What is the Difference Between AWS and Azure?

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By 2027, 90% of organizations will at least adopt a hybrid cloud.

Thankfully, you are amongst them. A little early (which is even better). But you are in a dilemma. Whom to choose? You are staring into the difference between AWS and Azure? You want to find the right fit for your team and tools.

So let us help you find the winner in this battle of giants- Microsoft cloud vs Amazon cloud.

What is AWS?

AWS (Amazon Web Services) has been around since 2006 and was one of the first big players in cloud computing. It’s built on a massive infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) model and offers over 200 services, like EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud) for virtual machines or Lambda for serverless computing. Developers like it because it’s flexible and gives you a lot of control. But it can be tricky to manage, especially if you’re working in Windows-based or hybrid setups.

What is Azure?

Azure came out in 2010. It’s built to work really well with Microsoft tools like Office 365, Power BI, and Active Directory. This makes it a great option if your business already uses Microsoft products. Azure is also good for hybrid setups, where older systems mix with newer tech like AI. Its built-in compliance and DevOps tools, like GitHub Actions, make it easier for companies to modernize without disrupting their workflow.

The thing is, both offer similar cloud services, including cloud storage, computing, container services, databases, and more. But beyond container service, factors such as hybrid cloud solutions, relational database service, upfront payments, and machine learning models will decide the perfect cloud service provider for you.

Azure vs AWS Features

Here’s a key difference between AWS and Azure compared in important areas like hybrid cloud and pricing. This breaks down real technical and organizational concerns, with a focus on where Azure can shine.

Compute Services: Flexibility vs. Optimization

AWS EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud) has over 500 instance types, offering granular control but requiring more manual effort. Which is great for customization, but managing Windows workloads? That can be challenging.
Azure Virtual Machines: Azure Virtual Machines: Built for Microsoft environments (like .NET and SQL Server) and makes scaling Linux or Windows easier with granular control over configurations.

Takeaway: “If your team uses Microsoft tools, Azure cuts down on setup time so you can focus on building, not managing. Reason? It integrates with a wide range of tools

Scalability: Speed vs. Integration

AWS Auto Scaling: It’s strong but needs manual work to connect with non-AWS tools like third-party analytics.
Azure Autoscale: Integrates with a wide range of tools and works out of the box with Microsoft tools like Power BI, Teams, and Dynamics 365.

For CTOs: “Will your cloud grow with your workflow? With a hybrid cloud solution on the offering, Azure’s built-in integration can save time for Microsoft-heavy teams.”

Hybrid Cloud Support: Legacy Meets Modern

AWS Outposts: Extends AWS to on-premises setups but often struggles with Windows Server or Active Directory.
Azure Virtual Network (VNet) enhances hybrid systems by providing advanced network segmentation and secure connectivity.

Pain Point Solved: “Why use multiple tools? Azure’s hybrid and private cloud solutions keep governance simple for teams handling both old and new systems.”

Pricing Model & Cost Management: Simplicity vs. Complexity

AWS Pricing: This has a pricing structure that has tiered discounts like Savings Plans and Reserved Instances but can get confusing. It’s easy to overspend without the right expertise.
Azure Pricing: Offers clear enterprise agreements (EA) and a straightforward pricing structure, which makes it easier for enterprises to plan cloud costs. Making its pricing model simpler to manage than AWS.

For CFOs: “If you’re worried about unexpected storage costs, Azure’s straightforward pricing keeps things predictable.”

Security & Compliance: Built-In vs. Add-Ons

AWS: Uses a shared responsibility model, but often needs third-party tools for Microsoft workloads.
Azure: Provides over 100 compliance certifications (like HIPAA and FedRAMP) and integrates Active Directory for tighter security.

Answering the Big Question: “Why do some choose AWS over Azure?” → “AWS has been around longer, but Azure’s compliance-ready setup is gaining trust in regulated industries.”

Performance: Latency and Speed

AWS: Performs well in regions with strong Amazon data center coverage but can lag with Microsoft apps.
Azure: Offers lower latency for Teams, SharePoint, and Dynamics 365 through its global Microsoft network.

Tech Concern: “Will Azure slow us down?” → “If your workflows rely on Microsoft, Azure keeps things fast.”

Enterprise Integration: Sprawl vs. Simplicity

AWS: Works well with partners like Salesforce and Slack, but this can lead to managing too many tools.
Azure: Natively connects to Office 365, GitHub, and Power Platform, so you can automate workflows without adding extra licenses.

For CTOs: “How do I modernize without disrupting work?” → “Azure lets you upgrade in steps, not all at once.”

Microsoft Cloud vs Amazon Cloud:11 Key Difference Between AWS and Azure

Microsoft cloud vs Amazon cloud? These two cloud providers dominate the market, but their offerings differ greatly. These 11 points will create an even more detailed bias which of the two is optimal for you.

Market Share

AWS has about 32% of the market. Startups and developers, especially those using Linux, seem to like it a lot.
Azure is at 20%. Big companies (think Fortune 500) prefer it because it works well with Microsoft tools.

Bottom line: AWS is great for smaller teams and startups. Azure is better for big companies already using Microsoft stuff.

Infographic: Amazon Maintains Cloud Lead as Microsoft Edges Closer | Statista

Source

Hybrid Cloud

AWS has something called Outposts for hybrid setups. It works, but it’s not as smooth if you’re using Windows systems.
Azure has Azure Arc, which is pretty much made for hybrid setups. It connects easily with things like Active Directory and mixes on-premises servers with cloud services really well.

Why it matters: Azure is a better fit for hybrid setups, especially if you’re already using Microsoft tools.

Compliance

AWS has over 70 compliance certifications, including GDPR and ISO. But it’s missing a few, like FedRAMP High.
Azure has more than 100 certifications, covering things like GDPR, HIPAA, and government standards like DoD IL5.

Why it matters: Between azure vs aws features, if you’re in a regulated industry, Azure might save you a lot of time. AWS can work too, but you might need to do a bit more on your end.

AI and Machine Learning

AWS has SageMaker, which is great for building custom AI models. But it’s not the easiest to use if you’re just starting out.
Azure Cloud has prebuilt AI tools, like speech recognition and image analysis. They’re easy to use and work well with other Azure services like Power BI.

The difference: Azure is better for beginners. AWS is better if your team has experience and needs something more advanced.

DevOps

AWS has tools like CodePipeline and CodeCommit. They’re solid, but they don’t always play nice with other tools.
Azure DevOps connects easily with GitHub and Teams.

What to know: Azure is easier if you already use GitHub or Teams. AWS works too, but it might take more setup.

Storage

AWS has S3 (Simple Storage Service), which is reliable for file storage. But it’s mostly just storage—it doesn’t integrate well with analytics tools.
Azure Files & Blob Storage does the same thing but adds features like automatic tiering, which reduces storage costs for infrequent access data. While AWS S3 (Simple Storage Service) is reliable, Azure Blob Storage works with tools like Power BI for seamless analytics.
Temporary storage in AWS begins when an instance is launched and ends when the instance is terminated.
For VM-based volumes, Azure, on the other hand, use page blobs and temporary storage.

What we understand: AWS is fine if you just want storage. Azure is better if you want to analyze or visualize your data too.

Databases

AWS supports a bunch of databases like MySQL and PostgreSQL. But it doesn’t handle SQL Server as smoothly.
Azure SQL Database is a fully managed relational database service that uses AI to optimize performance and reduce manual effort. It basically takes care of most of the work for you.

What this means: If you’re using SQL Server, Azure is the way to go. AWS is good for other databases but might need more manual effort.

Global Network

AWS has 105 Availability Zones around the world. It’s fast and reliable.
Azure has 140+ data centers and is optimized for Microsoft services like Teams and Office 365.

Why it matters: If you rely on Microsoft apps, Azure’s network might work better for you. AWS is reliable too, just not as focused on those tools.

Enterprise Discounts

AWS offers discounts, but they’re not super clear and often require negotiation.
Azure has straightforward discounts, especially for businesses already using Microsoft products.

What to know: Azure pricing is easier to plan for. AWS has discounts too, but they’re harder to figure out.

Support and Uptime

AWS has strong uptime (99.99% for EC2), but you’ll have to pay extra for premium support.
Azure guarantees 99.95% uptime for most services and includes 24/7 support by default.

The difference: Azure gives you good support and uptime without extra charges. AWS support is great too but can get pricey.

Bonus: Azure Functions simplifies serverless computing, enabling developers to focus on building intelligent applications without managing infrastructure.

Still wondering which cloud provider is right for you? Keep reading

Why Azure? Quiet Wins for Tech Leaders

For Engineers: What’s in it for your team?

“Will my team spend less time fixing stuff?”

GitHub + Azure DevOps work together: Set up CI/CD pipelines twice as fast.
AKS (Kubernetes) with built-in monitoring: Cuts deployment errors by 35% (Microsoft says so).

“Is it flexible enough?”

Open-source friendly: Run Linux, Java, or Python workloads however you need.

For CTOs: Why it makes business sense

“Can it lower migration costs?”

Hybrid Benefit: Save up to 40% reusing your Windows Server/SQL licenses.

“What about keeping costs under control?”

AI tools (like Azure Automanage): Slash wasted resources by 25%.

“Will compliance slow us down?”

Built-in certifications (HIPAA, GDPR, FedRAMP): Cuts audit prep time by 50%.

Bottom line: With its wide range of services, Azure isn’t just another cloud service—it offers a wide range of services to help your team work smarter.

Bonus: Azure Virtual Network (VNet) provides similar network isolation as AWS, but with a stronger focus on managed services and simplifying network segmentation.

Why Beyond Key?

What Makes Us Different

“We’ve been there.”

150+ Azure migrations with zero data loss and 99.9% uptime.
Microsoft Solutions Partner: Most of our architects are certified in Azure.

“We Catch What Others Miss”

Pre-built migration tools help you get Dynamics 365 or SharePoint running 60% faster.

Cost audits can save you 20-30% after migration.

“Your Success Matters to Us”

We provide 24/7 Azure monitoring to fix problems before they cause downtime.

Our custom support plans are built to match your team’s workflow, like DevOps sprints.

Final Thoughts

The difference between AWS and Azure is simple. Azure has a wide range of offerings, global reach, and strong security measures. Which makes things easier for your team. If you already use Microsoft tools, it fits naturally into how you work.

Beyond Key helps you do more than just move to the cloud. We make sure you get real value from it. Still deciding? The best cloud isn’t the one with the most features. It’s the one your team can actually use.

Want to see how Azure works? Schedule a demo with us.

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