Cloud computing has become central to the new world of digital business models, where everything has evolved. What was once the stuff of science fiction is now an indispensable instrument for businesses of all scales. Cloud has shifted technology management in businesses through its approach to data storage and consumer services delivery. So many providers are in the cloud service market, making it very challenging to identify the most appropriate partner.Navigating The Cloud Computing SystemCloud computing is like using a computer over the internet. It lets you store data, run applications, and do many things without a powerful computer. It’s like renting space and computing power on someone else's computer. Before delving into specific providers, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental cloud service models:Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS):-Enables customers to access resources like servers, storage, and networks virtually and on demand.Platform as a Service (PaaS):-Provide a means to build, run, and deploy applications without the need to provision for infrastructure.Software as a Service (SaaS):-It houses and provides software applications through the Internet, not requiring installation and subsequent updates.Key Players of 2024 in The Cloud MarketIn this section, we will talk about a handful of cloud computing providers that are leading in the industry:Amazon Web Services (AWS)AWS, launched in 2006, is a pioneer in the cloud computing industry. Its early start and continuous technology innovation have solidified its position as the market leader. A global network covering almost all regions, service depth outperforming the competition, elaborate security measures, and an active partner base. AWS is undisputedly the market leader in services, including IaaS and PaaS, as well as expert analyses such as AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT). It is suitable for large enterprises that require many services, startups, and developers who value flexibility and scalability. Microsoft AzureBuilding on its strong enterprise customer base, Azure is a major force in cloud computing, and it was launched in 2010. Azure works well in hybrid cloud scenarios and covers a wide range of services compared to other cloud solutions while emphasizing connectivity with the organization’s on-premises environment. It focuses on Microsoft products, impressive security, and solutions for the hybrid and multi-cloud field. It is used in companies already employing Microsoft solutions, companies interested in hybrid cloud models, and companies that require suitable solutions.Google Cloud Platform (GCP)Google’s data and artificial intelligence expertise is reflected in its cloud platform, which was launched in 2008. GCP has positioned itself in the market by offering superior data analytics, machine learning, and AI services, hence managing to entice data-demanding customers. Its strength lies in advanced data analytics emphasizing AI and machine learning, relatively affordable solutions, and an expanding developer base. It is implemented in big data firms, AI and machine learning companies, and companies focused on cost-saving are some of the customers of this industry.Alibaba CloudAlibaba Cloud, launched in 2009, is primarily based in China. It provides customers a complete suite of cloud services worldwide, including proprietary servers, elastic computing, storage, network, security, database, and big data. With its roots in China, Alibaba Cloud is rapidly globalizing its services with competitive prices and specialization in e-commerce and big data. Its strength lies in large operations in Asia, and competitive pricing, and the business is very heavily influenced by e-commerce and big data. It is implemented by companies established in Asia, internet-based firms, and any organization searching for cost-effective solutions. IBM CloudIBM has been involved in the computing business for many years, but its cloud solution only became relevant in the later years. IBM has been able to post growth because of its focus in hybrid cloud and security and its enterprise connections. It provides a broad spectrum of IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS services focusing on hybrid cloud, protection, and sector solutions. Oracle CloudOracle initially moved into the cloud market to support its database and application software products. It is mainly used by existing clients, and is slowly gaining adoption for its databases and enterprise solutions. It offers IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, with an emphasis on database, enterprises, and Oracle software integration.SalesforceSalesforce, originally a CRM solutions provider, has ventured into cloud computing and platforms. Specializing in CRM and customer engagement, Salesforce is expanding its cloud solutions to the broader market. It offers services such as IaaS, PaaS, and CRM software solutions specializing in CRM and application development.To Explore the Salesforce Video Platform please Read this articleVMware CloudThe market leader in the virtualization technology sector, VMware also provides cloud services. It enjoys popularity among organizations that already use VMware and are looking for a smooth migration to the cloud. It specializes in hybrid cloud and multi-cloud, emphasizing the virtualization and management of infrastructure.DigitalOceanStill a fairly young company, DigitalOcean focuses on developers and small and medium businesses with its easy and inexpensive offering. It is easy to use and purely developer-oriented, DigitalOcean has been widely used to host web applications and related infrastructures. It offers services such as IaaS, such as virtual machines, object storage, and managed databases. Tencent CloudTencent Cloud is a fast-growing cloud service provider and a subsidiary of the Chinese tech giant Tencent, which is rapidly expanding globally and focusing on Asia. It has benefitted from strong support from its major shareholder, Tencent, product specializations in gaming and social media, and affordable prices. It provides web computing, storage, databases, networks, big data, artificial intelligence, and gaming solutions.Pricing Models of Top Cloud Providers in 2024Compute PricingCloud ProviderInstance TypePrice (per hour)AWSt2.micro$0.023Microsoft AzureB1s$0.020Google Cloude2-micro$0.020Alibaba Cloudecs.t5-lc2m1.nano$0.010IBM Cloudbx2-2x8$0.030Oracle CloudVM.Standard.E2.1$0.025DigitalOceanBasic Droplet$0.007Tencent CloudS1.SMALL1$0.015Storage PricingCloud ProviderStorage TypePrice (per GB/month)AWSS3 Standard$0.023Microsoft AzureHot Block Blob$0.0184Google CloudStandard$0.020Alibaba CloudStandard$0.019IBM CloudStandard$0.021Oracle CloudStandard$0.025DigitalOceanStandard$0.020Tencent CloudStandard$0.012Network Egress PricingCloud ProviderPrice (per GB)AWS$0.09Microsoft Azure$0.087Google Cloud$0.085Alibaba Cloud$0.120IBM Cloud$0.085Oracle Cloud$0.100DigitalOcean$0.010Tencent Cloud$0.120Pricing of Top Cloud Providers in 2024Cloud ProviderCompute Pricing (per hour)Storage Pricing (per GB/month)Network Egress (per GB)AWS$0.023 (t2.micro)$0.023 (S3 Standard)$0.09Microsoft Azure$0.020 (B1s)$0.0184 (Hot Block Blob)$0.087Google Cloud$0.020 (e2-micro)$0.020 (Standard)$0.085Alibaba Cloud$0.010 (ecs.t5-lc2m1.nano)$0.019 (Standard)$0.120IBM Cloud$0.030 (bx2-2x8)$0.021 (Standard)$0.085Oracle Cloud$0.025 (VM.Standard.E2.1)$0.025 (Standard)$0.100SalesforceCustom pricingCustom pricingCustom pricingVMware CloudCustom pricingCustom pricingCustom pricingDigitalOcean$0.007 (Basic Droplet)$0.020 (Standard)$0.010Tencent Cloud$0.015 (S1.SMALL1)$0.012 (Standard)$0.120The future of cloud computingThe traditional cloud computing environment is growing rapidly, and new trends such as edge computing, serverless computing, and quantum computing are emerging. Since the demands will continue to rise with constantly developing technology, the cloud providers are expected to add new services and solutions.In this case, it is possible to base the decision on evaluating your organization's requirements and the provider's readiness so that you can start the progressive development of the enterprise.Read Morehttps://devopsden.io/article/cloudFormation-vs-terraformFollow us onhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/devopsden/