Google Cloud Computing Platform: Everything You Need to Know to Take Off in the Cloud

Hello, I'm Ruben Aguila, and if you're reading this, I'm sure you're wondering what the hell is Google Cloud Computing Platform? And more importantly, how can you take advantage of it?

Don't worry, because I've been where you are right now. Yes, lost among acronyms and weird terms.... But rest assured, with my experience on this platform I'll break it all down for you. So, grab a coffee and get ready, this will be a long journey, but at the end you will be an expert. Here we go!

What is Google Cloud Computing Platform (GCP)?

In simple words, Google Cloud Computing Platform (GCP for friends) is Google's cloud ecosystem, which allows you to host, manage, analyze and create applications or solutions in a flexible and scalable way. Think of it as your virtual office, but not just to store your files, but to have everything your business needs: databases, big data analytics, artificial intelligence tools, and more!

All of this runs on Google's incredible global infrastructure, which has data centers spread all over the world so that your applications are always available and running at full speed. Yes, exactly, with no downtime and a level of security that would leave you speechless.

Why Google Cloud and not another provider?

Let's see, I'm not going to say that Google Cloud is the only cloud provider, but it does have several advantages that make it very attractive. Before you ask, yes, it has competitors like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure, but Google plays its cards very well.

What makes it special

• World-class infrastructure: Being Google, it's no surprise that its network is one of the best on the planet. They have data centers all over the world, which ensures low latency and extremely high availability.
• Big Data and Machine Learning: Google leads the way when it comes to beastly data processing. If your company has to analyze large amounts of data, with tools like BigQuery and TensorFlow, GCP is the ideal platform.
• Fair and transparent pricing: They charge you only for what you consume. Plus, they offer a $300 credit when you get started, which gives you a good margin to experiment without having to mortgage the house.
• Top-notch security: Google has security options ranging from encryption in transit and at rest, to a threat detection system that puts you one step ahead of hackers.
• Open-source friendly: If you like to play with open source technologies, Google Cloud integrates them seamlessly. What's more, Google is one of the biggest contributors to the open-source ecosystem, so everything fits like a glove.

The Most Important Google Cloud Services

• Google Cloud offers a wide range of services, from storage to artificial intelligence. Here I explain the most used ones:
• Computing and Hosting: Here you have from virtual machines with Compute Engine to serverless solutions with Cloud Functions. If you don't know what this is, think of having your own server in the cloud, but without the hassle of maintenance.
• Big Data and Analytics: BigQuery is the spoiled child when it comes to data analysis. It allows you to query large volumes of information in seconds. Ideal for companies that need fast and accurate data.
• Machine Learning and AI: If you want to give your company a boost with artificial intelligence, Google AI Platform lets you create machine learning models in a simple way. The best part? You can use TensorFlow, one of the most powerful frameworks.
• Storage and Databases: With services like Cloud Storage and Cloud SQL, you not only store files, but you can also have fully managed databases.
• Networking and Security: Cloud VPC allows you to create secure private networks, as if you had your own private neighborhood in the cloud. And for the more security-paranoid, you have Identity and Access Management (IAM), which lets you control who accesses what.

My Experiences with GCP

I'll be honest: the first time I used Google Cloud it was a headache. Not because it was complicated, but because I underestimated everything I could do. I started by hosting a small app and thought: this is a piece of cake. But of course, when the app started to grow and the user load skyrocketed, I realized that the infrastructure scaled by itself, without me having to do anything. That's when I said to myself: this is the future.

And after that, I haven't stopped. From data analysis for big companies, to small machine learning projects. Google Cloud has something for everyone.

The Disadvantages of GCP

Okay, not everything is perfect. While Google Cloud is great, it also has its things:

1. Somewhat complicated pricing: Its pricing structure can seem like a puzzle. Between discounts for sustained usage and different payment models, you can get a little confused.
3. It doesn't have as many services as AWS: Although Google is expanding its offering, it still doesn't have the same catalog as Amazon Web Services.
4. Limited in certain regions: If your company is in a remote area, you may encounter latency issues because Google Cloud doesn't have as many data centers as other competitors.

Should You Use Google Cloud?

If you're looking for a robust, scalable cloud platform with a top-notch global network, then Google Cloud should be among your first choices. It's ideal for companies that want to harness the power of big data, artificial intelligence or simply need an infrastructure that will grow with them without hassle.

Yes, if you're concerned about extreme customization or need something very specific, perhaps AWS is a better fit. But, for most businesses, GCP is hard to beat for value for money.

Conclusion: Cloud is the Future (and Google Cloud is your Captain)

So now you know, don't give it another thought. If you want your business to be future-ready and take advantage of all the goodness of the cloud, Google Cloud Computing Platform is a serious option to consider.