Exploring Cloud Computing: 3 FREE Platforms to Get Started in South Africa

Introduction
Cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses and individuals manage and store data. Whether you are a tech enthusiast, a developer, or a business owner, getting started with cloud computing can be a game-changer. Fortunately, several reputable cloud platforms offer free plans, making it accessible for anyone to explore their services. In this blog, we will introduce you to three leading cloud providers that offer free plans in South Africa, allowing you to test and develop applications without breaking the bank.

1. Microsoft Azure - Your Gateway to the Cloud
Microsoft Azure, a prominent player in the cloud computing arena, offers a free tier that provides an excellent starting point for cloud exploration. With Azure's free tier, you gain access to a set of essential services, including virtual machines, storage, and databases. This enables you to create and deploy applications, test infrastructure, and familiarize yourself with Azure's powerful ecosystem.
Working with Microsoft FHIR experts and partnering with 3Cloud, MultiCare (Healthcare organization) built a unique, fully managed solution using Microsoft Azure. The results have surpassed expectations: in three months, MultiCare has seen a significant reduction in administrative burden with a $50 per-chart cost savings and a 65 percent reduction in labor.
Azure App Service has many benefits and advantages. The free tier comes with usage limits, ensuring that you stay within the specified resources at no cost, making it ideal for personal projects, small-scale applications, or learning cloud concepts.
2. Amazon Web Services (AWS) - Empowering Innovation
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a dominant force in the cloud industry, catering to startups, enterprises, and developers alike. AWS's free tier offers a vast array of services, from Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) instances to Simple Storage Service (S3) and beyond. ENGIE is a global energy group working to accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral world by offering low-carbon energy and services. It looks to Amazon Web Services (AWS) to help it innovate and achieve sustainability for its business and customers. Building on AWS, ENGIE drives digital transformation with its Common Data Hub, helps secure businesses with a scalable solution, and powers more than 1,000 machine learning predictive maintenance models at its power plants.
3. Google Cloud Platform (GCP) - Unleash Your Innovations
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is known for its data analytics, machine learning capabilities, and scalable infrastructure. GCP's free tier grants you access to various services like Compute Engine, Cloud Storage, and Cloud Firestore, empowering you to build, deploy, and test applications with ease. Implementing technology has a ripple effect. Target solves problems by looking at their impact on customers, on sales associates, and on internal IT teams. With Google Cloud, Target implements storewide design and logistical solutions without compromising internal or external experiences.
Conclusion
Cloud computing has opened up a world of opportunities for individuals and businesses, and the availability of free cloud plans in South Africa makes it even more accessible. Whether you choose Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), or Google Cloud Platform (GCP), each platform offers a wealth of services and resources to fuel your ideas and projects. As you embark on your cloud journey, take advantage of these free tiers to experiment, learn, and unleash your innovations in the exciting world of cloud computing.
(Note: The availability and features of free cloud plans may change over time, so it's recommended to visit the respective cloud providers' websites for the most up-to-date information.)
Sources:
https://aws.amazon.com/solutions/case-studies/innovators/engie/
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