More often than not, when it comes to choosing a cloud platform software for your business, it tends to be a toss up between AWS or Azure. The two platforms have changed the way we look at cloud computing, but both have benefits that make them great in their own right.

So what are they? What are the pros and cons of each system? Today, we’ll be conducting a cloud computing showdown: AWS vs Azure.

Key differences between AWS and Azure

Customers of AWS on the EC2 network have the ability to configure their VMS or pre-configured images, whereas Azure users must sect a virtual hard disc to construct a VM that has been pre-configured by a third party.

AWS provides temporary storage that is assigned when an instance is launched and destroyed when it is terminated. In parallel to this, Azure provides temporary storage via block storage with page blobs for VMS and block bobs for object storage.

What is Azure?

The Azure Cloud Platform is more than 200 products and cloud services designed to help you bring new solutions to life and solve some of your biggest business challenges to create a better future.

Build, run, and manage applications across multiple cloud systems, on-prem, and at the edge with the tools and frameworks of your choosing.

Pros of using Azure

Scalability

Azure offers the flexibility to scale resources up or down based on demand. You can easily increase or decrease computing power, storage, and other resources as needed.

Broad range of services

Azure provides a wide array of services, including VM, databases, AI, and machine learning tools, analytics and more. Azure also offers a comprehensive ecosystem for building and deploying a range of applications.

Hybrid capabilities

Azure supports hybrid cloud deployment, allowing you to seamlessly integrate on-premise infrastructure with the cloud. This enables organisations to make use of existing investments whilst capitalising off cloud computing benefits.

Security and compliance

Azure has some of the robust security measures protecting your data, applications, and infrastructure. It’s not only been put to the test several times, but it gives businesses peace of mind when it comes to security compliance.

Microsoft Integration Opportunities

If your organisation already uses Microsoft tools and technologies, Azure integrates smoothly with them. This makes it easier to manage and automate workflows and leverage existing skills and knowledge.

Cons of Azure

Complexity

Azure is a vast platform with numerous services and features, which can make it difficult to navigate and configure. There is a learning curve to understanding it properly, especially if you’re not familiar with cloud computing.

Cost management

While Azure offers cost-effective options, managing costs can be challenging if resources are not carefully monitored and optimised. Organisations (especially mid-sized enterprises) need to closely track resource usage to avoid unnecessary expense.

Technical support

While Azure provides technical support, the quality and responsiveness may vary. Resolving complex issues may require advanced expertise or engagement with a third party support service.

What is AWS?

Amazon Web Services is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud, offering over 200 fully featured services from data centres globally. Millions of customers – from the fastest growing start-ups to leading government agencies – use AWS for lower costs, becoming more agile, and innovating with immense speeds.

Pros of AWS

Flexibility

One of the greatest advantages of AWS is its ability to scale resources on-demand. Whether you need to increase or decrease your computing power, storage, or bandwidth, AWS allows you to do so effortlessly. This scalability ensures that your infrastructure aligns with your business needs, enabling you to respond quickly to fluctuations in demand and optimise costs.

Reliability

AWS boasts a robust and highly reliable infrastructure, designed to deliver exceptional uptime and minimise disruptions. With a global network of data centres, AWS ensure redundancy and fault tolerance, reducing the risk of downtime and ensuring business continuity.

Security and compliance

AWS places a strong emphasis on security, offering a range of tools and services to protect your data and applications. With advanced encryption, access controls, and monitoring mechanisms, it provides a secure environment for your critical assets. Additionally, it maintains compliance with various industry standards and regulations, easing the burden of meeting compliance requirements.

Cons of AWS

Complex learning curve

While AWS offers a wealth of services, navigating through its vast ecosystem can be complex and overwhelming, especially for those new to cloud computing. Adopting it may require dedicated training and expertise to maximize its potential and avoid costly mistakes.

Cost management

While AWS provides cost optimisation tools, managing expenses can be challenging, particularly as your usage scales. Without proper monitoring and control, costs can quickly escalate. It’s crucial to develop a comprehensive cost management strategy and continually optimise your resource allocation to avoid unexpected bills.

Vendor lock-in

Moving your infrastructure and applications to AWS may create a dependency on their ecosystem. Transferring to another cloud provider or bringing certain services in-house could be difficult and time-consuming. It’s essential to evaluate the long-term implications of vendor lock-in and plan accordingly to mitigate any potential risks.

And the winner is…?

When it comes to tech, the tides are always changing. Back in 2015, nobody would have fathomed that Azure could catch up with AWS. But fast-forward five years, and it already dominated a quarter of the market, even more now in 2023.

As the rate of digital transformation continues to quicken, both tools will continue to innovate and update, so perhaps the better question is, which do you think comes out on top? Azure or AWS?