Core Insights - The cloud computing market is characterized by multiple companies claiming to be "number one" based on different metrics and conditions, leading to confusion among users and stakeholders [6][7][8] - The competition among cloud service providers has shifted from traditional metrics to a narrative-driven approach, where the concept of "first" has become a strategic asset in public relations and market positioning [8][9][23] Market Share Claims - Volcano Engine holds a 46.4% share of the Chinese public cloud large model market, leading in model invocation volume with a 49.2% share [3][12] - Alibaba Cloud claims to lead the AI cloud market in China with a 35.8% share, surpassing the combined share of the second to fourth players [4][10] - Huawei Cloud is noted for its rapid growth in the public cloud sector, particularly in the Middle East and Central Asia, achieving a tenfold revenue increase compared to 2023 [14] - Baidu Smart Cloud emphasizes AI capabilities in various sectors, focusing on "AI model as a service" to drive growth [16] Importance of "First" - The designation of "first" in the cloud computing industry signifies trust, capital, and competitive advantage, influencing investor confidence and customer choices [9][10] - Companies that maintain a "first" position can secure budget allocations and strategic priorities, while falling out of rankings may lead to organizational changes [9][10] Shift to AI-Driven Cloud - The competition has evolved to focus on "AI + Cloud," where cloud services are expected to integrate AI capabilities, transforming traditional cloud infrastructure into intelligent systems [17][18] - Alibaba Cloud is positioning itself as a "full-stack AI service provider," planning to invest 380 billion yuan in AI infrastructure over the next three years [18][19] - The integration of AI into cloud services is seen as a critical trend, with companies like Huawei and Baidu also adapting their strategies to emphasize AI capabilities [22][23] Future of Cloud Competition - The traditional metrics of market share may become less relevant as the industry shifts towards providing smarter, more adaptable cloud solutions [23] - The definition of "first" may evolve, focusing on the ability to deliver intelligent, open, and continuously evolving cloud services rather than just numerical rankings [23]