Did you know the cloud computing market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.40% between 2024 and 2029 and may reach $1.44 trillion? This shows how intensely the cloud service providers spread their services to individuals and businesses. The demand increases with the requirement of organizations to manage several functions like databases, storage, computing, and much more.
Several cloud computing tools are popular in the current market, serving multiple benefits. Let us get deeper insights into what they are, along with their features and challenges.
Importance of Cloud Computing Tools
Cloud computing refers to the on-demand Platform that provides IT resources and services, application creation and management, and so on over the Internet. In other words, it is a global network of computing services such as networking, servers, software, analytics, storage, databases, and intelligence. The Cloud computing services are available in pay-as-you-go pricing.Â
Cloud computing is increasingly popular among individuals and enterprises, requiring larger storage space, efficient backup solutions, and easy access to data from anywhere. Cloud computing tools have become integral to digital operations and modern IT infrastructure. This is because these tools enable organizations to enhance storage, optimize their resources, drive innovation, and improve agility, ultimately reshaping the roadmap of how technologies can benefit businesses to achieve their goals.
Benefits of Using Cloud Computing Tools
Cloud computing tools have increasingly become popular among organizations due to the fantastic features that help them to grow their business efficiently. Here, we have enlisted some of the benefits of cloud computing tools for your reference.
- High performance and availabilityÂ
- Business continuity and instant business insightsÂ
- Flexibility and mobilityÂ
- Centralized data securityÂ
- Cost-saving solution and price performanceÂ
- Accessible anywhere to any device
- Get rid of using multiple hardware and software
- Instant application deploymentÂ
- Virtualized computing and increased collaborationÂ
- Loss prevention and disaster recovery
- Competitive edge and quality controlÂ
- Greener technology solutions (reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint by up to 90%)
Top 15 Cloud Computing Tools
Let us now have a quick review of top-notch 15 cloud computing tools:
AWSÂ
Amazon Web Services, or AWS, is known as one of the best cloud computing tools in the current era. It is a platform that offers a wide range of services, including machine learning analytics, storage solutions, computing capabilities, and more.
There is a huge demand for cloud computing tools and Application Programming interfaces (APIs) with distributed computing capabilities by enterprises. Due to its expansive worldwide infrastructure and cost-effective pay-as-you-go pricing structure, AWS enables the virtual environment to load and deploy multiple servers and applications.
Features
- Hybrid cloud capabilities
- Networking and content delivery
- Comprehensive cloud services with seamless integration of Microsoft Ecosystem
- A diverse range of enterprise solutions
- Cloud storage and databases
- Networking, content delivery, cloud storage, and databases
- Identity, security, and compliance managementÂ
Challenges
- AWS leaves curve for non-Microsoft-centric enterprises
- Limiting resources by region
- Managing cost-effectively
Microsoft AzureÂ
Microsoft Azure is a renowned public cloud computing platform with different solutions, such as Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). These solutions are used explicitly for diverse services, including virtual computing, storage solutions, analytics, networking, content delivery, and more.Â
The services of Microsoft Azure are similar to AWS, but they integrate well with Microsoft's other products. This feature leads them to stay ahead in the best cloud computing tools, especially for enterprises using Microsoft technologies.
Features
- Comprehensive data storage and management services
- Integration with machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) services
- Advanced analytics and automation capabilities
- Single pane operations are available, providing a unified view of the hybrid environment via MaaS and OMS
- A diverse range of enterprise solutions
- Smooth integration with the Microsoft ecosystem
- Hybrid cloud capabilities
- Security and Compliance management
- Wide range of tools and services in a cost-effective range
- Improved collaboration and productivity
- Disaster recovery, business continuity, and business intelligence
- Global race and high availability
Challenges
- Widely used for only Microsoft-based organizations
- Platform expertise is required
- Misunderstanding of the shared responsibility model
- The rapid increase in cost
PuppetÂ
A cloud computing tool designed to automate the provisioning and management of infrastructure. This well-known cloud computing tool maintains consistent configuration over several servers. This helps the cloud environment to handle large-scale deployments in the IT world today.Â
In other words, automation of repetitive tasks and rapid deployments of critical services and applications. Puppet is effectively used in Fortune 500 companies as several platforms support Puppet, including the MACOS X server, Microsoft Windows, Ubuntu or Debian, Fedora, and others.
Features
- Supports infrastructure as code practices
- Open source and a large number of cross-platform
- Scalable and patch managementÂ
- Application configuration management
- Continuous complianceÂ
Challenges
- Â Scripting knowledge is required
InformaticaÂ
It is one of the best cloud computing tools used for data integration and management. The Platform aids in data extraction, transformation, and load for data warehousing, analytics, and numerous other purposes.Â
Pricing varies by switching the features of Informatica, which may include API management, data cleansing/quality, and application integration at just one Platform.Â
Features
- Open and flexible Platform
- Multi-Cloud and Hybrid
- Low code, no code
- Accurate insights into cost allocation, anomalies, and cost drivers
- Raw data transformation
- Good maintenance and monitoringÂ
- Multiple processing at a time
- Automated deployments
- Facilitates cost optimization
- Budget management
Challenges
- It does not cover broader cloud management aspects
- Specialized only in cost intelligence
ChefÂ
It is an open-source platform created by Opscode. The father of Chef' Adam Jacob is the founder of Opscode. The Platform is designed to develop essential building blocks via ruby encoding.Â
These building blocks may include cookbooks and recipes. It is primarily used for infrastructure automation and eliminates manual or repetitive tasks during infrastructure management. The technology deploys and manages applications and servers in-house and on the cloud.
Features
- Confidence through code
- High on-premises availability
- Continuous delivery system
- Drift elimination
- Automated notifications and alerts over numerous platforms
- Manage disparate systems as One
- Extreme flexibilityÂ
- Data backup and recovery services
- Automated testing
- Infrastructure scanningÂ
- Compliance reporting and security audits
Challenges
- Lack of documentation
- Chef Solo is available
- Management of cookbooks
- Only a good fit for AWS cloud
- Need expertise to understand and gain familiarity
DigitalOceanÂ
It is a well-known cloud computing tool focusing on simplicity and developer-friendly environments. Individuals, developers, and startups prefer this cloud infrastructure provider for cost-effective solutions and ease of use. It reduces your roadblocks with dedicated support and grows profitability.
Features
- Quick setup and user-friendly interface
- Small-scale projects can be done at competitive pricingÂ
- Developer-centric cloud platform
- Build and ship faster using simple tools
- Predictable pricingÂ
- Managed databases and storage
- Build and deploy apps without managing infrastructure
- Fully managed cloud hosting solutions
- Simple and scalable virtual machines for all web and VPS hosting requirements
Challenges
- Limited enterprise-level featuresÂ
- Lack of highly secure SSH Host keys
- Inability to install the system independentlyÂ
IBM CloudÂ
IBM Cloud is one of the best cloud computing tools, offering multiple ranges of cloud computing, such as AI services, storage solutions, computing power, databases, and much more.Â
Typically, IBM focuses on delivering solutions to enterprises. It is designed explicitly concerning the ever-changing requirements of both computing and business. Here, you can access advanced technologies with higher reliability and minimal resources.
Features
- Secure mission-critical workloads
- Flexible licensing and support
- Add value to business applications
- Modernized application developmentÂ
- Full stack integration
- Object-based architecture
- New technology for business value
- Subscription term licensingÂ
- Robust hybrid cloud capabilities
- Cloud deployment optionsÂ
- Simplified systems managementÂ
- Multi-cloud deploymentÂ
Challenges
- Smaller market share in comparison to other cloud providersÂ
- Higher pricingÂ
- User interface and experience are less intuitive in comparison to others
AnsibleÂ
Ansible is a cloud computing tool for users looking for user-friendly, comprehensive platforms. It offers automation for infrastructure configuration, provisioning, application deployment, container orchestration, cloud provisioning, and security.
Ansible is a secure, dependable, agentless, and goal-oriented cloud computing tool that is quite new in the cloud market. It is an open-source cloud computing platform that helps deliver efficiencies, connect teams, and demonstrate values for your organization.
Features
- Hybrid cloud automation
- Edge Automation
- Security automationÂ
- ProvisioningÂ
- Configuration managementÂ
- Ansible dashboard
- Application deployment
- Automation execution environmentÂ
- Easy setup, free access, and scalableÂ
- Playbooks and Software agents
- RESTful API
- Plugins, job scheduling, and workflow editors
- Highly efficient and flexibleÂ
- Orchestrates containers
- Reconfigures infrastructureÂ
Challenges
- Insufficient user interface
- Complexity and maintenanceÂ
- Limited windows support
- Lack of experience
- New in the market
- Limited Notion of State
CloudynÂ
Cloudyn offers in-depth insights into its databases and possesses data storage capabilities and computing prowess. Here, you can get many tools for tracking cloud spending, managing costs, optimizing resource utilization, etc.Â
Cloudyn is a popular Microsoft cloud management and optimization platform, now integrated with Azure Cost Management. The Platform prevents users from over-purchasing Amazon cloud resources and offers control panel views.
Features
- Effective cost analysis and continuous optimization
- Resource cost analytics
- Simple UI and intuitive dashboards
- Usage trends
- Visibility across the platforms
- Customized dashboards and reports
- Accountability for governance
- Vetted solutionsÂ
- Deep cloud expertise and expensive experienceÂ
Challenges
- The primary focus is on cost managementÂ
- Does not offer comprehensive cloud management capabilities
GitHub
GitHub is an online repository with source code management. It is now widely used by Git developers for version control and collaboration. This web-based Platform has become essential for diverse cloud-based development projects.Â
GitHub automates the workflow where it builds, tests, and deploys it securely in a simpler way. 22% increase in developer productivity has been observed within three years of GitHub use. With GitHub, you can secure your code in minutes.
Features
- Automation and CI/CD
- Task and team managementÂ
- Access control and collaborations worldwide
- GitHub actions, packages, pages, and APIsÂ
- Secrets managementÂ
- Automatic track issues, pull requests, and save notes or ideas
- Secured and compliant environmentÂ
- Standardized workflow templatesÂ
- Version control and open-source
- Code repository hostingÂ
- Strong developer community and hostingÂ
- Workflow visualization
Challenges
- Tedious long pull requests
- Merge issues
- Risk change in the central repository
- Not always adequate for enterprises-level native security
- Bug risks and error generationÂ
- Poor customer support
- Cost of private repositoriesÂ
- Advanced features are limited to paid plansÂ
KubernetesÂ
Kubernetes is an open-source system mainly dealing with containerized applications. Kubernetes, commonly known as K8s, is responsible for automation, deployment, scaling, and management. It can facilitate both declarative configuration and automation.Â
The tool is identified as the production-grade Platform and holds a large and rapidly growing ecosystem. There are multiple services, tools, and supports available through Kubernetes.Â
Features
- Automated rollouts and rollbacksÂ
- Storage, secret, and configuration managementÂ
- Automatic bin packingÂ
- Self-healing of containersÂ
- Extensible design Â
- Provides IPv4/IPv6 addresses
- Easy scale-up and load-balancingÂ
- Batch execution and Service discoveryÂ
Challenges
- Complex and vulnerable securityÂ
- Not suitable for traditional networking methodÂ
- Containers are short-lived and lack stability Â
 RightScaleÂ
RightScale, established in 2006 and offering a cloud computing tool, has been acquired by Flexera. The services of RightScale are readily available through the new Platform. It provides complete lifecycle management and administration facilities.Â
More than 80,000 users utilize the functions. Moreover, RightScale has also launched over 9 million servers, comprising the most significant scaling events and production deployments.Â
RightScale supports a variety of private and public clouds along with Microsoft Azure Resource Manager. It provides support for numerous Windows-based applications. The users get the best customer support and the necessary onboarding assistance for using the tool. Â
Features
- Manage computation, network, and storageÂ
- Multi-cloud access controlÂ
- Easier cost tracking
- Design multi-cloud service configurations Â
- ITSM integrating API
- Full application orchestrationÂ
- Cloud analytics and managementÂ
- Automatic end datesÂ
- Access control across data centers, clouds, and tenantsÂ
- Automatic user operationsÂ
Challenges
- Requires training for usageÂ
SalesforceÂ
It is a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform. Salesforce is a leader in cloud computing that allows the monitoring of customer-related information in real time. It offers many services to enhance customer relationships and enable data-driven customer messaging services.Â
There are different types of Salesforce Cloud services, such as Sales, Analytics, IoT, Marketing, Salesforce App, and Service Cloud. Users can manage sales operations, customer engagement data, marketing campaigns, and other crucial functions.Â
Features
- Opportunity, contact, and account managementÂ
- Lead generation and managementÂ
- File sync and shareÂ
- AI-driven analyticsÂ
- Email integrationÂ
- User-friendly reports and dashboardsÂ
- Sales collaborationÂ
- Partner and territory managementÂ
Challenges
- Requires technical expertise for customizationÂ
- Complex data migration procedureÂ
- Compromised data integrityÂ
Agility PlatformÂ
Agility Platform is a CMS or Content Management System (CMS) that offers content control and pre-built layouts. It provides different cloud management services, including public, private, and hybrid. The Agility Platform offers multiple services with an end-to-end cloud security model.Â
Features
- Layout management, Module management, and Sitemap managementÂ
- Multi-site support and SEO fields
- Content modeling and page reviewingÂ
- URL routing management
- Lower cost and improved speed
- Integrated IT exosystem to SDLC
Challenges
- Lack of documentation
- Difficult measurementÂ
- Lack of predictability
- Not suitable for all projectsÂ
- Poor resource planning
Alibaba Cloud
Alibaba Group developed a computing alarm called Alibaba Cloud that offers a comprehensive suite of cloud computing services at the global level. It is the largest computing company in China and the Asia-Pacific region.Â
It refers to service on a pay-as-you-go basis. The services may include relational databases, big-data processing, elastic computing, data storage, anti-DDoS protection, and content delivery networks (CDN).
Features
- Dominant in Asian markets
- Focused on global-level expansion
- Multiple services at competitive pricing
- Extensive service portfolio (IoT and e-commerce)
- Empowering digital collaboration
- Reliable platforms
- Security and ComplianceÂ
- Non-stop services
Challenges
- Limited presence in certain regions in comparison to other cloud service providers, such as AWS
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Conclusion
Apart from these, many other cloud storage, app running, and management tools offer more than what meets the eye. It is, however, suggested to go for what the market trusts the most as it only works in your favor. Nevertheless, a bit of exploration never hurt anyone. Additionally, individuals seeking an in-depth understanding of cloud computing may find value in enrolling in a Post Graduate Program in Cloud Computing, which can provide specialized knowledge and skills for navigating this rapidly evolving field. It is noteworthy that with all the data we have been able to produce in these few years since the invention of the internet, it is both a boon and a bane to have the fortune of coming across the need to possess such tools.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between public and private clouds?
Here are the differences between public and private clouds.
Public Cloud |
Private Cloud |
Shared cost |
Full control and maintenance |
The provider handles maintenance-related activities |
One organization is responsible for all the charges |
More access leads to a high risk of securing data |
Limited access to data leads to efficient data security |
Storage and the service providers control provisioning |
Complete control over data storage management |
2. How can businesses ensure data security in the cloud?
Businesses set up a string of credentials policies and rigorous access rights to ensure protection over cloud breaches.
3. What are some best practices for cost optimization in cloud computing?
You must follow the given points to optimize cost in cloud computing.
- Find unused and unattached resources
- Deeply understand the components of cloud bills
- Pick the right computing services of the right sizeÂ
- Select a cloud services provider with predictable pricingÂ
- Utilize the appropriate storage solutionsÂ
4. What is the role of DevOps in cloud infrastructure management?
DevOps refers to software engineering practices that are best fit for cloud computing. In the DevOps environment, developers collaborate with IT operations and others to make the entire operation run smoothly and ensure continuous integration and delivery of tasks.