Microsoft Azure vs Amazon AWS: don't fund the bear

If you’re considering moving your systems to the cloud, chances are that you’re weighing options hosted by AWS (Amazon Web Services) and Microsoft Azure, the two most popular choices in the market right now for cloud computing.

Cloud computing is the delivery of services like software, analytics, databases, storage and more over the internet, also known as “in the cloud.” The benefits include greater efficiency and the opportunity to scale as your business grows.

What are AWS and Azure?

AWS and Microsoft Azure are two of the top cloud computing competitors in the market today. AWS is often considered the leader because it holds the most market share and has been around the longest. AWS was launched in 2006. Microsoft Azure launched four years later and is quickly gaining market share because of its innovative features and comparable offerings, as well as its strong understanding of and presence in the enterprise market. Azure offers an expanding set of cloud services to help your business meet its challenges head-on with the freedom to build, manage and deploy applications such as Dynamics 365 on a massive global network using your favorite tools and frameworks.

In fact, Microsoft recently made headlines when it won a coveted Department of Defense contract against Amazon – a sign that the Microsoft Cloud has become a formidable competitor. “We’ve worked hard to continually innovate over the past two years to create better, differentiated offerings for our customers,” a Microsoft spokesperson said. The article goes on to say that, while Azure is a distant second to AWS in terms of market share, “it enjoys an enormous installed base throughout federal, state and local governments through its Windows operating system and productivity software. It’s the type of on-site presence that allows it to expand its services to the computing cloud.”

The Problem with Amazon AWS

Like in many industries, many in the distribution world have come to see Amazon as a key competitor. With its fast-growing Amazon Business division, Amazon has been going head to head with B2B sellers. And the truth is, you can’t out-Amazon Amazon. Instead, focus on your strengths, such as deep customer relationships, exclusive product lines and customized delivery options. And then invest in a platform that relies on the Microsoft Cloud and is large enough and scalable enough to support your future growth. Amazon AWS, which plays host to several ERP solutions, is delivering most of Amazon’s operating income, funding its other businesses.

How is Microsoft Azure different?

There are a few key differences between AWS and Azure. Here are some benefits of using Microsoft Azure over AWS.

Save on cost. If you already use Microsoft products, you’ll get a better price with Azure. You can use your existing Windows server or SQL server licenses to pay a reduced rate to get started with Azure. Going with AWS can cost five times as much.

Improve security. You can take advantage of extended security updates when you move your Windows or SQL server workloads to Azure. Azure’s comprehensive approach to security involves more than 3,500 cybersecurity professionals and a $1 billion annual investment in R&D against security threats.

Innovate more quickly. Most of Microsoft’s services are similar to AWS but offer arguably greater innovations and scalability. Simplify your life with fully managed infrastructure and services. More than 95% of Fortune 500 companies use Azure.

Integrate environments. The products you use matter to your everyday operational success and efficiency. For example, Dynamics 365 is built on and delivered through the Microsoft Cloud. If you already use Dynamics 365, Office 365 or Active Directory, you can deliver a consistent experience across both on-premises and cloud technologies by integrating with Microsoft Azure.

About the Author

Ole has spent nearly four decades in technology, with a history of success leading growth for resellers for Microsoft, IBM, Hewlett Packard, and Oracle. In 1995, he joined Damgaard Data to build a channel for Concorde XAL and Axapta (now Microsoft Dynamics AX and Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations). Ole served as Partner and Vice President for Columbus IT, a major Microsoft AX reseller, followed by Evergreen Data Systems, Inc. and EFS Technology, supporting both Microsoft AX and Oracle technologies. Ole lives in California and he loves crossfit and indoor cycling.