Which Is Better Azure or AWS

In this guide, I will strip away the marketing hype and give you an honest comparison of Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure to help you decide which giant deserves your budget and which is better, Azure or AWS.

Which Is Better Azure or AWS

Anyone new to exploring the cloud computing world would want to select a platform that is easy to learn and get started on. It is important to familiarize yourself with different cloud services before using cloud computing. Cloud computing is an integral part of Data Science and Big Data. Many organizations compare the differences between Azure and AWS to determine which will work best for them. 

When comparing Azure and AWS, a surface-level glance might make you believe AWS has the edge over Azure. However, as you delve deeper into the functions of both platforms, it is not as simple to make a decision. To decide which one is the best cloud service provider, take multiple factors into account. These include data transfer, cloud storage, and pricing. 

AWS (Amazon Web Services)

AWS is the pioneer. Launching in 2006, they had a seven-year head start on the competition. Because of this, AWS is often seen as the “developer’s cloud.” It feels like a massive toolbox of Lego bricks—infinite possibilities, but you need to know how to build. It currently holds about 31-33% of the global market share and is the default choice for many startups and tech-heavy companies.

Microsoft Azure

Azure launched in 2010 and has been playing a fierce game of catch-up. Microsoft’s strategy wasn’t to build a new toolbox, but to extend the one you already have. Azure is the “enterprise cloud.” If your company runs on Windows Server, SQL Server, and Office 365, Azure feels like home. It currently holds around 20-24% of the market but is growing faster in the Fortune 500 space.

Service-by-Service Comparison

To the uninitiated, the services look identical. But as someone who writes the code, I can tell you the nuances matter. Here is a cheat sheet to map the terminology.

1. Compute: EC2 vs. Virtual Machines

AWS EC2 is the gold standard. It offers an overwhelming number of instance types (optimized for memory, compute, graphics, etc.). If you need granular control over your infrastructure, EC2 is unmatched.

Azure Virtual Machines are robust, but where Azure shines is in its Hybrid Consistency. I’ve worked with manufacturing clients in Ohio who needed their on-premise servers to perfectly mimic their cloud servers. Azure makes this incredibly easy compared to AWS.

2. Storage: S3 vs. Blob Storage

Amazon S3 is, in my opinion, the best object storage in the world. It is the backbone of the internet. It is simple, incredibly durable, and integrates with everything.

Azure Blob Storage is powerful, but the file hierarchy can feel a bit more rigid. However, if you are storing data specifically for Microsoft-centric analytics (like Power BI), the native integration in Azure gives it a slight edge.

Key Differences Between Azure and AWS

Both cloud platforms have, in one way or another, contributed to the betterment of society. For instance, AWS is used by NASA to create a repository of videos, audio files, and images in one location, making them available to the public. 

Similarly, the NGO People in Need has used AWS to create an early warning system that alerts thousands of people in Cambodia about floods. This cost-effective method has helped save millions of lives in many regions at risk. 

Azure has helped develop the Weka Smart Fridge, which properly stores vaccines. It has helped several medical facilities around the world to ensure vaccines reach people who don’t have access to medicines. Azure has also helped address the freshwater crisis. Nalco Water has worked with Azure within Ecolab to develop advanced computing and analytics solutions that help companies recycle water. 

Both Azure and AWS are respected members of the Cloud Platform community. They share the largest piece of the pie when it comes to Cloud services, with Azure holding 29.4% of all app workload and AWS taking 41.5%. 

In 2017, AWS’s market share was 47.1%, and Q4 revenue was $3.66 billion. Azure’s market share stayed at 10%, with $6.9 billion in revenue. Azure’s revenue figures are greater because of Office 365. In 2018, Azure revenue grew exponentially by over 90%, well ahead of AWS’s growth rate. 

Compute Power

AWS users can choose pre-configured machine images, configure their own VMs, and customize MIs. They can choose the power, size, memory capacity, number of VMs, availability zones, and regions from which they can launch. On the other hand, Azure users can opt for a Virtual Hard Disk or VHD. It is the same as Machine Instant used to create a VM. VHD can be pre-configured by the user, third party, or Microsoft. The Azure user has to specify the memory and cores.

Storage Capacity

AWS allows users to use temporary storage allocated when the instance starts; the storage is terminated with the instance. It also provides block storage, which is similar to hard disks. Block storage can be attached to or detached from an instance. You can archive your data in Glacier and use S3 for object storage. It supports NoSQL databases and Big Data. 

Meanwhile, Azure offers temporary storage via D drive and block storage with Page Blobs. Files and Block Blobs serve as object storage. Azure supports relational databases, Big Data, and NoSQL through HDInsight and Azure Table. It also offers site recovery, Azure Backup, and Import Export as additional recovery and archiving options. 

Network

AWS offers its users a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) so they can design isolated networks in the cloud. In VPC, the user can create route tables, subnets, Network gateways, and Private IP addresses. In Azure, users are offered a Virtual Network (VNET). It allows users to create route tables, private IP addresses, subnets, and more. Both platforms provide their users with solutions to extend the data center into the firewall and into the cloud.

Pricing

AWS has a pay-per-use model where the user is charged per hour. Instances are purchased in the following ways:

• Reserved: You reserve an instance for a couple of years by paying up front. 
• Spot: Customers enter bidding for extra capacity available.
• Demand: Pay for the services you use without the upfront cost.

Azure also offers pay-per-use, but it charges customers per minute. It provides a more accurate pricing model, making it easier for customers to evaluate their charges. It also offers short-term commitments with monthly or prepaid options. 

Developer Experience & Usability

The AWS Console

The AWS Management Console is functional but utilitarian. It focuses on APIs and automation.

• Best for: DevOps engineers who love command lines (CLI) and scripting (Terraform/CloudFormation).
• Learning Curve: Steep. It assumes you know what you are doing.

The Azure Portal

The Azure Portal is slicker and more GUI-focused. It feels like a modern web application.

• Best for: IT Administrators accustomed to Windows environments.
• Learning Curve: Moderate. It holds your hand a bit more than AWS.

Support Plans

AWS provides its services for a fee that depends on the monthly usage. So, if you are a heavy user, your bill could be very high.

In contrast, Azure users have to pay a flat monthly rate.

Open Source and Integration

AWS has a good relationship with the open-source community. Therefore, plenty of open-source combinations are available on the platform, including GitHub and Jenkins. Linux servers also work with AWS. Azure is used if the user already has Windows Tools, such as database, SQL, VBS, and Active Directory. Azure offers local integration for them. For instance, you can use the same AD accounts used for signing in to your Azure SQL or Office 365. It is also excellent for .net developers. In terms of open-source support, Azure is catching up quickly. Software, such as Apache Hadoop cluster and Enterprise Linux, work in Azure.

Orchestration Support and Containers

Amazon goes out of its way to meet demands for new services that result in mature analytics offerings. Machine learning tools have been added to the AWS, and new features at IoT allow customers to create more apps and high-performance computing environments. It also supports Docker. 

Microsoft also works towards meeting new technological and customer demands. Hadoop support is provided through Azure HDInsight. While Windows Server 2016 offers support for Docker for Hyper-V containers and Windows Container. Azure can also run Linux and Windows containers, making it a close competitor to AWS. 

License

Amazon provides different licensing options for the cloud. Consumers can buy new licenses (Relational Database Services) or use their previously purchased licenses covered by their partnership with Microsoft. Users can use Software Assurance or Dedicated Hosts to move their previous licenses to the cloud. Before migrating their licenses, one must ensure all the Microsoft Server application products are migrated to the Cloud Service Provider through License Mobility.

For the license to successfully migrate to the Cloud Service Provider, the server applications must be on the list of eligible products. Eligible products include SQL Server Enterprise Edition, SharePoint Server, and Enterprise Edition.

Microsoft Azure also offers license mobility for application servers. However, users have to ensure their servers fit the mobility requirements to avoid paying extra licensing fees. Windows Server is not eligible for mobility. 

Hybrid Capabilities

Microsoft provides strong support for hybrid cloud services as it has been a longtime IT service provider. It does so with platforms like Azure Stack, Hybrid SQL, and Azure StorSimple. Azure Stack is a brand-new cloud platform that allows users to bring full functionality to their own data centers while paying the same pay-per-use pricing model offered for the public cloud. AWS launched Snowball Edge, which is a storage device used for moving workloads between your data centers and clouds. It partnered with VMware, allowing customers to burst into cloud environments, adding a hybrid element to AWS’s portfolio. However, AWS has only recently introduced hybrid cloud services. There is room for more development. 

Compliance

Amazon has long-term relationships with different government agencies, and the compliance offerings include certifications such as ITAR, HIPAA, FIPS, DISA, and more.  AWS provides excellent security, and only people who are screened can access the cloud. This security feature is great for government agencies handling sensitive information.

Microsoft has over 50 complaint offerings that include HIPPA, FIPS, CJI, ITAR, and DISA. Microsoft Azure provides the same security as Amazon. Only screened people can have access to the cloud, making it a useful tool for government agencies.

User-Friendly

When it comes to user-friendliness, Amazon offers more configurations and features if one is willing to learn about the system. IT professionals lean more towards AWS because they claim it offers flexibility and more power and supports several third-party integrations with customization rooms. However, learning AWS is challenging. 

Azure is much easier for people who are familiar with Windows. It is easy to use because of the ubiquity of the Windows Platform. Hence, a Windows user doesn’t have to learn anything new. The integration of on-premises servers with the cloud is simple, and tools like Active Directory and AQL database work well within Azure. 

The Difference Between Azure and AWS in Terms of Certification

When it comes to learning the two cloud platforms, both Azure and AWS have advantages and disadvantages. Considering they are both top players in the cloud space, it can be difficult to choose which one to learn. To narrow down the benefits of each platform’s certifications, we must understand what makes them different from each other. 

AWS Certification

Even though Azure holds a greater market share, AWS is the largest cloud computing service platform on the planet today. AWS certification is considered to carry extra weight because of its marketability and the fact that many organizations utilize this platform. AWS certification also provides access to the AWS-certified LinkedIn Community and other AWS-certified professionals. There are many AWS certifications to choose from for developers and professionals, such as AWS SysOps Associate, AWS Solution Architect Associate, AWS DevOps Associate, Cloud Architect, and AWS Developer Associate. 

Azure Certification

Microsoft provides Azure certification. Candidates already familiar with the in-house platforms get the added benefit of learning how the system works in little to no time. Over 55 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Azure. Therefore, the demand for Azure certification has increased. Also, finding a job in one of the Fortune 500 companies is another reason for an increase in demand for Azure certification. Additionally, 365,000 new organizations have adopted Azure services, and that number is increasing with each passing day, hence increasing the demand for Azure-certified professionals. There are several certifications to choose from, such as Architect Microsoft, Cloud Architect, Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions, and Implementing Microsoft Azure. 

The Verdict: Which Cloud Should You Choose?

After years of deploying on both, here is my honest recommendation based on common business profiles in the USA.

Choose AWS If:

• You are a Startup: The “AWS Activate” program offers massive credits to startups, and the ecosystem of tools for rapid scaling is unbeatable.
• You need Global Reach: AWS still has more data centers (Availability Zones) and slightly lower latency in certain regions.
• You use Linux/Open Source: While Azure loves Linux now, AWS was built on it. It feels more natural for open-source developers.
• You want the “Standard”: It is easier to hire AWS-certified engineers because there are simply more of them.

Choose Azure If:

• You are a Large Enterprise: If you are a Fortune 500 company using Active Directory, the migration to Azure Identity management is seamless.
• You rely on Microsoft Software: If your backend is .NET, SQL Server, and Windows, Azure is a no-brainer. The “Hybrid Benefit” savings alone justify the switch.
• You need Hybrid Cloud: If you need to keep some data in your own building (for regulation or latency), Azure’s hybrid capabilities (Azure Arc) are superior.

Conclusion

Both Azure and AWS are reliable, resolute, and adaptable. They help solve several world problems and help make our lives easier. They can be adapted to meet customers’ needs and help companies solve various logistical and social issues. They help organizations do the work required for the betterment of society, and many professionals have been able to revolutionize technological industries without breaking the bank.

After shedding light on the various differences and advantages of both Azure and AWS, it is clear that there is no single winning offering. You need to choose between the two while taking into account their features and services. Companies familiar with Windows Services should opt for Azure, whereas others should go for AWS. Both platforms have different pricing models and provide new products and integrations. Choosing a platform all comes down to extensive research on your part to determine how each one fits your goals and needs.  

Rajkishore

I am Rajkishore, and I am a Microsoft Certified IT Consultant. I have over 14 years of experience in Microsoft Azure and AWS, with good experience in Azure Functions, Storage, Virtual Machines, Logic Apps, PowerShell Commands, CLI Commands, Machine Learning, AI, Azure Cognitive Services, DevOps, etc. Not only that, I do have good real-time experience in designing and developing cloud-native data integrations on Azure or AWS, etc. I hope you will learn from these practical Azure tutorials. Read more.