When deciding to migrate systems to the cloud, the most important next step is choosing the right provider—one that can meet all the specific needs of your company or project. A top cloud service stands out for being easy to implement, scalable, and aligned with current trends, such as Artificial Intelligence.
There are many service providers out there. At Rootstack, we work with several of them, but three are considered the “big players,” technologies that have managed to penetrate and dominate the market despite strong competition in recent years. These are: AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
As context, if you're still unsure what a cloud service provider is, let’s refer to Google Cloud’s official documentation: “A cloud service provider (CSP) is a third-party company that offers scalable computing resources accessible on demand over a network, such as cloud-based computing, storage, platform, and applications.”
Comparison of the Main Cloud Service Providers
1. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS has led the cloud infrastructure market for over a decade. It offers more than 200 services ranging from computing, storage, and databases to machine learning and advanced analytics.
Advantages:
- Highly redundant global infrastructure
- Wide variety of EC2 instances and specialized services
- Integration with thousands of SaaS applications
Best for: Large enterprises with complex needs for customization, scalability, and security.
2. Microsoft Azure
Azure has rapidly gained ground, especially among businesses already using Microsoft 365. Its integration with SaaS services like Power BI, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft Teams makes it an attractive option.
Advantages:
- Excellent interoperability with hybrid environments
- Robust SaaS solutions for productivity and business management
- AI tools like Azure OpenAI Service
Best for: Organizations already in the Microsoft ecosystem or transitioning from on-premise infrastructure.
3. Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
GCP stands out for its capabilities in AI, Big Data, and machine learning. It provides efficient IaaS services and SaaS products like Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Meet), widely adopted across businesses of all sizes.
Advantages:
- Continuous innovation in AI and predictive analytics
- High performance for intensive workloads
- Competitive pay-as-you-go pricing
Best for: Startups, tech companies, and organizations focused on innovation and data analytics.
4. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI)
Oracle has strongly repositioned itself in the IaaS and SaaS segments. Its platform includes leading enterprise applications such as Oracle ERP Cloud, HCM, and SCM, all under the SaaS model.
Advantages:
- Powerful performance for enterprise databases
- Advanced security and regulatory compliance
- Vertical-specific solutions for industries like finance and healthcare
Best for: Companies needing comprehensive enterprise solutions and high-performance databases.
5. IBM Cloud
IBM is betting on hybrid cloud and AI with its Watson platform. Though not a market share leader, it has a strong presence in sectors like banking, healthcare, and government.
Advantages:
- Strong focus on compliance and private cloud
- SaaS services for AI and automation
- Specialized for complex workloads
Best for: Regulated industries and companies with hybrid cloud needs.
Key Factors for Comparing Cloud Service Providers
Beyond technical features, companies should evaluate strategic criteria:
- Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Assess not just initial price but also operational, support, maintenance, and migration costs.
- Scalability: Does the platform support growth as your needs expand?
- Security and Compliance: Check for standards like GDPR, HIPAA, ISO/IEC 27001, and others.
- Support and SLA: Review service-level agreements and tech support available in your time zone.
- Partner Ecosystem and Tools: A provider with integrations and an active community makes adoption easier and reduces risk.
At Rootstack, we understand that choosing between different SaaS and IaaS providers can be overwhelming. That’s why we work as a strategic tech partner to evaluate your current infrastructure, define an efficient cloud architecture, and execute secure, scalable migrations.
Our expert team has helped companies in sectors like finance, healthcare, education, and logistics adopt the cloud successfully, maximizing ROI and minimizing operational risks.
Whether your company is looking to implement a ready-to-use SaaS solution or build a custom infrastructure from scratch with IaaS, we can help design and implement the right strategy.
Watch our video recommendation
