Azure and GCP core services are key to every modern cloud strategy. In this guide, we’ll explore what both clouds offer – from core compute and storage to smart AI and Windows hosting. You’ll also learn how subscriptions work, what makes each platform unique, and how to choose the right setup for your business.
Quick Plain Overview: Why Azure and GCP Matter Together
Using both Azure and GCP is like having two strong engines under your cloud hood – one optimized for Microsoft tools and enterprise apps, and the other built for data, AI, and automation. Many businesses now choose both platforms because they offer:
- A wider range of services – from Windows servers to AI-driven analytics.
- Flexible subscription options – pay only for what you use.
- Strong Windows workload support – run familiar systems with better scalability.
This mix helps companies build a reliable, future-ready multi-cloud strategy that reduces risk and boosts innovation.
Core Services at a Glance
Compute & Virtual Machines
Both Azure Virtual Machines and GCP Compute Engine let you rent virtual servers to run your applications in the cloud. You can choose Windows or Linux, customize memory and CPU, and scale as needed. Azure’s strength is deep Windows integration, while GCP shines in automation and price optimization. Both support Windows Virtual Machines for running Microsoft workloads easily and securely.
(Source: Microsoft Azure Documentation, Google Cloud Docs)
Storage & Data Services
Storage on the cloud means saving your files, backups, and data in secure online spaces. Azure Blob Storage and Azure Files are great for hosting application data or shared Windows files. On the GCP side, Cloud Storage is designed for unstructured data with fast access and built-in versioning. Both platforms ensure redundancy, encryption, and global access – perfect for handling Windows file workloads or hybrid storage needs.
(Source: Azure Storage Overview, GCP Cloud Storage Docs)
Databases & Analytics
Both Azure and GCP make data management simple. Azure SQL Database is a fully managed SQL service, while Cosmos DB handles global-scale, NoSQL applications. GCP offers Cloud SQL for relational databases and BigQuery for large-scale analytics. Azure’s strength lies in seamless Microsoft ecosystem integration, while GCP’s analytics tools like BigQuery are built for speed and AI-powered insights.
(Source: Azure Database Services, Google BigQuery Overview)
Networking & Hybrid/Windows Integration
Azure’s Virtual Network (VNet) and ExpressRoute connect your on-premises systems securely with the cloud. It also supports Azure Stack, enabling true hybrid deployments. GCP’s Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) and Dedicated Interconnect offer similar secure networking at scale. Both integrate smoothly with Windows Server environments, allowing enterprises to extend existing data centers without major reconfiguration.
(Source: Azure Networking Overview, Google Cloud VPC Docs)
Windows Cloud & Licensing
Running Windows workloads on Azure or GCP is easy and flexible. Azure offers native licensing through its Hybrid Benefit, while GCP provides bring-your-own-license (BYOL) and custom Windows images. Both platforms support long-term support (LTS) versions, patching automation, and managed support for enterprises. These Windows cloud offerings make it simple to modernize legacy systems without starting from scratch.
(Source: Microsoft Learn, Google Cloud Windows Workloads Guide)
Subscription, Pricing & What to Know
Understanding cloud subscription plans helps you manage both cost and performance.
Azure offers flexible options – Pay-As-You-Go, Reserved Instances for long-term savings, and Support Plans for enterprise help. It’s great for companies that want predictable billing with optional Windows licensing built in.
GCP, on the other hand, provides Pay-As-You-Go pricing plus Committed Use Discounts, which reward consistent workloads. It also includes a free trial and credits for testing new services.
When using Windows Virtual Machines, remember that Azure includes built-in licensing through its Hybrid Benefit, while GCP lets you bring your own license (BYOL) or purchase on-demand images.
Quick checklist before subscribing:
- ✅ Estimate your monthly usage (compute, storage, networking).
- ✅ Review Windows license costs and hybrid options.
- ✅ Choose between Pay-As-You-Go or reserved/committed plans.
- ✅ Add a support plan suited to your business size.
- ✅ Set up budget alerts for cost visibility.
Both Azure and GCP make pricing transparent, but planning ahead helps avoid surprises.
(Sources: Azure Pricing Overview, Google Cloud free tier)
When to Choose Windows Cloud Workloads on Azure vs GCP
Running Windows cloud workloads efficiently depends on how tightly your business relies on Microsoft tools.
If your setup uses Microsoft 365, Active Directory, or SQL Server, Azure is the natural fit. It offers deep integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, built-in license benefits, and smooth updates for Windows Server and .NET apps. You also get Azure Hybrid Benefit, which helps cut licensing costs if you already own Windows licenses.
However, if your goal is flexibility and multi-cloud deployment, GCP can be a strong option. It supports Windows Server on Compute Engine, allows Bring Your Own License (BYOL), and provides great cross-platform performance.
Quick decision guide:
- ✅ Heavy Microsoft ecosystem → Azure
- ✅ Hybrid or multi-cloud needs → GCP
- ✅ Looking for lower compute costs → Compare both
- ✅ Need flexibility in licensing → GCP BYOL
Both Azure and GCP deliver secure, high-performance Windows VM hosting – the best choice depends on your stack and cost strategy.
3 Micro Case Studies: Subscriptions & Windows Workloads
1. Small Business (SMB) – Azure Subscription
A small retail business chose an Azure Pay-As-You-Go subscription to host its old Windows Server app. With easy integration and built-in support for Microsoft tools, Azure helped them modernize without rebuilding everything from scratch.
2. Startup – GCP Subscription
A tech startup picked GCP’s free trial and later a flexible subscription to run Windows Containers for testing and development. GCP’s simple pricing and scalability let them experiment fast while keeping costs low.
3. Enterprise – Multi-Cloud Setup
A global enterprise adopted both Azure and GCP for a multi-cloud Windows strategy. Azure handled production workloads, while GCP managed backups and analytics-ensuring high availability and cross-cloud performance.
