Top Cloud Service Providers in 2025: AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Compared

With the digital-first era that we live in today, companies are moving quickly from conventional IT infrastructure to cloud infrastructure. Before we discuss the top Cloud Service Providers — Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud — let's get the fundamentals right on what is cloud computing and why it matters.

Our aim at UniNets is to provide simplified complex concepts to students and IT professionals. If you are studying for Google Cloud certifications, Cisco training, or just want to know about cloud career opportunities, this tutorial will make you comprehend cloud providers in 2025 and how to compare them.

What is Cloud Computing?

Essentially, cloud computing refers to the provision of services like servers, storage, networking, software, and databases via the internet. Rather than possessing physical data centers or servers, organizations lease them from providers such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

If you’re wondering, “what is cloud computing in simple words?” — it means using someone else’s computers (in remote data centers) to run your apps, store your files, and manage your IT needs, all through the internet.

For example:

Gmail is an application running in the cloud.

Netflix streams movies using cloud servers.

Businesses run ERP systems on cloud platforms instead of in-house servers.

Cloud computing is cost-saving, scales more quickly, and allows for global access — the foundation for IT today.

The OSI Model and Its Application to Cloud Computing

The OSI model (Open Systems Interconnection model) is a 7-layered method for describing how data moves over networks — from your laptop to a cloud server.

Here's how it relates to cloud computing:

Physical & Data Link Layers – Cloud providers have worldwide data centers with cables, switches, and hardware.

Network Layer – Routing is responsible for smooth communication between users and data centers.

Transport Layer – TCP/UDP protocols ensure secure delivery of cloud services.

Application Layer – End users get to use services such as AWS EC2, Azure Virtual Machines, or Google Cloud AI.

It is important for cloud professionals to know the OSI model, particularly while troubleshooting network problems or studying for certifications.

Why Cloud Service Providers Are Important

As cloud adoption is flying high in 2025, selecting the best provider is a strategic choice for IT professionals and businesses. The "big three," AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, all have infrastructure, platforms, and services, but they excel in different areas.

As a UniNets learner, understanding the differences will benefit you:

Choose which certification path (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud certifications) best fits your career.

Learn how networking and the OSI model are applied in cloud services.

Increase your competitive advantage in IT job markets.

AWS (Amazon Web Services) – Market Leader

Founded in 2006, AWS is the oldest and most extensive cloud provider. It leads the market with the largest variety of services and international presence.

Strengths:

Market Share: Largest player even in 2025.

Service Portfolio: More than 200 services, ranging from storage and databases to high-end AI and IoT.

Global Reach: Data centers in every continent.

Enterprise Adoption: Popular among both startups and Fortune 500 firms.

Use Cases:

Hosting big-scale applications.

Data analytics and AI initiatives.

E-commerce sites such as Amazon itself.

Microsoft Azure – Enterprise Favorite

Azure, which was introduced in 2010, has rapidly grown into the second-largest cloud provider. Leveraging the solid enterprise ecosystem of Microsoft, it easily integrates with existing Windows-based infrastructure.

Strengths:

Integration: Integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, Office applications, and Active Directory.

Hybrid Cloud: Industry-leading solutions for businesses adopting both on-premises and cloud platforms.

Security: Used by government and regulated sectors.

Developer Tools: Solid DevOps and AI support.

Use Cases:

Migrations from Microsoft environments by enterprises.

Hybrid cloud strategies.

Secure financial and healthcare cloud services.

Google Cloud – Data and AI Leader

Google Cloud is younger than AWS and Azure, but it has come a long way. With data, AI, and machine learning expertise, Google Cloud is among the top picks for new applications.

Strengths:

AI and ML Leadership: TensorFlow, BigQuery, Vertex AI.

Pricing: Generally more affordable than others.

Open Source: Deep support for Kubernetes, containers, and multi-cloud tools.

Certifications: Google Cloud certifications are greatly respected and equip IT professionals for cloud positions in demand.

Use Cases:

Machine learning and data analytics projects.

Container-based modern app development.

Multi-cloud and open-source platforms.

AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud: Key Comparisons

Market Leadership

AWS: Broader adoption and market share.

Azure: Healthy enterprise foundation.

Google Cloud: Growing fast in AI-intensive industries.

Ease of Use

AWS: Feature-rich but challenging.

Azure: Less complicated for enterprises already invested in Microsoft products.

Google Cloud: Developer-centric and AI-oriented.

Certifications

AWS: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, SysOps, DevOps.

Azure: Microsoft Azure Administrator, Solutions Architect, Security Engineer.

Google Cloud: Associate Cloud Engineer, Professional Cloud Architect, Data Engineer.

If you are new to the game, Google Cloud certifications tend to be the friendliest for beginners, while AWS and Azure provide more enterprise-wide roles.

Cloud Computing Career Paths at UniNets

At UniNets, we assist individuals and professionals in gearing up for cloud computing careers through providing:

Hands-on labs for Google Cloud, Azure, and AWS.

Networking basics, including the OSI model.

Certification-oriented training such as Google Cloud certifications, AWS training, and Azure programs.

Real-world projects to close the gap between work and learning.

Coupling networking skills with cloud skill sets, you create a work-ready profile.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud are still the leading Cloud Service Providers. Each excels in its own ways:

AWS is ahead in global expansion and enterprise capabilities.

Azure dominates in hybrid cloud and Microsoft integrations.

Google Cloud excels in data, AI, and innovation.

For IT professionals, choosing the right certification path is a critical decision. If you’re still asking, “what is cloud computing in simple words?”, remember — it’s simply using the internet to access IT services without owning the infrastructure.