Cloud Provider: Definition and Key Differences from Hosting Providers
According to a recent study by consulting company MarkNtel Advisors, the UAE cloud computing market is estimated at US$12.84 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach US$45.41 billion by 2030, with an average annual growth rate of 28.75% during the forecast period (2025–2030).
To support businesses in cloud deployment, the MENA region features a wide range of service providers, each offering its own service portfolio. In this article, we explain what a cloud solution provider is, how it differs from hosting providers and data centers, and what challenges it helps solve—using ITGLOBAL.COM as an example.
What Is a Cloud Provider?
A cloud provider is a company that delivers cloud-based services. It installs its hardware in secure data centers and uses specialized software to virtualize computing resources. This allows the provider to lease virtual infrastructure and other services to customers.
Cloud Provider vs Hosting Provider: What’s the Difference?
Although both cloud and hosting providers offer similar services, there are some key distinctions that set them apart.
Service Offering
Cloud providers offer a broad range of services, including IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), and SaaS (Software as a Service).
In contrast, hosting providers primarily focus on traditional hosting services such as infrastructure and data storage.
Service Management
Cloud providers give clients access to a self-service portal, enabling them to manage VMs, configure networks, and create templates independently.
Hosting providers deliver pre-configured servers with fixed settings. Any changes must be requested through the provider’s support team.
Billing Model
Cloud providers use a pay-as-you-go model, so customers pay only for the resources they actually use.
Hosting providers usually offer fixed-rate plans with predefined resources and pricing.
Scalability
Cloud providers allow rapid resource scaling based on business needs and charge accordingly.
Hosting providers offer fixed plans that may require upgrading to access more resources, often involving a switch to a new server.
Summary: Cloud providers deliver flexible, scalable, and advanced services, while hosting providers offer more traditional, static hosting solutions.
Cloud Provider vs Data Center: Understanding the Difference
A data center is a physical facility used to house network equipment, servers, and storage infrastructure.
A cloud provider, on the other hand, uses data centers to install its own hardware and virtualize computing resources. It then makes these resources available to clients via the internet.
What are Cloud Services?
Cloud services provide access to computing resources, data storage, and applications over the internet. The three most common types include:
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
PaaS (Platform as a Service)
SaaS (Software as a Service)
Cloud Services offered by ITGLOBAL.COM
Cloud Infrastructure Solutions
VMware Private Cloud: A dedicated IT infrastructure tailored to meet custom security, architecture, and performance needs.
Public Cloud (VMware or vStack): A shared pool of resources ideal for development, temporary projects, or peak loads.
GPU-Accelerated Cloud Servers: Ideal for AI, machine learning, and HPC workloads, these VMs run on VMware with graphics acceleration.
Cloud Workspaces
VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure): Offers secure, remote-access desktops through the DaaS model.
3D VDI: Designed for graphic-intensive applications with support from NVIDIA A16 accelerators.
Terminal Server (RDS): Delivers cost-efficient virtual desktops through a single OS on a virtual or dedicated server.
Corporate Cloud Services
Cloud Mail (Microsoft Exchange): Enterprise-level mail service for companies migrating from traditional vendors.
Skype for Business in the Cloud: Corporate IP telephony and communication service.
SharePoint in the Cloud: Document collaboration platform for enterprises.
S3 Storage and Cloud Backup: Scalable and secure storage suitable for backup and disaster recovery.
Backup as a Service (BaaS): Protects against data loss and cyberattacks through customizable backup strategies.
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Why Businesses choose Cloud Technologies
More and more companies are shifting from local infrastructure to the cloud for the following reasons:
Flexible Scalability
Businesses can quickly scale computing resources to meet fluctuating demand, such as during seasonal spikes.
Cost Efficiency
Cloud technologies eliminate the need for capital investments in hardware. Businesses pay only for the resources they consume.
Global Accessibility
Cloud providers typically operate a global network of data centers, ensuring access to services worldwide.
Fast Deployment
Cloud infrastructure and platforms can be deployed almost instantly, reducing delays in project launches.
Enhanced Security
Cloud providers host equipment in Tier III-certified data centers and offer robust security measures, including encryption and multi-factor authentication.
How ITGLOBAL.COM DMCC delivers Cloud Services in the UAE
Clients of ITGLOBAL.COM DMCC can access cloud services through the Equinix DX1 Dubai Data Center. The company deploys its infrastructure using high-end equipment and provides 24/7 bilingual (Russian and English) technical support.
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