Short answer: which cloud platform should you choose?

There is no one that is best for everyone. As a rule of thumb:Azuresuits you who already run a lot of Microsoft (Windows, Office 365, Teams).AWSis the largest and most mature with the most services.Google Cloudare often strongest in data and AI. Choose based on what you already have, what skills you can get hold of, and where the data must be located.

A cloud platform is the provider you rent servers, storage and services from. The three mentioned dominate the market, but there are also European alternatives for those who want the data clearly within the EU.

Microsoft Azure

Azure is often the natural choice if the company already lives in the Microsoft world. The integration with Windows, Office 365 and Active Directory is smooth, and many Swedish companies already have agreements and expertise in place.

  • Strength:seamless with Microsoft products.
  • Fits:companies with existing Microsoft environment.
  • Consider:it can become complex to overview the costs.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

AWS is the largest and oldest of the three, with the most services and a huge ecosystem. That makes it extremely flexible, but also more to get used to.

  • Strength:widest range and most mature platform.
  • Fits:those who want maximum flexibility and grow quickly.
  • Consider:the breadth can be overwhelming for smaller teams.

Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

Google Cloud is known for strong performance in data, analytics and AI. If it is data-driven work or machine learning that takes center stage, GCP is often a strong card.

  • Strength:data, analytics and AI.
  • Fits:data-driven operations.
  • Consider:smaller ecosystem than AWS and Azure.
More important than the brand: where the data is stored and what skills you can actually get hold of. A platform you cannot manage quickly becomes a risk.

What will decide the election?

  1. What do you already have?Existing technology often drives the choice more than anything else.
  2. What skills are available?A platform someone can manage beats one theoretically better.
  3. Where must the data be located?If you handle personal data, data storage within the EU and GDPR is crucial.
  4. What does the cost look like?Don't just compare the list price, but what you will actually use.

Do you have to choose just one?

No. Many use multiple clouds (multicloud), for example one for operations and one for AI. It provides flexibility but increases complexity. For most SMBs, it's easier to start with a platform and make it work well.

Don't forget data sovereignty

For Swedish companies, especially in healthcare, the public sector and sensitive data, the question of where the data is stored is increasingly important. All three big ones have data centers in or near the EU, but you have to ensure yourself that your data really stays there and that the agreements are valid.

That's how ZORC helps you

OnZORCwe help Swedish companies choose and set up the right cloud platform based on your actual needs, not on what's trendy. We weigh competence, cost and data requirements, and consider security all the way through our initiative Swedish Cyber ​​Security. Not sure which cloud suits you? Get in touch and we'll sort it out together.