Buyers Guides for Cloud Platforms

2025 Software Provider and Product Assessment

ISG Research defines Cloud Platform software as the confluence of Public Cloud, Private Cloud, Hybrid Cloud and Sovereign Cloud, offering enterprises a spectrum of options for resource deployment and management. Each cloud model serves distinct segments of industries, addressing specific challenges. For example, the Public Cloud supports startups with cost-effective solutions, whereas the Private Cloud caters to enterprises with heightened security needs. Hybrid Cloud solutions find favor among enterprises seeking flexibility, while Sovereign Cloud options help those navigating stringent local compliance requirements.

The Buyers Guides for Cloud Platforms evaluate providers across five software categories with a unique Buyers Guide and research for each category to help enterprises assess and select software providers.

• The Cloud Platforms Buyers Guide evaluates 8 software providers and products in key areas that include Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Public Cloud, Private Cloud, Hybrid Cloud, Sovereign Cloud, AI/ML-as-a-Service, Compute-as-a-Service, Data-Platform-as-a-Service, Function-as-a-Service, Networking-as-a-Service, Storage-as-a-Service, GenAI and Agentic AI, Cloud Application Marketplace, Global Reach and investments in capabilities. The guide assesses the following providers: AWS, Google Cloud, IONOS, Microsoft, Oracle, OVHcloud, Scaleway and T-Systems. 
  
  
• The Hybrid Cloud Platforms Buyers Guide evaluates 18 software providers and products in key areas that include IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, Hybrid Cloud functionality, AI/ML-as-a-Service, Compute-as-a-Service, Data Platform-as-a-Service, Function-as-a-Service, Networking-as-a-Service, Storage-as-a-Service, Cloud Application Marketplace, GenAI and Agentic AI, Global Reach and investment in capabilities. The guide assesses the following providers:  Akamai, Alibaba Cloud, AWS, Baidu AI Cloud, Clever Cloud, DigitalOcean, Google Cloud, IBM, IONOS, Kingsoft, Leaseweb, Microsoft, OpenNebula, Oracle, OVHcloud, Scaleway, Schwarz Digits and T-Systems. 
  
  
• The Private Cloud Platforms Buyers Guide evaluates 21 software providers and products in key areas. The evaluation encompasses aspects such as IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, Private Cloud, AI/ML-as-a-Service, Compute-as-a-Service, Data Platform-as-a-Service, Function-as-a-Service, Networking-as-a-Service, Storage-as-a-Service, Cloud Application Marketplace, GenAI and Agentic AI, Global Reach and investment in capabilities. The guide assesses the following providers: Alibaba Cloud, AWS, Baidu AI Cloud, Broadcom, China Unicom, CloudFerro, Euskaltel, Google Cloud, Hetzner Cloud, IBM, IONOS, Kingsoft, Leaseweb, Microsoft, OpenNebula, Oracle, OVHcloud, Scaleway, Schwarz Digits, T-Systems and Vultr.
  
  
• The Public Cloud Platforms Buyers Guide evaluates 24 software providers and products in key areas that include IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, infrastructure, security, regulatory compliance, data encryption, identity and access management, performance and usage monitoring, scalability, load balancing, resource management, cost structure, cost optimization, professional services, application marketplace, use of GenAI and agentic AI and investments in capabilities. The guide assesses the following providers: Akamai, Alibaba Cloud, AWS, Baidu AI Cloud, China Unicom, Clever Cloud, CloudFerro, DigitalOcean, Google Cloud, Hetzner Cloud, Huawei Cloud, IBM, IONOS, Kingsoft, kt cloud, Leaseweb, Microsoft, Oracle, OVHcloud, Scaleway, Schwarz Digits, T-Systems, Tencent Cloud and Vultr. 
  
  
• The Soveriegn Cloud Platforms Buyers Guide evaluates 16 software providers and products in key areas. This evaluation focuses on Sovereign Cloud capabilities including compliance certifications, performance benchmark tools, isolation, scalability, AI integration, openness, data protection and security, control and governance, configuration and customization, compliance assurance, service efficiency, support and training, multi-cloud compatibility, sustainability practices, incident response and management, automation and integration capabilities, testing and validation mechanisms, and data lifecycle management. The guide assesses the following providers: AWS, Bleu, Clever Cloud, CloudFerro, Delos Cloud, Google Cloud, IONOS, Microsoft, OpenNebula, Oracle, OVHcloud, SAP, Scaleway, Schwarz Digits, T-Systems and Vultr. 
  
  

To view the executive summaries of the research, please select the report below.

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