Google App Engine vs Google Compute Engine

Google App Engine and Google Compute Engine are both services businesses can use for deploying applications once they’ve been coded.  Google App Engine is a platform-as-a-service solution designed to make app deployment as easy possible.  In contrast, Google Compute Engine is an infrastructure-as-a-service tool that provides a highly configurable and flexible platform for application deployment. Both options are most popular with small businesses, but Google App Engine is more popular with larger businesses, likely due to its automation features.

Features

Google App Engine and Google Compute Engine both provide a platform for application deployment, but they also have some standout features that are important to consider.

Google App Engine provides a host of automation features that make it easy for businesses to focus on app development, instead of configuring the deployment.  As applications deployed on Google App Engine see more or less use, the platform will automatically adjust the number of instances without input from a developer.  Google App Engine also provides a software development kit to help users optimize applications for the platform.

Google Compute Engine allows for a high level of customization so users can set up their deployment however they want.  Businesses with a skilled development team can create as many or as few virtual machines as they want, while customizing them for the needs of their applications.  Google Compute Engine is also generally more affordable compared to Google App Engine, which can make it more appealing to businesses on a smaller budget.

Limitations

Google App Engine and Google Compute Engine both help businesses deploy their applications, but they also have a few limitations that are important to consider.

Google App Engine provides a high level of automation and is simple to use, but isn’t as customizable as Google Compute Engine.  Businesses with specific needs for their application may prefer the customizability of Google Compute Engine.  Additionally, while Google App Engine’s software development kit is great for applications that are developed with Google App Engine, it can be difficult to take advantage of it if for applications that were developed before Google App Engine was selected.

Google Compute Engine is highly customizable, but it isn’t as automated or easy to use.  Businesses using Google Compute Engine will have to manually adjust the volume of their virtual machines as application traffic grows or shrinks.  Google Compute engine needs a development team to work with it, unlike Google App Engine, which can be managed with less effort.

Pricing

Google App Engine pricing depends on the type of instance, but starts as low as $0.05 per hour per instance. 

Google Compute Engine offers pay as you go pricing starting as low as $0.006543 per hour.