Cloud computing is a computer system that operates by the joint action of disparate elements brought together regardless of their geographical location and underlying infrastructure. Simply put, it is the delivery of computing services (servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics) over the Internet to provide more flexible resources to people and businesses.
The cloud allows you to rent your IT instead of buying it. Instead of investing heavily in databases, software and hardware, companies choose to access this computing power via the Internet and pay for it based on usage. When a company "goes to the cloud," it means that its IT infrastructure is stored offsite in a datacenter managed by the cloud provider. Instead of spending money and resources on legacy IT systems, customers can focus on more strategic tasks. Without making a significant upfront investment, companies can quickly access the IT resources they need and pay only for what they need.
The cost, scaling, performance and reliability advantages of cloud computing over a traditional approach are driving companies around the world, large and small, to migrate to cloud solutions.
A distinction is typically made between a public cloud owned and operated by a third-party cloud service provider that offers compute resources such as servers and storage, and a private cloud used exclusively by a company or organization. The hybrid cloud is a symbiosis of the two powered by technology that allows for data and application sharing.
Solutions as a service
Most cloud services can be classified into four broad categories: IaaS (infrastructure as a service), PaaS (platform as a service), SaaS (software as a service) and serverless computing. IaaS allows you to rent an IT infrastructure from a cloud service provider with a payment based on usage. PaaS are services that provide an on-demand environment for developing, testing, delivering and managing software applications (developers can quickly create web or mobile applications without the need for a server).Developers can quickly create web or mobile applications without having to worry about configuring or managing the server, storage, network and database infrastructure required for development.) With SaaS, cloud service providers host and manage the software applications and underlying infrastructure, and manage maintenance, such as software upgrades and security patches. Users connect to the application via the Internet, typically through a web browser on their phone, tablet or PC. Finally, serverless computing overlaps with PaaS by focusing on building application functionality without the time-consuming and ongoing management of servers and the infrastructure required to do so.
As you can see, cloud computing offers multiple functionalities to individuals but especially to companies, whether it is to create native cloud applications, store, back up and recover data, distribute content, and so on.It can be used to create native cloud applications, store, backup and retrieve data, deliver content or software on demand, test and generate applications, analyze data or incorporate intelligent models to interact with customers.
This market is expected to grow strongly over the next ten years. Ark Invest predicts that this market will be worth nearly $10 trillion by 2030.
Here is a projection of the combined market capitalization of all public cloud services combined (IaaS, SaaS, PaaS, serverless computing) for 2022 :
Source: Statista
A projection of the cumulative market capitalization of cloud applications by 2025:
Source: Statista
The cloud war has already begun:
In this little game, the web giants, including Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft and Apple have already positioned themselves as specialists. Their Chinese counterparts (Alibaba, Tencent, JD.com) have also entered the race. We also find Salesforce, IBM and Oracle well placed in the ranking. They all want to be the first and are investing massively in their infrastructures. Indeed, the effect of scale is important in order to reduce costs and offer a solution that becomes the standard for companies (a bit like Microsoft has managed to do with its Office suite). The most successful solutions are likely to win the largest market share in each industry, as customer retention is the driver of profitability in a scalable business like the cloud. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the competitor to beat so far with 32% market share and still holds a lead over its rivals. The top 8 cloud providers control 80% of the market share.
Source: Synergy Research Group
We can also mention smaller (and riskier) players, each with their own specificities but with great long-term potential, such as ServiceNow and Intuit.
If you wish to consult the thematic list of cloud computing players, MarketScreener experts have identified for you the main cloud computing players on a global scale. This list is limited to 100 companies selected according to fundamental criteria and capitalization filters.
Click here to discover the thematic list
Read this article:
Cloud Computing: The key players to keep an eye on - Marketscreener.com
- How Do You Define Cloud Computing? - Data Center Knowledge [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- RCom arm in tie-up for cloud computing - Moneycontrol.com [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Roundup Of Cloud Computing Forecasts, 2017 - Forbes [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing Continues to Influence HPC - insideHPC [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- 5 Cloud Computing Stocks to Buy - TheStreet.com [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Adobe bets big on cloud computing for marketing, creative professionals - Livemint [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Red Hat's New Products Centered Around Cloud Computing, Containers - Virtualization Review [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Verizon sells cloud services to IBM in 'unique cooperation between ... - Cloud Tech [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Hospital CIOs see benefits of healthcare cloud computing - TechTarget [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- How Cloud Computing Is Turning the Tide on Heart Attacks - Fortune [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- What is Cloud Computing Technology?: Cloud Definition ... [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Daily Report: Cloud Computing Asserts Itself - New York Times [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2017]
- Verizon sells cloud services to IBM in 'unique cooperation between two tech leaders' - Cloud Tech [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2017]
- CIOs embrace the value of cloud computing in healthcare - TechTarget [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2017]
- Heptio's Joe Beda: Before embracing cloud computing, make sure your culture is ready - GeekWire [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2017]
- CLOUD COMPUTING Cisco Expands Cloud IoT Services with $610M Viptela Acquisition - CIO Today [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2017]
- A prepaid wallet that helps start-ups access cloud-computing services - The Hindu [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2017]
- Google: No to Price War Over Cloud Computing - Investopedia [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2017]
- 3 things to know about the cloud v. data center decision - ZDNet [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2017]
- OpenStack Foundation cites 'capabilities, compliance and cost' as Summit kicks off - Cloud Tech [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2017]
- Profit From Cloud Computing Boom With This ETF - Seeking Alpha [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2017]
- Autonomous Driving Market Focuses on Artificial Intelligence and ... - PR Newswire (press release) [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2017]
- The cloud computing tidal wave - BetaNews [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2017]
- Aruba predicts a hybrid future for edge and cloud computing - The Internet of Business (blog) [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2017]
- China Says Draft Rules on Cloud Computing Have Been Misunderstood - Wall Street Journal (subscription) [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2017]
- Oracle launches cloud computing service for India | Business Line - Hindu Business Line [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- Microsoft is on the edge: Windows, Office? Naah. Let's talk about cloud, AI - The Register [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- IBM touts its cloud platform as quickest for AI with benchmark tests - Cloud Tech [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- Enterprise-owned data centres still 'essential' despite cloud growth, research notes - Cloud Tech [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- You really should know what the Andrew File System is - Network World [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- Microsoft launches Android app to manage its Azure cloud computing platform - Android Police [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- 3 Cloud Computing Stocks To Buy Right Now - May 10, 2017 ... - Zacks.com [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- Virtustream Adds Enterprise Cloud to Global Dell EMC Partner Program - Cloud Computing Intelligence (registration) (blog) [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2017]
- Trump signs cybersecurity executive order, mandating a move to cloud computing - GeekWire [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- Cloud Computing, Term of Art Complete Preakness Works - BloodHorse.com (press release) (registration) (blog) [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- IBM Announces The Defense Calculator And A Cloud Computing Service - Forbes [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- Achieving compliance in the cloud - CSO Online [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2017]
- Boston schools CIO Mark Racine takes hybrid approach to cloud computing - EdScoop News (press release) (registration) (blog) [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2017]
- Benefit-risk 'tipping point' for cloud computing now passed, says ... - Out-Law.com [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2017]
- Cloud Computing puts in work for Preakness before deluge - Daily Racing Form [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2017]
- How telecom is shifting its strategy to support cloud computing - SiliconANGLE (blog) [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2017]
- Cloud computing - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2017]
- How Alphabet Views the Cloud Computing Price Wars - Market Realist [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2017]
- Keying Longshot Cloud Computing in the Preakness - America's Best Racing [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2017]
- Microsoft Extends Cloud-Computing Arms Race to Africa - Fox Business [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2017]
- Firms Face Decelerating Cloud Spending: Analyst - Investopedia [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2017]
- Is edge computing set to blow away the cloud? - Cloud Tech [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2017]
- Microsoft Extends Cloud-Computing Arms Race to Africa - Wall Street Journal (subscription) [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2017]
- Rested and ready: 13-1 shot Cloud Computing wins Preakness - Fairfield Daily Republic [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- Watch Cloud Computing's thrilling come-from-behind finish at the Preakness Stakes - For The Win [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing wins the 142nd Preakness Stakes in front of a record crowd [Photos] - Baltimore Business Journal [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- 13-1 shot Cloud Computing edges Classic Empire, springs upset in Preakness - News3LV [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing Wins Preakness Stakes, and Techies Are Stoked - Fortune [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing wins Preakness Stakes, dashing Always ... [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- Cloud computing, Galeria Inno and change at Deka - Delano.lu [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Roundup Of Cloud Computing Forecasts, 2017 - Enterprise Irregulars (blog) [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing Does Not Need Help From Washington - Cramer's ... - Seeking Alpha [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- CTOvision Assessment on The Megatrend of Cloud Computing - CTOvision (blog) [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing's Trainer Wins One for His Mentor at Preakness - New York Times [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Make sense of edge computing vs. cloud computing | InfoWorld - InfoWorld [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing Takes the Preakness - RFD-TV [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing takes Preakness - CNN.com [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Make Sense of Edge Computing vs. Cloud Computing - Linux.com (blog) [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2017]
- How will cloud computing and analytics affect Citrix shops? - TechTarget [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2017]
- Red Hat to acquire cloud computing firm - Triangle Business Journal [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2017]
- Cloud computing streamlines oil field monitoring - Williston Daily Herald [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2017]
- Fans should appreciate Cloud Computing's Preakness win - ESPN [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2017]
- Cray Takes the Plunge into Cloud Computing - TOP500 News [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2017]
- Baidu to leverage cloud computing, artificial intelligence, in effort to ramp up behavioural analysis - South China Morning Post [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2017]
- Cloud computing will change the nature of hospital IT shops - Healthcare IT News [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2017]
- Microsoft's weapon in high-stakes cloud-computing battle with Amazon? Freebies - The Seattle Times [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2017]
- Amazon Shares Hit $1000, Showing Dominance of E-Commerce, Cloud - The VAR Guy [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2017]
- Oracle set to expand cloud reach with Tencent alliance - South China Morning Post [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2017]
- Cloud Computing to Skip Belmont as Field Comes into Focus - America's Best Racing [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2017]
- Movers: Amazon's Stock Price Hits $1000 - New York Times [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Mary Meeker: Healthcare technology is booming thanks to cloud computing and wearables - SiliconANGLE (blog) [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Will Amazon's Web Services Business Get Hurt by Cloud Computing Commodification? - HuffPost [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Box CEO Aaron Levie: Artificial intelligence to revolutionize cloud computing - MarketWatch [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Cloud computing takes off as top new discipline on campus - Education Dive [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- CIOs and factors overlooked when changing your cloud - Cloud Tech [Last Updated On: June 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 3rd, 2017]