Published Date: 01 September 2023
Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are the two most prominent and powerful cloud platforms currently available. Both provide excellent power, performance, security and scalability, with flexible payment plans and useful hybrid capabilities.
In this article, we’ll compare Azure vs AWS, objectively exploring their respective pros and cons.
If you’re looking for cloud-based software development, please get in touch with our expert technical team today to discuss your options.
Introduction to Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are both cloud computing platforms.
Amazon launched AWS in 2006 to provide a variety of infrastructure services, database management, and other functionalities. AWS boasts a vast global network, offering businesses an efficient way to scale and grow their systems.
Microsoft developed Azure in 2010 and has become AWS’ largest competitor in cloud computing. The platform offers a wide range of services, including computing, analytics, storage, and networking. It also allows businesses to build, deploy, and manage applications on a global network using existing tools and frameworks.
Azure: Pros and Cons
- Pricing. Azure offers a pay-as-you-go model that means users only pay for the resources they use. Microsoft Azure is billed per minute, offering excellent value for money.
- Integration with Microsoft tools. Azure offers seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, which means businesses can continue using the tools and frameworks they’ve already invested in.
- Hybrid cloud solutions. Azure's hybrid integration capabilities enable businesses to retain current on-premises infrastructure while expanding into the cloud gradually.
- Built for large businesses. Azure is built to support the size and scale of large businesses; more than 95 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Microsoft Azure. This robust infrastructure also makes it a viable option for small- to medium-sized businesses who want to reap the benefits of Azure’s scalability.
- More global regions. Microsoft Azure has the largest global reach of any cloud provider, with more than 60 regions across 140 countries.
AWS: Pros and Cons
- Pricing. AWS operates on a similar pay-as-you-go model as Azure. The system is more complicated, however, as users are billed by the hour.
- Third-party integrations. AWS provides extensive support for third-party integrations and a wide range of developer tools.
- Varied service offering. AWS provides a vast array of cloud services that cater to diverse business needs, including computing, storage, databases, machine learning, and more.
- Less global regions. AWS has an international network of data centres across 32 geographic regions, with plans for 4 more to come.
- Limited hybrid capabilities. AWS offers hybrid capabilities but is not specifically tailored to hybrid scenarios the way Azure is.
Security and Compliance
Security is of paramount importance when entrusting sensitive data to a cloud platform. Azure and AWS both maintain rigorous security measures and comply with industry standards to protect user data.
- Microsoft Azure. Azure provides top-notch security with features like role-based access control, encryption, and continuous monitoring. It complies with industry standards and specific legal regulations for sectors including government and financial services – such as ISO, PCI DSS and GDPR – and ensures data safeguarding.
- Amazon Web Services. AWS follows a shared responsibility model, securing infrastructure, while users handle application security. AWS IAM controls access, and it complies with various standards like PCI DSS and HIPAA.
I‑Finity are Azure specialists
Both Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are excellent cloud platforms with significant strengths and capabilities.
However, as a software development company, we are Azure specialists. We confidently recommend Microsoft Azure to our customers across all sectors.
Azure's smooth integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, the extensive features, high security, and impressive performance and scalability capabilities make it the best choice for businesses who want to leverage the full potential of cloud computing.
Why we recommend Azure
- Managing costs
You can monitor and optimise your Microsoft Azure subscriptions, based on required use. This visibility and control of your spending makes Microsoft Azure the more cost-effective option.
Learn more: Optimising Azure Subscription Types
- Security
Microsoft Azure has multi-layered security, with built-in controls, real-time cybersecurity intelligence, and a team of more than 3,500 cybersecurity experts that work to defend and protect your assets and data.
Learn more: Microsoft Azure Cyber Security
- Comprehensive Compliance
Azure benefits from 100+ international compliance certifications, allowing us to serve customers across a range of industries and meet specific regulatory requirements for sectors including tech, finance, government and more.