Cloud Technologies

Here is a list of the top 20 cloud computing companies that one can choose from. These companies are serving clients globally offering utmost security and a robust infrastructure.

What is a cloud service provider?

A cloud service provider, or CSP, is a company that offers components of cloud computing -- typically, infrastructure as a service (IaaS), software as a service (SaaS) or plPatform as a service (PaaS).

Cloud service providers use their own data centers and compute resources to host cloud computing-based infrastructure and platform services for customer organizations. Cloud services typically are priced using various pay-as-you-go subscription models. Customers are charged only for resources they consume, such as the amount of time a service is used or the storage capacity or virtual machines (VM) used. For SaaS products, cloud service providers may either host and deliver their own managed services to users or they can act as a third-party, hosting the application of an independent software vendor.

The most well-known cloud service platforms are Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Microsoft Azure. What are the benefits and challenges of using a cloud service provider?

Using a cloud provider has benefits and challenges. Companies considering using these services should think about how these factors would affect their priorities and risk profile, for both the present and long term. Individual CSPs have their own strengths and weaknesses, which are worth considering. Benefits

• Cost and flexibility. The pay-as-you-go model of cloud services enables organizations to only pay for the resources they consume. Using a cloud service provider also eliminates the need for IT-related capital equipment purchases. Organizations should review the details of cloud pricing to accurately break down cloud costs.

• Scalability. Customer organizations can easily scale up or down the IT resources they use based on business demands.

• Mobility. Resources and services purchased from a cloud service provider can be accessed from any physical location that has a working network connection.

• Disaster recovery. Cloud services typically offer quick and reliable disaster recovery. Challenges

• Hidden costs. Cloud usage may incur expenses not factored into the initial return on investment (ROI) analysis. For example, unplanned data needs can force a customer to exceed contracted amounts, leading to extra charges. Companies also must factor in additional staffing needs for monitoring and managing cloud use. Terminating use of on-premises systems also has costs, such as writing off assets and data cleanup.

• Cloud migration. Moving data to and from the cloud can take time. Companies might not have access to their critical data for weeks, or even months, while large amounts of data are first transferred to the cloud.

• Cloud security. When trusting a provider with critical data, organizations risk security breaches, compromised credentials and other substantial security risks. Also, providers may not always be transparent about security issues and practices. Companies with specific security needs may rely on open source cloud security tools, in addition to the provider's tools.

• Performance and outages. Outages, downtime and technical issues on the provider's end can render necessary data and resources inaccessible during critical business events.

• Complicated contract terms. Organizations contracting cloud service providers must actively negotiate contracts and service-level agreements (SLAs). Failure to do so can result in the provider charging high prices for the return of data, high prices for early service termination and other penalties.

• Vendor lock-in. High data transfer costs or use of proprietary technologies that are incompatible with competitor services can make it difficult for customers to switch CSPs. To avoid vendor lock-in, companies should have a cloud exit strategy before signing any contracts.