Google Cloud vs. Linode
Is Google Cloud or Linode right for you?
Google Cloud’s appeal is far-reaching, but its strongest capabilities include big data analytics applications, machine learning capabilities, and cloud-native applications, according to Gartner. The Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is a cloud computing service that runs on the same infrastructure that Google uses for its other products like Gmail and YouTube.
Google is newer to cloud than some of the other players on this list. Google Cloud has primarily been the provider of choice for small projects within enterprises, meaning it focuses on standalone efforts versus serving as an all-around strategic partner. When compared to AWS and Azure, Google has a relatively small global presence. In fact, it has no presence in China. While this may not mean much to companies that do business primarily in the US, this could pose growth challenges if you’re looking to expand abroad. When it comes to comparing Google Cloud with alternative providers like Linode, it's apples and oranges, Google is built for enterprises and all the complexity that comes with it, while providers like Linode are designed for the developer and small business looking for simplicity and much lower prices.
While Google Cloud Platforms' growth has been impressive over the last few years, profitability continues to be elusive. "The unit has lost at least $4 billion in each of the last three years, and finished 2020 with a loss of $5.61 billion on $13.06 billion in revenue," according to CNBC. If Google Cloud can't make a profit soon, some fear that Alphabet (Google Clouds' parent company) will be forced to focus on other sources of revenue that deliver higher returns for its shareholders. Where this leaves Google Cloud customers is to be seen, as outlined in an article by CRN.
| FEATURES | GCP | Linode |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud GPUs | ||
| Free Cloud Firewall | ||
| Free DDoS Protection | ||
| Bare Metal Cloud Servers | ||
| Managed Kubernetes | ||
| Local SSD | ||
| High Memory VM's | ||
| App Marketplace | ||
| 100% Free Human Support | ||
| 1000+ Documentation Library | ||
| Simple API, CLI, and user friendly Cloud Interface | ||
| Flat predictible pricing | ||
| Free Bundled transfer | ||
| Same Price Across Every Data Center |
| COMPANY PROFILE | GCP | Linode |
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1998 | 2003 |
| Public Cloud Offering Launched | 2008 | 2003 |
| Years Providing Public Cloud | 13 | 18 |
| Years Profitable | 0 | 18 |
| Developer Owned & Operated | ||
| 100% Independent | ||
| Data Center Regions | 24 | 11 |
| Non-Cloud Businesses | Yes | None |
| Sells Thermostats | Yes | No |
| # of Cloud Products | ~200 | ~20 |
| Target Customers | Enterprises | Developers Startups SMB's |
- Why Choose Google Cloud?
- Why Choose Linode?
- Why GCP?
- Why Linode?
- Prefer an independent cloud provider who puts customers first, without the investors or financial debt that can get in the way.
- Want to save money, Linode customers can save 100-300% over GCP with our predictable flat pricing and generous bundled transfer.
- Appreciate simplicity, Linode dramatically simplifies running applications in the cloud - launch a server in seconds and enjoy our straightforward API, CLI and Cloud Manager interface.
- Want the best customer support without restrictions. Free 100% human no-handoff support (including phone support) regardless of spend.
- You are a developer, startup or SMB. GCP is designed for Enterprises, while Linode was designed for developers, startups, and small to medium-sized businesses.
- Prefer an independent cloud provider you can trust, who puts customers first, without the investors or competing businesses that can get in the way.
- Prefer an independent cloud provider who puts customers first, without the investors or financial debt that can get in the way.
- Want to save money, Linode customers can save 100-300% over GCP with our predictable flat pricing and generous bundled transfer.
- Appreciate simplicity, Linode dramatically simplifies running applications in the cloud - launch a server in seconds and enjoy our straightforward API, CLI and Cloud Manager interface.
- Want the best customer support without restrictions. Free 100% human no-handoff support (including phone support) regardless of spend.
- You are a developer, startup or SMB. GCP is designed for Enterprises, while Linode was designed for developers, startups, and small to medium-sized businesses.
- Prefer an independent cloud provider you can trust, who puts customers first, without the investors or competing businesses that can get in the way.
- Google Suite is a big part of your business: There’s a broader spectrum of Google products that you can benefit from when using the Google Cloud. If you already use the Google G Suite (Google Sheets for data, for example), this is a noteworthy advantage because there’s automatic integration between the Google Suite and Google Cloud
- AI is top of mind: Google stands out due to the breadth of its AI offerings. “Those organizations that seek good AI and machine learning capabilities have been gravitating towards Google Cloud Platform,” Wang told Computer World.
- You need an open-source expert: Google offers deep experience around open source technologies, especially containers. It played a key role in developing Kubernetes, for instance, making the vendor an expert in this area.
- Google Suite is a big part of your business: There’s a broader spectrum of Google products that you can benefit from when using the Google Cloud. If you already use the Google G Suite (Google Sheets for data, for example), this is a noteworthy advantage because there’s automatic integration between the Google Suite and Google Cloud
- AI is top of mind: Google stands out due to the breadth of its AI offerings. “Those organizations that seek good AI and machine learning capabilities have been gravitating towards Google Cloud Platform,” Wang told Computer World.
- You need an open-source expert: Google offers deep experience around open source technologies, especially containers. It played a key role in developing Kubernetes, for instance, making the vendor an expert in this area.
GCP vs Linode Price Comparison
Dedicated virtual machines For CPU-intensive applications
|
$30 / mo |
|---|---|
|
$63.38 / mo |
Linode CPU Dedicated 2vCPU, 4GB RAM, 80GB SSD vs. Google High CPU 2 vCPU n1-custom-2-4096, 4GB RAM, 80 GB SSD
GPU compute for AI, machine learning, video rendering and more
|
|
$1,000 / mo |
|---|---|
|
|
$1,595.28 / mo |
Linode GPU 8 Cores Dedicated, 32 GB RAM, 640 GB SSD. vs. GCP GPU 8 Cores n1-custom-8-32768, 32 GB RAM, 640 GB SSD
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