Google revamps cloud computing service to rival Microsoft, Amazon

Google Inc. lowered prices for some of its cloud computing service for businesses and added features as it steps up competition with Amazon.com Inc. and Microsoft Corp.

The service, which lets customers purchase access to its computing power, is cutting prices for some of the most popular options by 10 percent, Google said in a blog posting. The Mountain View, California-based company is also adding broader support for customers during maintenance.

The changes to Google Compute Engine service are aimed at attracting corporate customers away from Amazon, Microsoft and others that are betting businesses will access computing power from large, centralized data centers instead of their own systems.

Google, owner of the world’s most popular search engine, is boosting investments in new services and formats as it expands beyond advertisements alongside search results on desktop computers.