Cloud Providers

Cloud providers(public cloud) are companies that offer cloud computing services, such as storage, servers, databases, and software, over the internet.

Major Cloud Providers

This is not a marketing guide to sell you on any of the cloud providers, there are many cloud providers, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the first established and most popular cloud provider. There is also Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), IBM Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, and Oracle Cloud, and others like DigitalOcean and OVHcloud.

What Do Cloud Providers Offer?

1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Virtual servers, storage, and networking. Example: AWS EC2, Azure VMs.
2. Platform as a Service (PaaS): Tools for developers to build and deploy applications. Example: Google App Engine, AWS Elastic Beanstalk.
3. Software as a Service (SaaS): Ready-to-use applications. Example: Gmail, Microsoft 365.
4. Function as a Service (FaaS): Serverless computing for running functions. Example: AWS Lambda, Azure Functions.

Choosing a Cloud Provider

When selecting a cloud provider, consider:

1. Cost: Compare pricing models for your needs (pay-as-you-go, reserved instances).
2. Services: Look for the specific tools or integrations you need (e.g., AI, machine learning, or IoT).
3. Scalability: Ensure the provider can scale with your business growth.
4. Location: Choose providers with data centers near your target users for lower latency. Support & Security: Check for compliance with security standards and robust customer support.

Cloud providers make it easy to build, deploy, and manage applications without the hassle of maintaining physical servers, making them a cornerstone of modern software solutions.