Discover the pros and cons of Azure vs AWS so you can make the best choice for your business.
Cloud computing has become so crucial to businesses nationwide that 96% of organizations currently use this technology. Businesses are realizing the benefits of cloud technology, reporting that it gives them easier access to apps, helps them scale quickly to changing demands and makes the latest technology more affordable.
In this article, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of Azure vs AWS so you can commit to the right one for your Indianapolis business:
What is Azure?
Azure is a cloud computing platform that was released by Microsoft in 2010. Microsoft designed Azure to give users access to cloud computing at lower prices. Since Azure is built on the Windows OS, its features are familiar and easy to use for most professionals.
Azure’s primary tools focus on SaaS (software as a service), IaaS (infrastructure as a service), and PaaS (platform as a service). The combination of these hosted features makes Azure relatively simple for businesses to create, deploy and manage their cloud applications.
What is AWS?
With more than 30% of market share, AWS (Amazon Web Services) is the largest cloud platform in the world. The popularity of AWS, however, doesn’t necessarily mean that it has the right features and prices for your Indianapolis business.
AWS can provide more flexibility because it gives companies abundant configuration options, but the wide range of options also means that professionals need to take more time learning the software’s details. AWS often requires hours of learning before people understand how to maximize its functions.
The Pros and Cons of Azure
In the Azure vs AWS debate, it’s important to understand the individual features that each platform offers before making a decision on which one is better for your business. Each business’s operations are unique, meaning each business may prioritize these platform’s functions differently.
Here are some of the primary advantages and disadvantages Azure offers:
Storage
Azure provides efficient uploads and downloads through a storage block technology called Blob. Blob uses databricks that:
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- Stream video and audio
- Deliver documents directly to browsers
- Archive information for backups, restorations and disaster recovery
Networking
When it comes to networking, you want to pay close attention to cloud security. Azure uses a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your data and apps. The VPN encrypts information sent between devices and cloud servers to prevent outsiders from viewing it. That said, there are some limitations, such as lack of Hyper-V Snapshot Support.
Databases
Azure also provides fully-managed relational database services for SQL, MySQL, or PostgreSQL. Most IT professionals have experience using at least one of these databases, so businesses can get started without much training. Azure also offers great scalability options and allows you to use any framework, tool or language to code and build apps.
Pricing
Azure can cost up to five times less than AWS, starting as low as $13 per month. If your Azure vs AWS comparison prioritizes low costs, Azure stands out as the clear winner.
The Pros and Cons of AWS
A lot of Indianapolis businesses choose Azure for its easy-to-use features and low costs, but you may want to learn more about AWS features before making your decision.
Here are some of the primary advantages and disadvantages AWS offers:
Storage
AWS uses proprietary S3 (simple storage service) storage. S3 performs very well, but you will need to master several tutorials before you can access all of its features.
Networking
AWS protects data with a virtual private cloud connection. Amazon relies on users to configure their connections. The side effect is that many businesses misconfigure AWS, a mistake that can leak massive amounts of information. For example, Dow Jones exposed more than 2.4 million records in 2019 by accidentally misconfiguring its AWS connection.
Databases
AWS uses SQL and NoSQL for its databases. These are also popular options that many IT professionals are familiar with. It does not, however, have as much flexibility as Azure.
Pricing
Determining the price of cloud computing on AWS is more complex as it depends on how you use the technology. In most cases, though, AWS costs more than Azure.
How AxiaTP Can Help
Feeling a little overwhelmed or confused about what approach you should take for your Indianapolis business? AxiaTP Managed IT Services can show you specific ways that Azure will help your company excel.
Feel free to contact AxiaTP today for more information on how Azure’s benefits generally outweigh AWS’s and how your business can implement Azure cloud computing in your offices.