Oracle Cloud is the cloud computing platform offered by Oracle Corporation, a company with a long history of providing database software, cloud solutions, and hardware products. Established in the late 1970s, Oracle has evolved over the decades to adapt to the changing technological landscape. Recognizing the need for cloud computing solutions, Oracle launched its cloud services in the 2010s to serve a variety of business needs, from cloud storage and compute to database management and business analytics. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Oracle Cloud, its development, features, and a practical guide to get you started.
Oracle, originally known for its focus on databases, transitioned to cloud computing to leverage its deep enterprise expertise and cater to a modernizing customer base. The introduction of Oracle Cloud marked a significant shift in the company’s strategy and aimed to compete with other major cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Over the years, Oracle Cloud has expanded its suite of services and solidified its position as a robust solution for enterprises.
Oracle Cloud provides a range of compute options, from virtual machines to bare-metal servers and even cloud-optimized Oracle Exadata machines for high-end database workloads.
With services like Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Object Storage, Block Volumes, and File Storage, Oracle Cloud offers diverse options for data storage needs.
Leveraging its heritage in database management, Oracle Cloud offers a range of database services, from autonomous databases to Exadata cloud services.
Oracle Analytics Cloud enables businesses to perform data analytics and business intelligence tasks, offering features such as data visualization and enterprise reporting.
Security is a significant focus for Oracle Cloud, providing features like Identity and Access Management (IAM), Oracle Cloud Guard for threat detection, and multiple compliance certifications.
There are several alternatives to Oracle Cloud that are often used to perform similar functions. The chart below compares Oracle Cloud with its closest alternatives, including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

ssh opc@<VM-IP-Address>Oracle Cloud, leveraging Oracle’s long history in the enterprise database and software market, offers a comprehensive set of services tailored for business needs. From compute and storage options to a rich set of database and analytics tools, it competes favorably with other leading cloud providers. The getting started guide aims to provide a quick and straightforward way to launch a virtual machine on Oracle Cloud, offering a first step in exploring its robust set of features.