Top Cloud Computing Platforms for Small Businesses

Cloud computing platforms are the underlying infrastructure and software that enable the delivery of cloud computing services and other SaaS solutions. They lay the groundwork for organizations to access and utilize cloud-based resources, apps, and services.

 

Cloud computing systems are classified into various categories. Public clouds provide on-demand services via the internet that anybody can access. Private clouds offer dedicated infrastructure for a single organization, which improves security and control. Hybrid clouds bring together public and private cloud resources. Multi-cloud techniques combine services from multiple providers, eliminating vendor lock-in and potentially lowering costs.

 

What is a Cloud Computing Platform? 

 

A cloud computing platform is a collection of infrastructure that allows access to IT resources via the internet. Its primary function is to host apps and data, making them accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

 

These platforms provide a variety of services, including file storage, application deployment, and database management. Cloud computing platforms also offer tools and services that enable many people to collaborate on papers, share data, and interact in real time. 

 

This strategy saves money because you don't have to purchase a lot of hardware and software up front. You can use more or less of the services as needed, allowing you to better manage your usage. Instead of purchasing your own equipment, you can use the cloud provider's online services. This way, you only pay for what you use, while the provider manages the underlying technology.

 

These systems offer flexibility by allowing firms to modify their resources as needed. They are also cost effective, charging only for what is used. They also assist firms operating amid emergencies by ensuring that data is available and consistent.

 

The most prominent cloud computing platforms are AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure, each with a unique value proposition that caters to a variety of corporate needs. However, there are also more cloud computing platforms accessible.

 

Types of Cloud Computing

 

Cloud computing encompasses several cloud types such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service. In this case, IaaS provides virtualized computing resources, PaaS provides development and deployment platforms, and SaaS delivers software applications via the internet. These services are complemented by a variety of deployment types, including public, private, hybrid, and multi cloud, to meet the varying business demands and preferences.

 

1. IaaS (Infrastructure as Service)

 

It delivers scalable and virtualized computer resources like servers, storage, and networking via the internet. Users of this service have complete control over the infrastructure, including the ability to customize and manage virtual machines, storage, and networking components.

 

2. PaaS (Platform as a Service).

 

It offers a platform and environment for developers to create, deploy, and manage applications without having to deal with the underlying infrastructure.

 

It provides tools and services such as development frameworks, databases, and middleware to help streamline the application development lifecycle.

 

3. Software as a Service (SaaS)

 

SaaS delivers software programs via the internet via a subscription model. It removes the need for users to install, maintain, or update software locally.

 

This service allows customers to access applications from any device with an internet connection, providing flexibility and accessibility.

 

4. Serverless computing

 

Serverless computing provides abstracts for server management, facilitating developers to focus completely on developing and deploying code without managing servers.

 

It automatically scales the resources based on demand, reducing the operational overhead and costs, and enabling rapid development and deployment of applications.

 

Also Read | Impact Of Cloud Computing On Business Operations

 

Top Cloud Computing Platforms for small business

 

Choosing the correct cloud computing platform can make a significant difference for your company. Each platform has its own set of services tailored to fit a variety of technological requirements, corporate objectives, and even local needs.

 

1. AWS

 

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world's largest and most comprehensive cloud platform, providing more than 200 cloud-based services. It offers a wide range of solutions, including computing, storage, databases, networking, analytics, machine learning, the Internet of Things, and more.

 

AWS was founded in 2006 and now boasts a vast worldwide infrastructure that includes 33 geographic regions, 105 availability zones, over 600 CloudFront Points of Presence, and 13 regional edge caches. AWS's market dominance is reflected in its 31% share of the worldwide cloud computing market.

 

2. Google Cloud Platform

 

Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is Google's answer to Amazon Web Services and the third-largest cloud platform. It was launched in 2008 and currently operates in 40 regions, 121 availability zones, and 187 network edge locations, making it available in more than 195 nations globally.

 

GCP is built on the same core infrastructure and technology that runs Google's major services like Search and YouTube. This means that Google Cloud, like these established products, can scale effectively and reliably. It provides PaaS, SaaS, IaaS, and FaaS solutions.

 

3. Microsoft Azure 

 

Microsoft Azure offers a wide range of solutions for various industries. All of your business requirements will be taken into account. This results in a package that is better tailored to your needs.

 

Azure eliminates the requirement for physical servers on site. This lowers the typical costs, such as an onsite server support personnel. The Azure Migration Centre enables faster and easier cloud moves. The solution also works with Linux.

 

4. IBM Cloud 

 

IBM Cloud is a suite of cloud computing services provided by the computer behemoth IBM. The solution provides platform, software, and infrastructure as a service.

 

IBM Cloud provides a wide variety of services. Not all of them are cloud-based: it includes both virtual and hardware-based servers made up of public, private, and management networks. As hardware and virtual-based servers are combined into one on demand cloud-platform, you have complete infrastructure control. IBM refer to their hardware servers as ‘bare metal’. These provide clients with sole access to their entire server. This reduces the ‘noisy neighbor’ effect and greatly improves performance.
 

 

5. SAP Business Technology

 

SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) is an enterprise-focused cloud platform that is gaining market share with 16,000 existing clients. SAP BTP stands out as an open cloud platform built to enable businesses effortlessly integrate processes, experiences, and data. It has a modest market share in the PaaS sector, accounting for only 0.27%.

 

6. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure

 

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure is another cloud service from a computing behemoth, and as one would assume, it is a strong and feature-rich platform. According to a recent Forester review, Oracle's services excel at supporting a wide range of workloads, including IoT, OLTP, microservices, and AI and machine learning applications. There are two major service options available: cloud architecture and data storage.

 

Cloud architecture encompasses data management, databases, and applications, whereas the Oracle Data Cloud focusses on driving big data analytics for business intelligence insights. Oracle also provides a variety of SaaS platforms, including HCM, EPM, SCM, and social media applications.

 

Final Thoughts

 

As cloud computing evolves, it remains a valuable tool for enterprises seeking digital transformation and operational resiliency. Cloud systems' flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency fuel innovation while also enabling enterprises to successfully respond to changing market conditions.