Microsoft Azure and AWS (Amazon Web Services) are two of the most popular cloud solutions, with the two tech giants dominating the market thanks to their global presence, reliable reputation, and wide range of cloud capabilities. But when it comes to choosing one, should you opt for AWS or Azure – and why?
Fortunately, we’re experts in both, and able to compare the benefits of each to identify which might be more suitable for you depending on your business requirements. With that in mind, reading on, explore the difference between AWS and Azure, and the main considerations you should make when choosing a provider.
What are the key differences between AWS and Azure?
Below, we’ve explored some of the things to consider when choosing between AWS vs Azure, from cost and data security to cloud scalability and storage.
Of course, if you’re still looking for more information about either provider, get in touch with our team of expert cloud consultants who’ll be available to offer advice and guidance.
Cost and pricing
Both Amazon’s AWS and Microsoft Azure offer competitive pricing models and cost management tools, so you’re likely to find a solution that suits your budget. However, your choice between AWS vs Azure will likely hinge on the amount of customisation you want.
On the one hand, AWS cloud typically gives you much closer control over the types of services you want to include and pay for, which can be quite hands-on. On the other, Azure specialises in ‘pre-packaged’ cloud solutions, which simplifies your investment.
Security
AWS and Azure prioritise security (and continually upgrade their offerings to keep in line with evolving best-practice), providing a variety of robust data protection and threat detection features.
However, AWS often emphasises granular control over settings, which offers greater personal control over its features – meaning you can have more autonomy over the security of your business’ data and information, as well as integration with your existing infrastructure. Meanwhile, one of the advantages of Azure over AWS is its streamlined platform and Microsoft-managed approach.
Scalability
One of the strongest advantages of public cloud computing is scalability, and the ability to move resources up and down to match demand. You’ll be pleased to know each cloud solution offers strong scalability, with the difference between AWS and Azure being the amount of automation involved.
Where AWS allows close control over scaling, and you can fine-tune adjustments yourself, Microsoft cloud is much more straightforward (emphasising automated scaling based on predefined metrics).
Storage
Both AWS and Azure offer strong cloud storage capabilities, including block, object, and file storage, so choosing the right provider will depend on your priorities.
Amazon’s AWS offers a wider range of storage options, and greater, granular control over data, file, and media storage, while Microsoft Azure offers simplified storage with much greater provider management.
Service naming
It might not necessarily rank alongside the likes of cost and infrastructure as one of the most important considerations to make when choosing between Azure vs AWS – and it’s no reflection on cloud capability – but it’s worth noting that the former is widely considered to have a more intuitively-named catalogue of services.
Of course, unusual names are something you can learn to manage, but if you and your business are new to the world of cloud computing, simple and straightforward naming conventions can avoid an unnecessary hurdle!
Azure vs AWS and integration: how can they fit into your business?
We’ve looked at the main differences between AWS vs Azure, but how about the ways each can be integrated into your business – including alongside existing in-house computing and additional cloud services?
Integration with on-premises computing
For many businesses, hybrid cloud solutions offer the best of both worlds, combining the flexibility and scalability of public cloud with the control and security of on-premises. Fortunately, both AWS and Azure offer a strong hybrid proposition, but they differ slightly in their respective approaches.
The core difference between AWS vs Azure when it comes to hybrid cloud is their approach to extending cloud services to on-premises. In simple terms, AWS adopts an infrastructure-first approach, while Azure offers a platform-centric approach.
Delving deeper into the differences, AWS typically focuses on effectively integrating its cloud services alongside (and extending the capabilities of) your business’ existing on-premises computing – achieved through its ‘Outposts’ service. AWS provides you with the underlying infrastructure but allows you to retain almost-complete control over your environment, and how you provision in-house vs virtual resources.
On the other hand, Azure’s ‘Stack’ service, though similar, provides a much more provider-managed platform, which really comes alive when integrated alongside other Microsoft products, where you can build and run applications – but you don’t necessarily have the same autonomy over your full environment.
Integration with other virtual services
If you’re choosing a cloud provider, one of your key considerations should be how its services integrate alongside your other virtual services – either current or future. And whether you value the freedom to combine third-party tools or would rather have a fully-connected environment.
As you’d perhaps expect, AWS and Azure offer different approaches to integrating with other cloud solutions. For example, AWS prioritises full-flexibility, and is created with versatility in mind, allowing you to integrate your chosen AWS services alongside other cloud systems – from managing workflow to sharing data across tools. This approach can be ideal for businesses looking to retain maximum control over their virtual environment and technology.
Meanwhile, Azure is tailor-made to complement Microsoft’s expansive and impressive digital eco-system, offering seamless connection between virtual and on-premises systems. That said, it’s worth noting that the tech giant is looking to expand its partnerships, so in the coming years we can expect stronger integration with third-party services.
As a standalone solution, Azure and AWS are each effective options (and the latter might be better-suited to businesses built around an open eco-system). But if you want a fully-integrated network, you might find yourself leaning towards Microsoft’s catalogue of services.
Which cloud provider is right for me?
When it comes to choosing a cloud provider, for many users, there’s often little between AWS vs Azure, and your decision will often hinge on small determining factors – such as the amount of control you want, versus the level of management you want from your provider.
If you’re interested in transitioning to a cloud native environment, our team has experience across both AWS and Azure, so is expertly positioned to help identify the optimum service for your business needs and goals. Or for more information about all things cloud computing, explore even more articles like this over on our blog – including our in-depth guide to Microsoft Azure.
