Exploring Cloud Computing and the Leading Cloud Technology Providers The concept of cloud computing has evolved significantly over the past 60 years, with its modern form emerging in 2002 when Amazon, seeking efficient marketplace expansion, laid the groundwork for what we know today. Amazon Web Services (AWS), its cloud services subsidiary launched in 2006, now stands as the largest Cloud Service Provider (CSP) globally. This insight digs into the cloud infrastructure market landscape, spotlighting dominant players and more. What is a Cloud Service Provider? A Cloud Service Provider (CSP) leases technology, infrastructure, and expertise to businesses and individuals for cloud computing purposes, spanning online storage, compute, and networking accessible via the Internet. CSPs manage and operate multiple global data centers housing physical infrastructure like servers, hard drives, and cooling systems. Users worldwide can access this cloud infrastructure anytime, anywhere, purchasing capacity on a pay-as-you-go basis (usage-based pricing). Key Benefits of Using a CSP vs. Building On-Premises Companies often opt against building in-house cloud infrastructure due to cost, expertise requirements, and ongoing maintenance. Leveraging a robust CSP delivers numerous advantages, such as: CSPs also handle infrastructure testing, updates, security, and optimization, freeing businesses to focus on core operations. However, some challenges come with this cloud model. Challenges of Using a Cloud Technology Providers Primary challenges of CSPs include: Market Share of the Big Three CSPs (AWS, Azure, GCP) Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) collectively dominate the cloud infrastructure market, holding 66% market share globally, according to Synergy Research Group. Key Cloud Technology Providers in 2023 Leading cloud providers enabling global innovation include: Cloud computing continues to evolve, with market leaders and niche players alike driving innovation and transformation across industries. Content updated December 2023. Like1 Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more