What is Google Cloud Platform (GCP)? A Complete Beginner’s Guide [2025] 

Google Cloud Platform, or GCP, is a group of tools from Google. Companies in the US, UK, UAE, India, and across Europe use it to run apps, store data, and build smart systems on Google’s global network. It offers a wide range of services like storage, computing, and AI. With flexible pricing, you pay only for what you use. Keep reading this article to understand how GCP can benefit your business. 

Why GCP is Essential Today 

Cloud services are no longer optional. In 2025, more than 90% of companies use at least one cloud platform. Google Cloud Platform holds about 12% of global market share. While AWS leads at around 31%, GCP is growing faster each year. 

The demand for google cloud platform services is rising because firms want reliable storage, data analysis, and AI. Google reported $13.6 billion in cloud revenue in Q2 2025, a 32% increase year over year. This proves companies are adopting GCP cloud for serious workloads. 

What is Google Cloud Platform? 

If you ask, What is Google Cloud Platform? The answer is simple. It is a group of hosted services built on Google’s global network. With GCP, you don’t buy servers or data centers. Instead, you rent Google’s computing power, storage, and software. 

The Google Cloud Platform Console 

The google cloud platform console is your main control panel. From there, you can create projects, manage billing, and launch services. It offers dashboards for monitoring usage and setting budgets. Developers can also use the Google Cloud Platform API to connect apps directly. 

The GCP Services List 

Here are the most popular gcp services used in 2025: 

• Compute Engine – run virtual machines for apps and websites 

• App Engine – build and host applications without managing servers 

• Cloud Storage – reliable and secure object storage for files 

• BigQuery – analyze huge amounts of data quickly 

• Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) – manage containers at scale 

• Cloud Run – serverless platform for running containerized apps 

• Vertex AI – train, test, and deploy AI models 

• Dataflow – process data pipelines in real time 

• Pub/Sub – messaging service for distributed apps 

Each service is pay-as-you-go. You start small and scale when needed. 

Google Cloud Platform Pricing 

Pricing is one of the main concerns for beginners. Google Cloud Platform pricing follows a pay-per-use model. This means you pay only for the resources you consume. 

Some points to note: 

• New users get $300 in free credits. 

• There is a free tier for services like Cloud Storage and BigQuery. 

• Discounts apply if you commit to long-term usage. 

The pricing calculator on the Google site helps plan costs. Always monitor billing inside the GCP console to avoid surprises. 

Real Google Cloud Platform Examples 

To understand better, here are a few google cloud platform examples: 

1. Spotify uses GCP to stream music to millions of users. 

2. PayPal runs analytics on GCP to prevent fraud. 

3. Home Depot manages seasonal demand using GCP’s scalable servers. 

4. Airbus uses GCP storage for satellite images and analysis. 

These examples show how GCP fits companies of all sizes. 

Google Cloud Platform vs AWS 

When people compare google cloud platform vs aws, the focus is often on market size and tools. 

• AWS offers the widest range of services and holds the largest market share. 

• GCP focuses on strong AI, data analytics, and open-source support. 

• GCP cloud is often cheaper for startups, while AWS suits enterprises needing vast options. 

In 2025, AWS leads in adoption, but GCP is growing twice as fast in revenue. Many companies choose multi-cloud strategies, using both AWS and GCP together. 

Why Learn GCP Certification 

Getting a gcp certification helps professionals stand out in the market. These certifications show you can design, manage, and optimize google cloud computing services. 

Popular certifications include: 

• Associate Cloud Engineer 

• Professional Cloud Architect 

• Professional Data Engineer 

Demand for GCP certified engineers has risen by over 20% in 2025, as firms adopt GCP services. 

Benefits of Google Cloud Platform 

1. Scalability – Start small, expand when needed. 

2. Security – Google invests heavily in data protection. 

3. Global reach – Services run on Google’s worldwide network. 

4. AI and ML strength – Tools like Vertex AI make data smarter. 

5. Simple billing – Clear GCP pricing with cost tools built in. 

How to Start with GCP 

If you want to try google cloud platform consulting, follow these steps: 

1. Create a free account on Google Cloud. 

2. Open the google cloud platform console. 

3. Start with simple services like Cloud Storage or Compute Engine. 

4. Explore advanced features like BigQuery and GKE later. 

5. Track spending using built-in billing tools. 

Conclusion 

Google Cloud Platform is no longer just for tech giants. Small firms, startups, and global enterprises now use GCP cloud. From gcp storage to BigQuery, the platform offers tools that fit all industries. 

At TeleGlobal, we help clients uncover the full value of google cloud platform services. We provide expert google cloud platform consulting, optimize google cloud platform pricing, and guide teams through adoption. Our goal is simple, make cloud work for you.