Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is Google's suite of cloud computing services, built on the same global infrastructure that powers Google Search, YouTube, and Gmail. As the third-largest cloud provider, GCP is especially strong in data analytics, machine learning, and Kubernetes — the container orchestration system that Google created.
Why Google Cloud?
GCP stands out in several areas:
- Data and analytics. BigQuery — Google's serverless data warehouse — can analyse petabytes of data in seconds. Google pioneered many of the technologies (MapReduce, Bigtable, Spanner) that the entire industry now relies on.
- Machine learning. Google's AI/ML services are built on the same research that produced TensorFlow, BERT, and Gemini. Vertex AI provides a unified platform for building and deploying ML models.
- Kubernetes. GCP invented Kubernetes and offers the most mature managed Kubernetes service: Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE).
- Global network. Google owns one of the world's largest private fibre networks, connecting its data centres with exceptionally low latency.
- Sustainability. Google has matched 100% of its energy consumption with renewable energy since 2017 and aims to run on carbon-free energy 24/7 by 2030.
GCP vs AWS vs Azure
| Factor | GCP | AWS | Azure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market share | ~11% | ~31% | ~25% |
| Strongest area | Data / ML / K8s | Breadth of services | Enterprise / Microsoft |
| Entry cert | Cloud Digital Leader | Cloud Practitioner | AZ-900 |
| Kubernetes service | GKE (original) | EKS | AKS |
| Serverless compute | Cloud Run / Cloud Functions | Lambda | Azure Functions |
Cloud Service Models on GCP
IaaS — Infrastructure as a Service
You manage the OS and applications; Google manages hardware. Example: Compute Engine (virtual machines).
PaaS — Platform as a Service
Google manages the OS and runtime; you deploy your application. Example: App Engine, Cloud Run.
SaaS — Software as a Service
Google manages everything; you consume the software. Example: Google Workspace (Docs, Gmail, Drive).
GCP Certification Paths
Google offers certifications across three levels:
- Foundational: Cloud Digital Leader — business-level cloud literacy, no technical experience required.
- Associate: Associate Cloud Engineer — hands-on ability to deploy and manage GCP workloads.
- Professional: Cloud Architect, Data Engineer, ML Engineer, Cloud Developer, Network Engineer, Security Engineer — deep specialisation in a domain.
The Cloud Digital Leader is the recommended starting point for anyone new to GCP. It covers cloud concepts, GCP products, and business value — all without requiring hands-on lab experience.