There’s been a lot of talk about choosing the right cloud service offering. However when it comes to the top choices for Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) platforms Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are leading the way.
Some say that AWS has had an advantage in developing their cloud service since they’ve been the leaders in the market for almost 10 years, yet Azure continues to build on their offerings including their sought after hybrid cloud approach. While there are some basic similarities between Azure and AWS such as easily spinning up a new virtual server, VPN capabilities for private clouds and secure remote access, it’s where they differ that will help you decide which option to choose for your business.
Where They Differ
AWS offers tons of application services, deployment options and powerful analytics for data stream processing in real-time. Gartner has estimated that AWS has five times the capacity of the 14 competitors combined, including Azure and Google. Although AWS may take the capacity lead from their competitors, one of the biggest advantages Azure has over AWS is their relationships with users. It’s this long-standing rapport with users, coupled with the close integration with all of Microsoft’s tools, which will provide a shorter learning curve for users since they are comfortable with the look and feel.
There are other noteworthy differences than simply capacity and familiarity. The chart below jumps into a detailed high-level comparison of Azure and AWS. For a more in-depth side-by-side comparison click here.
So Which Cloud is Right for You?
Similar to considering any new IT solution, the deciding factor often comes down to how much it will cost your business. However, since both Azure and AWS are transparent with their pricing and even offer online price calculators, you won’t find any surprises in the cost department.
There really is no clear cut, easy answer. If you like the familiar look of Azure, how it works hand-in-hand with other Microsoft tools (including ERP and CRM solutions) and its hybrid focus, then Azure may be the right cloud platform for you. However, if you are using Red Hat Linux then AWS is your best and only option.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which cloud is right for you is to figure out your business needs. Once you create your list of needs, evaluate each provider based off the most important criteria to your business. If you still can’t decide, consider doing a free trial or asking an IT professional.
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