Cloud Hosting Platforms

AWS (Amazon Web Services)

What they do:

AWS remains the global leader in cloud infrastructure, holding around 30 percent market share. In 2024 it grew revenue by 19 percent to more than $108 billion, although Azure and Google Cloud expanded faster. Its edge comes from vast infrastructure investment, exceeding $100 billion annually, and AI-focused chips that appeal to enterprises. Despite small share erosion, AWS’s unmatched scale, reliability, and entrenched customer base secure its long-term strength, though its once-rapid growth trajectory has begun to level out.

Microsoft Azure

What they do:

Azure is the fastest growing major cloud platform, generating more than $75 billion annually and recording 34 percent year-over-year growth in 2024–25. It now holds about 20 percent of global cloud share. Although smaller than AWS, its pace of expansion is stronger, fueled by large-scale investment in AI and infrastructure. Microsoft committed about $80 billion in 2025 to cloud, AI and data centers. This momentum positions Azure as the most credible challenger to AWS in the hyperscale race.

Google Cloud

What they do:

Google Cloud ranks third among hyperscalers, recently reaching 10 percent global market share in Q2 2025 while trailing Azure and AWS. Quarterly revenue climbed to $13.6 billion, up 32 percent year over year, and backlog increased 38 percent, reflecting strong enterprise demand. Google raised capital spending forecasts to $85 billion in 2025, focused on AI infrastructure and services. With consistent double-digit growth, expanding enterprise adoption, and a rising AI profile, Google Cloud continues strengthening its position in the competitive global market.

Alibaba Cloud

What they do:

Alibaba Cloud dominates China’s market, holding about 33 percent share domestically and around 4 percent worldwide in Q2 2025. Revenue in Q1 2025 grew 18 percent to $4.15 billion, driven by rapid AI adoption, where demand increased at triple-digit levels. Its strengths lie in strong regional dominance, deep government and enterprise partnerships, and rapid AI infrastructure rollout. While global market penetration remains modest, its AI-centric momentum and unrivaled local presence secure Alibaba Cloud’s position as a critical player in Asia’s cloud economy.

Oracle Cloud

What they do:

Oracle Cloud has become the fastest-growing hyperscaler. For FY 2025, revenue reached $57.4 billion, with cloud services and license support up 14 percent. Cloud infrastructure surged 52 percent in Q4 2024, and backlog climbed 41 percent, pointing to stronger results ahead. The company is building mega-scale data centers to support AI demand, with forecasts of over 70 percent growth (2025 to 2026) in IaaS. Oracle’s acceleration underscores its ambition to challenge the market leaders while capitalizing on its enterprise software strength.

IBM Cloud

What they do:

IBM Cloud focuses on enterprise hybrid and AI workloads, supported by Red Hat technology. In Q2 2025, overall revenue reached $17 billion, with hybrid cloud services expanding at mid-teens growth, including a 16 percent rise in Red Hat and Automation. The platform’s advantage is its integration with legacy enterprise systems and advanced AI tools. IBM’s free cash flow improved, and GenAI bookings surpassed $7.5 billion, signaling renewed momentum and customer trust after years of slower progress in cloud adoption.

DigitalOcean

What they do:

DigitalOcean occupies a niche among developer-focused cloud platforms. In Q2 2025, revenue climbed to $219 million, up 14 percent year over year, with full-year guidance raised to nearly $892 million. It reported the strongest annual recurring revenue gain since 2022, reflecting loyal SMB and developer customers. The platform’s appeal lies in simple, affordable cloud services combined with growing AI workload adoption. With steady margins and rising AI traction, DigitalOcean looks well positioned for sustainable growth in its market.

Linode

What they do:

Linode, now part of Akamai, serves developers with reliable Linux-based virtual infrastructure. Linode contributes to Akamai’s cloud segment, which generated approximately $630 million in revenue in 2024, growing 25% year-over-year. It remains a smaller but steady cloud provider valued for simplicity, cost-effective pricing, and a strong developer community. Supported by Akamai, Linode benefits from improved enterprise reach and performance. This integration strengthens Linode’s long-term stability and competitiveness for developers and SMBs seeking straightforward hosting.

Wrapping Up

The growth patterns over the last five years reveal clear leaders. They also hint at what comes next. Cloud will be shaped by AI demand, rising costs, and new regulations.

Providers that are growing now are better prepared to handle these shifts. Some will extend their lead, while others may catch up. The data shows today’s strength, but it also signals who is ready for tomorrow’s challenges.