Azure vs AWS: 7 Reasons Why Azure Takes the Lead in Cloud Computing
If you are a business seeking cloud computing solutions, the two top providers are Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Both are industry leaders who offer a wide range of robust global services that provide scalability and cost savings. However, at Croft, we would always recommend Azure as the more strategic choice for businesses wanting to successfully navigate digital change. Read on to discover why we would recommend Azure for your business in the Azure vs AWS debate.
What is Microsoft Azure?
Azure is Microsoft’s cloud computing platform. Like AWS, it offers a continuously expanding suite of services that are designed to solve challenges and meet your business goals. It’s cloud services include computing, advanced security, analytics, storage, networking, AI, machine learning, IoT and more! With Azure you can optimise operations, manage servers, scale cloud resources, improve decision making, accelerate developer productivity, and adopt AI all through Azure’s easy to use web-based portal. In short Azure is your one-stop shop for everything you need to run applications or manage data in the cloud, saving both time and money.
Seven Reasons Why Your Business Should Invest in Microsoft Azure
As a versatile cloud-computing platform, Azure will offer your business a wide range of benefits, helping to streamline operations, enhance scalability, and improve efficiency. Whether you’re looking to simplify infrastructure management or drive innovation, Azure will help you to stay ahead in a competitive environment. Here are the top reasons why you should choose Azure for your business.
1. Seamless Integration with Microsoft’s Ecosystem
One of the foremost advantages of choosing Azure over AWS is its seamless integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem. Many businesses are already familiar with Microsoft products such as Microsoft 365 and rely on them for day-to-day business activities. Azure extends this ecosystem into the cloud, building on your existing user directory, and avoids the added complexity of managing another user database. Additionally, you can bring your existing licences, subject to having the correct licences in place, for products like Windows Server and SQL Server over to Azure. Plus, with Croft you’ll have access to the expert skills of our Microsoft professionals who can ‘lift and shift’ an existing on-premise server to Azure.
2. Superior Hybrid Cloud Capabilities
If you are a business that needs to maintain an on-premise system while leveraging the benefits of cloud, Azure should be your cloud platform of choice. Azure has invested heavily in its hybrid cloud solutions. This means businesses can easily manage and secure applications and data across both on-premise and cloud environments from a single portal. Taking advantage of Azure’s hybrid cloud capabilities means that you can instantly scale your capacity demand up or down. This can save time and money by avoiding the need to purchase, install, and maintain a new server that is not continuously needed. Although AWS has similar capabilities, they don’t match Azure’s extensive hybrid tools. Azure’s flexibility will allow your business to gradually move to the cloud with minimal disruption. An important consideration for industries who are required to comply with data and compliance requirements.
3. Enterprise-grade Security and Compliance
As cyber threats continue to evolve, security and compliance has never been more important for businesses. Azure excels in this area by providing multi-layered, integrated security alongside sophisticated monitoring and threat detection that safeguards your data. Azure simplifies compliance with legal and regulatory standards by offering over 100 compliance certifications, including HIPAA, GDPR, and ISO/IEC 27001, and others tailored to specific regions and industries. Although AWS does provide robust security measures, Azure’s seamless integration with cloud identity and access management solutions gives it the edge.
4. Cost-effectiveness
Most Azure services are pay-as-you go; therefore, you only pay for the computing time that you use. Azure’s tools, offers and guidance will help you to manage your cloud spending efficiently while allowing you to optimise your resources. You can identify and shut down or right-size underused resources, choose the right compute services, configure autoscaling, and setup budgets and alerts to proactively monitor and analyse costs in Azure. Azure Hybrid Benefit will also enable you to maximise the value of existing licences by lowering costs when migrating workloads to the cloud. Additionally, Windows Server customers can save up to 36%, while SQL Server customers can save 28% compared to leading cloud providers1. With Azure you’re assured of a competitive pricing model that can be tailored to your business needs
5. Comprehensive AI and Data Offerings
Azure leads the way when it comes to data analytics. Offering enterprise-grade tools that seamlessly integrate with your Microsoft ecosystem, it can streamline existing workflows. Azure’s Synapse Analytics, Power BI, and its machine learning services will provide your business with end-to-end solutions for data-driven decision making. It will empower your business to use AI for building intelligent applications that will help you gain a competitive edge, without any existing AI experience. Although AWS has similar offerings, Azure’s ease of use and its seamless integration with Microsoft tools makes it more accessible for businesses.
6. Commitment to Industry-specific Solutions
If your business operates in sectors including healthcare, finance, retail or manufacturing, Azure’s industry specific solutions will make it a standout choice. For example, Azure Healthcare Services supports the management of protected health information, enables faster research, speeds up patient care, and ensures compliance with regulations like HIPPA and GDPR. Its advanced security features also provide financial services with real-time threat detection and response against advanced cyber threats. Additionally, Azure’s AI and machine learning tools can also predict product demand, analyse product design, and track inventory in real-time. Compared to AWS’s broader approach, Azure’s targeted solutions and preconfigured templates will offer you a faster time-to-value no matter what industry you are operating in.
7. Global Reach but with Local Data Centre Presence
Azure offers its advanced cloud and AI infrastructure in over 60 global regions across over 300 data centres. Their sustainable data centres will offer your business secure scaling, allowing you to take advantage of high-powered performance on proven infrastructure. Azure’s availability in regions where AWS has limited presence is a crucial consideration for multinational businesses.
Azure vs AWS: Choose Azure and Croft as Your Trusted Cloud Partners
Azure and AWS both offer high-powered cloud solutions. That said, Azure’s business friendly approach, seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, and its hybrid capabilities make it a clear choice for businesses wanting a seamless and cost-effective transition to the cloud. As the digital world continues to evolve, Microsoft Azure’s focus on security, compliance, and innovation will make it your trusted partner alongside Croft.
Croft are Azure cloud experts dedicated to empowering your business. We streamline your Azure environment, handling everything from migration to cost optimisation. Our team of Azure specialists work alongside you, providing the support and knowledge needed to maximise your cloud investment. We’re here to help you get the most from your Azure environment.
If your business is already using Azure our Azure Cost Optimisation Assessment can identify unused resources and reduce or control costs.
Start your journey to the cloud with Azure today by contacting our Croft experts.
