integrated solutions for companies using Windows Server and SQL Server.
Google Cloud
Focused on simplicity and competitive costs.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AWS
Ready-to-use services (Lex, Polly) and SageMaker for development.
Azure
Cognitive Services simplify access to AI.
Google Cloud
Leader with Vertex AI and AutoML for complex cases.
Networking and Content Distribution
AWS
CloudFront is widely adopted for global content.
Azure
Robust options, well-integrated for Microsoft clients.
Google Cloud
Strengths in speed and global coverage.
Containers
AWS
ECS and EKS offer excellent container control.
Azure
AKS is ideal for companies adopting Kubernetes.
Google Cloud
GKE is recognized as the best Kubernetes implementation.
Management, Security and Identity
AWS
Solid with IAM and AWS Shield, but complex to configure.
Azure
Azure Active Directory is a major advantage for companies already under Microsoft.
Google Cloud
Cloud Identity and its security tools are simple but powerful.
Scalability
AWS
Renowned for its ability to support companies of all sizes thanks to its global infrastructure. However, managing large configurations can be complex.
Azure
Excellent for existing companies already using Microsoft solutions. Its scalability is enhanced by seamless integrations, but options outside this ecosystem are sometimes limited.
Google Cloud
Leader for simplified scalability. Its tools like native Kubernetes allow for rapid scaling, ideal for startups and tech companies.
Interoperability
AWS
Although widely compatible with third-party solutions, AWS pushes its own services, which can limit the adoption of other tools in parallel.
Azure
Excellent interoperability for Microsoft solutions, but less flexible for external systems.
Google Cloud
Very open, especially with Kubernetes and its standardized APIs, offering increased interoperability with third-party tools.
Costs
AWS
Complex pricing structure with often higher costs, but very flexible pay-as-you-go options. Ideal for companies with large IT budgets.
Azure
Competitive for companies already engaged in the Microsoft ecosystem thanks to integrated discounts and pricing adapted to hybrid solutions.
Google Cloud
Often the cheapest choice for startups and SMEs, with aggressive offers and discounts for technological innovation.
Data Analytics
AWS
- Redshift : Powerful solution for massive data analysis, often used for data warehouses.
- AWS Glue : Facilitates data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) for analytical workflows.
Azure
- Synapse Analytics :Enables advanced analytics, ideal for large companies needing integration with Power BI.
- Azure Data Factory : ETL Advanced ETL for hybrid data pipelines.
Google Cloud
- BigQuery :Designed for massive data analysis with speed and efficiency. Compatible with open-source formats like Apache Beam.
- Looker : Powerful BI solution for analytical visualizations.
Datacenters
AWS
Regions: 32 geographic zones with multiple availability zones.
Azure
Regions: Over 60 geographic zones, one of the largest global networks.
Google Cloud
Regions: 38 regions, with a significant commitment to using 100% renewable energy.
Sectors
Government/Administration
Banking and Insurance
Smart cities
Retail
Industry
Média & Streaming
AI Technology
Ecommerce
Agrifood
Health
Education
Recommended Providers
Microsoft Azure
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Microsoft Azure
Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Microsoft Azure
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure
Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses. Analyzing your specific needs, particularly on costs and scalability, is essential to make an informed decision.
Need help choosing the right Cloud platform ?
Sources : Microsoft Azure, Revelo, Datacamp, Gartner, Expert Beacon, ambitsoftware.com, Google
