Which Cloud Service Provider to Select? AWS vs Azure vs GCP
Cloud computing has turned into the backbone of contemporary IT. From multinationals to startups, all businesses are turning towards the cloud in order to enhance scalability, cut costs, and drive efficiency. However, with numerous Cloud Service Providers out there, the million-dollar question is: Which one do you select — AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud (GCP)?
At UniNets, what we do is make cloud concepts easy to understand and set learners on the path to the appropriate certifications, be it AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud certifications. But before we weigh the providers, let's take things back to the beginning and see what is cloud computing.
Put simply, cloud computing is about providing IT resources such as servers, storage, networking, and applications over the internet rather than hosting them on your own hardware.
If you’re wondering, “what is cloud computing in simple words?” — it’s like renting computing power and storage from companies like Amazon, Microsoft, or Google, instead of buying and maintaining your own servers.
Examples of cloud computing in daily life include:
Watching movies on Netflix (runs on cloud servers).
Saving files on Google Drive.
Using Microsoft Office 365 online.
The cloud makes technology more affordable, scalable, and accessible to everyone.
The OSI Model and Cloud Services
To see why cloud computing functions so smoothly, you must be familiar with the OSI model (Open Systems Interconnection model). The OSI model separates networking into seven layers, ranging from the physical hardware to applications.
Here's where it relates to the cloud:
Physical & Data Link Layers – The servers, switches, and cables managed by the cloud providers.
Network Layer – IP addressing and routing between global data centers.
Transport Layer – Guarantees data delivery via TCP/UDP.
Application Layer – Applications used by end-users such as Google Cloud AI utilities, Azure applications, or AWS services.
It is important to know the OSI model particularly when you prepare for cloud certifications, since network knowledge assists you in troubleshooting and designing optimum cloud solutions.
Why Choosing the Right Cloud Service Provider Matters
All cloud providers are not equal. They all have their own strengths and weaknesses, and these can vary greatly based on your business aims or career trajectory.
For instance:
Developers on AI-related work might find Google Cloud more to their liking.
Companies with Microsoft software tend to go with Azure.
Startups with scalability needs tend to begin with AWS.
Let's compare the leading three Cloud Service Providers in 2025, AWS, Azure, and GCP.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Started in 2006, AWS is the cloud computing pioneer and still the industry leader in 2025. It has the most services and biggest global infrastructure.
Strengths:
Massive global footprint with data centers all over the world.
Provides 200+ services, ranging from storage to sophisticated AI.
Flexible business size-oriented pricing models.
Best For:
Startups requiring fast scalability.
Global operations-enterprises.
Professionals seeking AWS Solutions Architect certifications.
Microsoft Azure
Launched in 2010, Azure has expanded quickly, owing to its robust integration within Microsoft's pre-existing ecosystem. It's the world's second-largest provider and beloved by enterprises.
Strengths:
Ideal choice for businesses already employing Microsoft solutions.Robust hybrid cloud features (on-premises + cloud).
Outstanding security and compliance for regulated sectors.
Best For:
Large institutions that host Windows servers and Office 365.
Businesses requiring hybrid cloud frameworks.
IT professionals looking for Microsoft Azure Administrator or Architect certifications.
Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Google joined the cloud industry after AWS and Azure but has grown to be a major player in a short period. Famous for data analysis, AI, and machine learning, GCP is the provider of choice for cutting-edge technology-based solutions.
Strengths:
AI and ML leader with software such as TensorFlow and Vertex AI.
Robust concentration on open-source and multi-cloud environments.
Competitively priced and adaptable solutions.
Best For:
Data science, ML, and analytics-focused businesses.
Kubernetes and containerized app developers.
Students pursuing Google Cloud certifications such as Cloud Engineer or Cloud Architect.
AWS vs Azure vs GCP – What to Choose?
Here's a brief comparison:
Market Presence
AWS: Largest and oldest.
Azure: Wide enterprise adoption.
GCP: Rapid growth in AI and innovation.
Ease of Learning
AWS: Rich in features but may be perceived as complex.
Azure: Easy for professionals with existing Microsoft tool expertise.
GCP: Certifications easy to learn for beginners, particularly for data and AI.
Career Opportunities
AWS certifications lead to opportunities with global enterprises.
Azure certifications are in great demand within enterprise IT.
Google Cloud certifications are becoming more recognized for data-driven positions.
Which Cloud Path Should You Follow at UniNets?
At UniNets, we advise students based on their career objectives:
Newbies → Begin with Google Cloud's Associate Cloud Engineer (easy, beginner-oriented).
Enterprise IT Professionals → Opt for Microsoft Azure certifications for hybrid setups.
Global Cloud Architects → Opt for AWS certifications for widespread adoption and scalability.
In addition to cloud certifications, we also emphasize fundamental networking principles such as the OSI model so that students grasp both theory and practical aspects.
Final Thoughts
Which cloud service provider do you go with? It depends on your objectives:
Opt for AWS for wide scalability and worldwide opportunities.
Opt for Azure if you deal with Microsoft-dominated companies.
Opt for Google Cloud (GCP) if you are interested in specializing in AI, ML, and data analysis.
Cloud computing is no longer the future — it’s the present. If you’re still asking, “what is cloud computing in simple words?”, just remember: it’s using the internet to access IT resources instead of managing them yourself.
