Can Amazon Hold Off Microsoft and Google's Surge?

Cloud Computing Insider

Amazon Web Services (AWS) continues to lead the infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) market, but its dominance is shrinking as competitors like Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud gain ground. According to Gartner, AWS held a 37.7% market share in 2024, generating $64.8 billion in revenue. However, this marks a slight decline from its 39% share the previous year. Meanwhile, Microsoft's share grew to 23.9%, with Google Cloud rising to 9%—indicative of a rapidly shifting competitive landscape.

Investment in AI infrastructure is emerging as a key differentiator among hyperscalers. Providers like AWS, Microsoft, and Google are prioritizing AI-optimized IaaS offerings to address growing enterprise demand, though AI remains a small portion of current revenues. Additionally, enterprises are increasingly adopting multi-cloud solutions to enhance flexibility, data sovereignty, and modernization efforts.

AWS faces challenges beyond competition, including regulatory scrutiny. In the UK, both AWS and Microsoft are under investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for dominating the local cloud market, commanding a combined 70% share.

As the global IaaS market grows—rising 22.5% year-on-year to $171.8 billion—innovative, AI-driven solutions, and adaptability to regulatory and competitive pressures will determine the future of AWS and its rivals. The race for cloud dominance is far from over.