AWS vs Azure: how did the cloud computing war for enterprise product development begin?

Since 2006 when Amazon began to launch AWS (Amazon Web Services), cloud computing has seen a steady growth. The idea developed at the executive retreat at Jeff Bezos's home in 2003. The Amazon management realized that their infrastructure services provided them with a massive advantage over their competition.

They began to imagine what AWS could be like, but they didn't know how to express it. They began to consider whether there was a second business that could provide infrastructure services for developers. It is now known as cloud computing.

AWS had the upper hand for several years before the rivals like Microsoft, Google, and IBM came up by offering cloud computing solutions for enterprise product development.

Ray Ozzie, Microsoft’s chief software architect, made the announcement in the past two years that AWS was live that Microsoft will launch its cloud computing service , dubbed Windows Azure. Ozzie declared, "It's a transformation of our software and a transformation of our approach."

The Windows Azure Platform was finally commercially made available in February 2010. Analysts have drawn comparisons between Azure and AWS since the time. Despite the competition both AWS & Azure have made significant improvements in the past.

They are among the most popular cloud computing platforms. They offer many features which include computing, data storage, and networking. They also have compliance management and instant provisioning.

In this post, we've conducted a comparison analysis of Azure and AWS from a technical standpoint for business. However, it is crucial to note that both solutions could provide varying business values depending on your particular requirements and needs.

This is a thorough comparison between AWS and Azure Based on five criteria that are essential to business product development.

App Deployment

Azure and AWS give their users an efficient and practical infrastructure for the development of enterprise products that includes cloud hosting, computing power, and running applications in the cloud with various features and services. Together with the essential capabilities for app deployment such as flexible, straightforward development and the overall management of mobile and web applications.

AWS lets microservices be deployed through Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS). This lets developers develop apps that utilize separate services , using the appropriate technology to each service. AWS also permits the development of server-less applications through the use of Amazon API Gateway, Amazon S3 and AWS Lambda. Users can operate enterprise applications and software within the AWS cloud by utilizing these computing resources.

Now coming to Azure the cloud service offers an array of options like Azure Batch, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Virtual Machine Scale Sets, and many more. Azure includes Virtual Machine, a computing resource to configure app instances quickly. AWS does not include a resource like that. Azure is also a host of application deployment options, such as app services and containers, batch deployment services , and more.

In this sense, both AWS and Azure provide a wide range of app deployment services supporting different frameworks and languages of programming. There are some differences regarding the deployment of apps, both services have similar functionality and features.

Data Storage

The data storage for AWS and Azure are referred to as Simple Storage Service (S3) and Blob, respectively. Both offer reliable, durable data storage as well as a wide range of features such as REST API, server-side data encryption and disaster recovery. Azure has its in-built backup and single-click support, making it more enterprise-appropriate for data storage. AWS has more options for customization and better native functions within the cloud ecosystem.

Technical approachability

Amazon is an industry leader in technical accessibility, thanks to its user-training and documentation and certifications for each module and service. This helps to make AWS more accessible and comprehensive for everyone in comparison to Azure which requires specific skills in development as well as some Microsoft previous experience.

Additional training and resources are required for business product development in Azure. To utilize platforms like Azure Store Simple, Hybrid SQL Server and Azure Stack it is necessary to have extensive Microsoft-related knowledge and experience. For example, IT admins who are familiar with the settings of Windows already will be able to find Azure especially easy to deploy and work with.

Security

Azure and AWS are both have made investments in security standards that are of high quality for their customers. While these platforms handle the security of the cloud however, you are responsible for your security in the cloud. This means you are responsible for your security by implementing guidelines to safeguard your content and applications as well as your network.

Microsoft Azure has especially been recognized for its security that is enterprise-grade since the very first days. It was built using the most stringent security and compliance standards. You can test the security features of Azure by reading Azure security documentation. And access useful information and resources such as Azure best practices for security and patterns. More than 95 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Azure according to Microsoft.

AWS On its part, is also committed to high security for its customers. It supports security standards and certifications for compliance more than any other service, such as PCI-DSS and HIPAA/HITECH as well as FedRAMP GDPR, FIPS 140-2 and NIST 800-171. Access to all security standards from AWS can be found on this page. This includes the foundational best practices in security.

Let's take a look at the security services provided by each:

AWS -

Control of Access and Identity: IAM

Key Management: KMS

Network: VPC

Security Check: Trusted Advisor, AWS Inspector

Storage Security: Data Encryption for S3

Monitoring: CloudWatch

Logging: CloudWatch Logs, CloudTrail

Compliance: CloudHSM

Azure -

Control of Access and Identity: Active Directory

Key Management: Key Vault

Network: Virtual Network, ExpressRoute

Security Check: Security Center

Storage Security: Storage Service Encryption (SSE)

Monitoring: Azure Monitor, Application Insights

Logging: Log Analytics, Security Event Logs

Compliance: TrustCenter

Pricing

The cost of both services varies according to the services for enterprise product development you need. The cost varies from one company to another. Both Azure and AWS provide pay-as-you-go services so that it is easier for businesses to utilize the services they need. AWS and Azure both offer free trials. Each service is different and there is no set price for development of products for enterprises.

You are able to still determine the costs-effectiveness for both platforms. In the case of Azure Here, you can calculate the cost of product development with AWS Here. This gives you a rough idea and estimates the cost for using a specific platform for a specific function.

If you are currently an enterprise partner with Microsoft and have implemented Microsoft products, they can offer discounts for such instances. It is recommended to speak with an expert in order to assist you in understanding your requirements and choose the best platform for you.

Which is better? AWS or Azure?

From a business standpoint, both AWS and Azure are both excellent cloud computing platforms for enterprise product development.

Gartner's research on the Cloud Infrastructure and Platform Services market has revealed that AWS is evaluated at 4.6 stars with 2804 reviews. Microsoft has ratings of 4.4 stars with 1678 reviews.

It is undisputed that AWS brought cloud computing to market and is several years ahead in terms of the introduction of these platforms. However, Microsoft's Azure has attracted a large number of users and has become an excellent competitor to AWS thanks to its unique and advanced capabilities.

Summary

While many people may have strong opinions over the AWS and. Azure debate, experts and analysts don't believe in a definite answer from the point of view of enterprise product development. Both are constantly evolving to provide the best features and optimal solutions and services. It is important to evaluate specific product development needs due to the constant updates and improvements. Also, the products and services offered for both platforms.

Additionally, the product growth strategies of your company must be taken into consideration. If combining different cloud platforms for different stages is feasible or not. You can use Azure to test and develop, while AWS is used for production.

Overall, there is no one size-fits-all approach to enterprise product development. It is important to analyze the diverse requirements of your product strategy, as well as ensure that you're making the most of cloud computing platform's possibilities.

First published here