There’s a large population of cloud providers that choosing the right one can seem daunting. Two of the biggest providers are Azure and AWS, but it can be difficult to know which one offers the right services and features for your specific needs.

Although 90 percent of companies have a multi-cloud network that includes both AWS and Azure or if you’re opting for one provider or the other, here’s what you need to know about Azure vs AWS.

Microsoft Azure

Launched in 2010 by Microsoft, Azure helps organizations scale and grow their business by offering a range of services including storage, networking, and database tools. Still one of the most successful commercial cloud providers on the market due to its focus on seamless integration and usability.

Advantages

Microsoft Azure is perfect for users who plan on building a hybrid cloud, and it’s designed to make moving to the cloud very straightforward. What’s more, Microsoft has adapted its most popular applications, including Office and Sharepoint, specifically for the cloud, so users can expect a highly integrated platform that feels familiar.

Microsoft designed Azure with scalability in mind, which makes it ideal for commercial enterprises and startups focused on growth.

Disadvantages

A major disadvantage for Azure is that the pricing model isn’t very flexible here’s a calculator available which helps you plan how much you’ll spend on the platform. The standard storage options may not be enough for some business, although premium storage packages are available.

Microsoft is known as a leading provider for enterprises, and the Azure cloud platform doesn’t disappoint.

AWS

Amazon’s AWS currently controls around 33 percent of the market, which makes it Azure’s (16 percent)biggest rival. Like Azure, AWS offers users features including delivery, storage, and other functional programs. The services, although located on different domains, all work together to deliver a seamless and integrated cloud service.

Advantages

AWS is very accessible to open source developers and Linux users. It also offers straightforward licensing solutions. With AWS, you pay for the licenses you use. It’s also possible to adopt some license mobility which means that, if you already have certain Microsoft licenses, you don’t need to pay for an AWS equivalent.

Like Azure, AWS offers a high level of security and data protection.

Disadvantages

The pricing structure isn’t particularly flexible, but Amazon has worked on reducing the costs associated with AWS. With AWS, you’re charged by the hour as opposed to the minute like with some providers, which means it’s best suited to businesses who plan on spending a lot of time on the platform.

Conclusion

There’s not much between these cloud provider giants, which is why so many businesses are opting for a hybrid model that integrates the best parts of each platform. While Azure might appeal more to users who are already loyal to Microsoft applications, AWS may appeal to app developers seeking a little more freedom.

So Azure vs AWS? The bottom line is these are both fantastic platforms, and they will help you sustainably grow and scale your company. For more information on how to choose the right cloud provider for your business needs, contact the team today.