Cloud software is everywhere around us in both business and professional settings. It is no surprise that investing in companies that develop it has become a popular trend for both novice and experienced investors.
If you want to get into the cloud software space, we’ll cover the different types of cloud computing services offered, as well as the various investment vehicles you have at your disposal.
You’ll be given an idea of the best cloud software company stocks to invest in and an action plan to get started.
What are cloud computing services?
Cloud computing services include a variety of end-user technology stacks. It is a model for enabling ubiquitous, on-demand access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services).
The long history of technology dates back to the 1970s with the impetus of network-based computing. Since then, individuals, governments and the private sector have implemented it into their IT infrastructures. The United States uses the Federal strategy for cloud computing to drive high-level adoption of cloud stacks and applications.
Cloud computing services can be divided into three main categories, namely infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and software as a service (SaaS):
- IaaS: One of the most popular forms of cloud computing by implementation, it provides virtualized computing resources over the Internet. Examples of IaaS include Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.
- PaaS: PaaS allows users to design and build online applications for private and commercial purposes. Examples of PaaS include Google App Engine and Heroku.
- SaaS: SaaS is used by millions of users around the world and in various industries. Industries using SaaS can range from finance to consumer goods and more. Basically, SaaS allows applications to reside on a server and therefore be accessible to users anywhere. Some examples include Office 365 and Google applications.
Benefits of cloud infrastructure services
Cloud infrastructure can benefit companies that implement it as part of their technology stacks. One of the most significant benefits is that it can help them save money in capital expenditures and reduce staff and other overhead costs.
Another benefit is that it can help your business grow or scale quickly and efficiently to meet changing needs. Additionally, cloud computing services provide reliability and availability. They are supported by multiple data centers and designed to withstand unexpected failures.
The biggest advantage for the end user lies in the convenience factor. Users anywhere in the world and at any time of the day can access apps based on a SaaS model, which can help increase user satisfaction and loyalty.
Ways to Invest in Cloud Computing Companies
Here are some ways you can invest in companies in the cloud computing space.
Invest directly in cloud computing companies
One of the easiest ways to get into the cloud world is to buy ownership of cloud computing stocks. Most people can buy shares of these companies through an exchange like the NASDAQ. Investing directly in cloud company stocks can be a great way to gain exposure to the sector and benefit from business growth.
Investing in infrastructure and platforms
You can also invest in cloud computing infrastructure and platforms. For example, you might invest in server hardware, cloud storage solutions, or cloud-based SaaS stocks. Investing in the infrastructure and platforms that cloud computing companies rely on helps gain visibility into the industry.
Invest in companies that use cloud computing
You can also invest in companies that use cloud computing. These companies leverage cloud-based software to help users become more productive and manage a suite of collaboration and data analytics tools like Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Azure.
Invest in cloud computing ETFs
Cloud computing exchange traded funds (ETFs) track the performance of companies engaged in cloud computing-related businesses and services. These ETFs offer investors exposure to a range of cloud computing subsectors, including software, hardware, services and infrastructure.
Cloud computing is a rapidly growing market and there are many opportunities to invest in companies involved in cloud computing. Whether you are an individual investor or a larger investor looking to diversify your portfolio, you can take advantage of numerous options.
Investing in cloud computing stocks
Investing in top cloud companies will be the preferred method for most investors to enter the cloud computing space. Buying stocks through stock exchanges is highly accessible and can be done by people of virtually all experience levels.
If you want a higher-level overview of investing in this sector, consider reading our guide on technology stocks and how to invest in them.
Step 1: Research the industry.
The first step to investing successfully is to carry out in-depth research on the sector. Cloud computing stock analysis will help you understand the industry, companies involved, and overall market trends. Some good places to start looking include general analyst research reports on the cloud space and Journal of Cloud Computingwhich provides an excellent high-level overview of the industry and reads some tips for the the best tech stocks to buy now.
Step 2: Identify companies.
Once you’ve done your research, you should be able to identify the cloud stocks you want to invest in. Look for companies with strong fundamentals, a large market share and a solid track record of success. Know stock valuations, which you can measure through price-to-sales (P/S) and price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios.
The general idea is that you would like to identify potentially undervalued stocks in the market with solid fundamentals. Read here find undervalued stocks to invest in for some indications.
Also, watch out for recent cloud IPOs. These companies have all recently gone public and can offer great opportunities. One caveat is that the added benefit also comes with the risk of losing some or all of your initial investment.
Step 3: Analyze the market.
Analyzing the market can help you determine whether it’s a good time to invest in cloud computing stocks. The cloud market is likely to reach $1,025.7 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.80%.
You can also compare the shares of cloud companies with those of their competitors in the technology sector. Compare biotech stocks with those on your watch list to see if they still represent good value.
Step 4: Choose your investment vehicle.
Once you have identified the companies you want to invest in, decide how you want to invest. You can purchase individual stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, or other investment vehicles. As mentioned above, buying shares of individual companies can be the easiest way to enter the market.
Step 5: Track your investments.
After investing, you need to monitor your investments regularly. Track your actions and adjust your strategy to achieve your investment goals. For example, you can use a stock and portfolio screener to ensure your investments are performing as expected.
Investing in cloud ETFs
Cloud ETFs are exchange-traded funds that invest in companies that provide cloud computing services or products.
Some notable cloud ETFs include WisdomTree Cloud Computing Fund and Fidelity Cloud Computing ETF. These ETFs are often made up of a few Top-notch tech stocks to invest in and diversified holdings of other cloud stocks.
When investing in cloud ETFs, keep in mind the risks involved. Cloud stocks can be highly volatile, so investors should prepare for significant investment swings. It’s also important to know the fees associated with cloud ETFs, as these can vary significantly between funds.
Performance of stocks linked to cloud computing
Cloud computing stocks have generally performed well over the past five years.
One of the most impressive artists he was Amazon NASDAQ: AMZN, the world’s largest cloud services provider and owner of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform. Amazon has seen an increase in demand for its cloud services. Microsoft NASDAQ:MSFT has also seen strong performance, as demand for its Azure cloud platform has steadily increased each year.
These stocks form part of the acronym FAANG. Learn more about FAANG stocks and how to start investing in them.
Amazon and Microsoft have beaten or kept pace with the S&P 500’s long-term returns over the past five years. These companies are blue-chip, large-cap stocks that generally experience slower growth rates than their smaller counterparts.
Cloud software continues to expand
The cloud market is rapidly expanding and shows no signs of slowing down. We’ll likely see more and more apps developed and hosted on cloud infrastructure in the future, so keep an eye on this space even if you’re an inactive investor.
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