what is google cloud platform

What is Google Cloud Platform (GCP)?

Vidhi Gupta
August 5th, 2024
365
8:00 Minutes

Cloud computing is becoming more prevalent, which has led to the rise of Google Cloud Platform (GCP) as a versatile and powerful suite of cloud services. It is developed by Google and offers plenty of services and tools. It's crafted to fulfill different business needs. Those seeking to build plus host applications, leverage Machine Learning or store data will certainly find GCP as a one-in-all solution. This blog delves into what is Google Cloud Platform (GCP), covering its history, various uses, features, and key components.

Let's begin by understanding GCP's capabilities and evolution. Plus, let's learn how it helps organizations in making informed decisions about using this platform for enhanced operations and innovation efforts.

What is Google Cloud Platform (GCP)?

So, what is Google Cloud Platform(GCP)? Google Cloud Platform, more popularly referred to as GCP, is a complete suite of cloud computing services. Provided by Google, it provides a plethora of services such as storage solutions, computing power, data analytics and ML capabilities. GCP ensures developers can easily build, deploy and test apps on a highly reliable and scalable infrastructure.

Top services by this platform include Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) for containerized apps, Google Compute Engine for VMs, Cloud Storage for scalable storage solutions and BigQuery for data analytics. GCP uses Google's extensive network and infrastructure to deliver high performance, seamless integration and robust security. All these aspects make it a highly versatile pick for businesses of every size.

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History of Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

The history of GCP does not go very far. It is a relatively new platform but irrespective of that, it has grown exponentially. Let's see its growth journey.

  • 2008: Introduction of App Engine

Google launched a platform titled App Engine to develop and host web apps in Google's data centers. This was the moment that marked the commencement of GCP.

  • 2011: Launch of Google BigQuery

Google introduced a completely-managed data warehouse titled BigQuery. It enabled users to successfully run SQL queries on gigantic datasets, which led to enhanced data analytics capabilities.

  • 2012: Introduction of Google Compute Engine

Google Compute Engine was launched in 2012. It offered highly scalable virtual machines (VMs) that ran on Google's infrastructure. This facilitated more flexible computing power.

  • 2014: Launch of Google Kubernetes Engine

Google Kubernetes Engine or GKE was introduced in 2014. It helped in managing the environment for managing, scaling and deploying containerized apps using Kubernetes.

  • 2016: Expansion of Machine Learning Services

Google has exceptionally expanded its cloud offerings with Machine Learning tools such as AI Platform and TensorFlow. This has facilitated development and deployment of AI models.

Continuous Growth & Innovation

The years that have passed by have witnessed continuous adding of new features and services by GCP. Some popular ones are improved integration capabilities, a global network infrastructure and advanced security measures.

What is Google Cloud Platform Used for?

Still wondering what is Google Cloud Platform used for? Here are a few purposes it serves across different industries-

  • Data Storage & Management:

GCP presents many scalable storage solutions like Google Bigtable and Google Cloud Storage. These enable businesses in securely storing gigantic data amounts and accessing it quickly as required.

  • Application Development:

GCP offers various tools such as Google Kubernetes Engine and Google App Engine. Both these enable developers in building, scaling and deploying mobile and web apps easily. These services provide seamless integration and robust infrastructure.

  • Data Analytics and ML:

Services like AI Platform and BigQuery enable GCP to exhibit ML and advanced data analytics. Businesses can easily process as well as analyze gigantic datasets, gain valuable insights for decision-making and build predictive models.

  • Hybrid & Multi-Cloud Environments:

GCP renders support to both multi-cloud and hybrid strategies with services such as Anthos. This allows businesses to run apps across GCP and on-premises, along with other cloud environments.

  • Internet of Things:

Google Cloud IoT offers many tools to manage and analyze data from IoT devices. In turn, it aids businesses in effectively monitoring and controlling their IoT infrastructure.

  • Security & Compliance:

GCP presents many exceptional security features. These include encryption, compliance certifications and identity management. Each of these ensure that businesses are able to protect their data by meeting regulatory requirements.

Preparing for GCP job? These Google Cloud Platform Interview Questions will definitely help you clear interview rounds.

Key features of Google Cloud Platform

Top features make GCP a secure, versatile and robust cloud platform apt for different industries and business needs.

  • Data Analytics & ML:

GCP offers many robust tools such as BigQuery (for real-time analytics and data warehousing) and AI Platform (for training, deploying and developing Machine Learning models). These aid businesses in gaining valuable insights and making data-driven decisions.

  • Scalability & Flexibility:

GCP presents many auto-scaling capabilities. These help apps in seamlessly handling varying workloads. It renders support to many services like VMs and serverless computing, guaranteeing businesses pick the apt fits for their needs.

  • Security:

GCP incorporates many advanced security features like Identity and Access Management, compliance with regulatory standards and encryption by default. All these ensure regulatory compliance and data protection.

  • Integration & Ecosystem:

GCP seamlessly integrates with Google Workspace and many other third-party services to improve collaboration and productivity.

  • Global Network:

GCP leverages Google's extensive global infrastructure to ensure low latency, reliable performance and high availability across the world.

  • Cost Management:

It presents flexible cost management tools and pricing models that help businesses in efficiently optimizing their cloud expenditures.

Read Also- How To Prepare For Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Certification?

Components of Google Cloud Platform

The components of Google Cloud Platform collectively support many business needs such as app development and data analytics.

  • App Engine:

It's a fully managed platform to develop and deploy web apps. It helps developers to focus entirely on code without managing infrastructure.

  • Compute Engine:

It offers scalable VMs to run apps, rendering control and flexibility for the computing environment.

  • Kubernetes Engine:

It's managed Kubernetes service to orchestrate containerized apps, ensuring seamless management, scaling and deployment.

  • BigQuery:

It's a powerful data warehousing solution facilitating real-time data analysis on gigantic datasets with rapid SQL queries.

  • Cloud Pub/Sub:

It's a messaging service to build event-driven systems. These promote reliable communication between apps.

  • Cloud Functions:

These serverless computing services automatically scale and execute codes as per events, which simplifies app development.

  • Cloud SQL:

It's a managed relational DB service for PostgreSQL, SQL Server and MySQL that offers automated backups and high availability.

Conclusion

GCP, today, has turned into a highly comprehensive suite of cloud services. It has come to be used on a global level by businesses of all nature and sizes. It's especially used for storage, computing, machine learning, data analytics and more. Learning more about Google Cloud Platform and commencing a career in this field is certainly beneficial. Get started now and make the most of the opportunities that tag along this rapidly growing cloud computing platform.

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