Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

GCP is a public cloud vendor that offers a suite of computing services to do everything from data management to delivering web and video over the web to AI and machine learning tools. Customers are able to access computer resources housed in Google’s data centers around the world for free or on a pay-per-use basis.

Going in Deep:

Google Cloud vs Google Cloud Platform:

Google Cloud includes a combination of services available over the internet that can help organizations go digital. Google Cloud Platform (which provides public cloud infrastructure for hosting web-based applications and is the focus of this blog post) is a part of Google Cloud.

Some other services that are a part of Google Cloud include: 

• Google Workspace, formerly known as G Suite and Google Apps. This product provides identity management for organizations, Gmail, and collaboration tools.

• Enterprise versions of Android and Chrome OS. These phone and laptop operating systems are ways for users to connect to web-based applications.

• Application programming interfaces (APIs) for machine learning and enterprise mapping services. These provide software-to-software communication. 

GCP competition:

Google has services comparable to AWS and Azure. AWS is in the clear lead with Microsoft gaining ground and Google Platform is growing.

Check out our other cloud platform overviews:

What is AWS?

 AWS or Amazon Web Services is a cloud service provider that offers various computing services that are accessible over the public internet.

What is Azure?

Microsoft Azure is a public cloud platform with more than 200 products and services accessible over the public internet.

Difference:

GCP (Google Cloud Platform) GCP’s computing resources are available through Google Compute Engine, offering customizable VM instances. Google Compute Engine provides predefined machine types and custom machine types, allowing users to tailor resources precisely to their needs. For serverless computing, Google Cloud Platform offers Google Cloud Functions, enabling developers to execute event-driven functions without managing servers.  Great for handling big data, analytics, and machine learning. If a business wants advanced analytics or machine learning, GCP is a solid choice. Works well with open-source tech. If a business prefers or already uses open-source tools, GCP aligns seamlessly. Known for simplicity and user-friendliness. Appeals to those wanting an easy, clean experience.

AWS (Amazon Web Services) AWS provides a vast array of computing resources, including Amazon EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud), which offers scalable virtual private cloud for a wide range of use cases. Integrates with many third-party tools. For businesses seeking broad options and integrations, AWS is a good fit. EC2 provides various instance types, each optimized for specific workloads such as general-purpose, memory-intensive, and GPU-powered instances. AWS also offers serverless computing with AWS Lambda, enabling developers to run code without provisioning or managing servers. Offers a wide range of services, suitable for various uses. Known for robust computing and storage options, it's versatile. Offers vast flexibility and customization. Suited for businesses valuing a broad set of features.

Azure (Microsoft Azure) Azure offers similar computing resources with its Virtual Machines (VMs) service, providing scalable and flexible virtualized computing environments. Azure Virtual Machines offer a variety of instance sizes to accommodate different workload requirements, including memory, compute, and storage optimized instances. Additionally, Azure provides Azure Functions for serverless computing, allowing developers to run event-driven functions without worrying about underlying infrastructure.Integrates well with Microsoft tools. Ideal for businesses deeply connected to Microsoft technologies and offers strong hybrid cloud solutions. . Fits smoothly with Microsoft products. Perfect for businesses heavily reliant on Microsoft software. Familiar for Microsoft users. Ideal for those comfortable with the Microsoft ecosystem.

Pros of Google Cloud Platform (GCP):

1. Easy to Use: GCP is user-friendly, making it simple for people, whether they're tech experts or just starting.

2. Fast and Reliable: It works quickly and consistently worldwide, ensuring that your online stuff runs smoothly.

3. Many Services: GCP offers a lot of different tools, from storing data to smart computer stuff, giving you everything in one place.

4. Smart Tech: It's excellent for fancy things like AI and smart computer learning, making it cool for businesses wanting advanced tech solutions.

5. Flexible Payments: You only pay for what you use, and GCP helps you keep track of costs, making it flexible and transparent.

Cons of Google Cloud Platform (GCP):

1. Limited Services: Compared to others, GCP has fewer options, which might be a downside if you need specific services.

2. Focused on Developers: It's more developer-oriented, which might be a bit much if you're not all about coding.

3. Not as Popular: It's not as big as some competitors, so there might be fewer extra things and community help.

4. Business Focus: GCP is connected to Google's ad and search business, which could mean less attention for other services.

5. Not for Everything: While great for some, it might not be the best fit if you're not into the Google way of doing things.

Below are some of companies using Google Cloud Platform (GCP):

1. Spotify: The well-known music streaming service relies on GCP for its cloud infrastructure.

2. Twitter: The social media giant utilizes Google Cloud for various services and infrastructure needs.

3. Snap Inc. (Snapchat): Snap employs Google Cloud to support its multimedia messaging app.

4. PayPal: The online payment platform depends on GCP for its cloud computing requirements.

5. HSBC: The global banking and financial services company collaborates with Google Cloud for digital transformation initiatives.

6. Target: The retail powerhouse has incorporated GCP into its cloud services.

7. Zulily: An online retailer, Zulily, utilizes Google Cloud to manage its e-commerce operations.

8. Vivint Smart Home: This company, specializing in smart home technology, relies on GCP for its cloud infrastructure.

9. Philips: The healthcare technology company has partnered with Google Cloud for healthcare data management and analysis.

10. Colgate-Palmolive: The consumer goods company has explored cloud solutions with Google Cloud.

Storing Stuff in Google Cloud:

Think of Google Cloud like a digital garage. You can keep your digital things there, from everyday items to special treasures. It's like having different shelves and safes for your digital belongings. You pick the space you need, and it's super easy to find and organize your stuff in this special garage.

Moving In Google Cloud:

Moving your things to Google Cloud is like upgrading to a futuristic house. Google Cloud helps you pack and move your digital things smoothly. It's as if friendly robots are carefully carrying your stuff, making sure nothing gets lost. Once you're in your new digital house on Google Cloud, you get to enjoy a safe and powerful space for all your digital goodies.

Recent information about GCP:

Making Apps Work Anywhere: Google's platform, Anthos, helps control apps even if they're in different places like your own computer system or other companies' systems.

Being Eco-Friendly: Google Cloud Platform cares about the environment. They're working to make sure their operations don't harm the planet.

Super Smart Computers: Google Cloud is excellent for making computers that can learn and understand things (like your voice or pictures). BigQuery and TensorFlow are examples of tools they offer for this.

Better Internet and Safety: Google Cloud is getting better at helping computers communicate over the internet, and they're making sure your information stays safe.

Extra Secure Computing: Google Cloud is working on making sure that even super-secret stuff stays safe when it's being used on their computers.

Conclusion:

Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is your go-to in the cloud world, offering cool services from managing data to smart AI tools. It lets you use Google's powerful computers for free or with a pay-as-you-go deal. Different from Google Cloud, GCP is like a special playground just for hosting web stuff.

In the cloud game with big players like AWS and Azure, GCP is holding its own. It's great for making custom computer setups and running things without worrying about servers. Whether you're diving into AWS, Azure, or the playful GCP, these nuggets help guide businesses on their digital adventures. It is simple and easy for everyone to use :).

Thank you for reading my blog.