There are many web hosting services available for your company website to use, but two of the biggest and best of these are Amazon Web Services and Azure, by Microsoft. Both of these web hosting services proudly boast specialized features, products, and guaranteed pricing, usability, and flexibility for users, but what really are the differences between the two? Here we will discuss and compare the features of each service, and help you decide which one your company should use. What is Amazon Web Services? Amazon web services (AWS) allows you to build applications for consumers, enterprises, colleagues, consumers, customer support, and for whatever/whoever you want. They provide infrastructure services, such as computing power, networking and databases, and storage solutions, that work together to help build your needs for any applications. Instead of giving an upfront cost, you only pay for the services that you use, allowing you to have more flexibility. AWS provides over 50 services that are available to use instantly without the upfront capital expense. With this flexibility, any company, whether it be an entrepreneur or a global giant, can model these services after their constantly changing needs. With special features, connectivity, and other tools, the cloud allows you to have “hybrid” applications running. Some other services AWS provides include media, analytics, machine learning, security, mobile, AR & VR, app integration, IoT, gamer development, and more. What is Azure? Like AWS, Azure by Microsoft is also another type of cloud hosting service which provides tools for you to build and grow applications. It provides flexibility for small and large companies to grow their business using the specific Azure tools that you want at a specific time. With no upfront cost, you can pay for only what you use. Azure tools and technologies are not restricted to being used only on windows but can be used on any application with your device. Like AWS, Azure has the “hybrid” ability, with features and tools allowing you to run “hybrid” applications. Some of the numerous products that Azure provides are Al + machine learning, analytics, storage, security, databases, developer tools, gaming, media, mobile, IoT, and other services. Comparing AWS and Azure – Which One Should You Choose? Yes, I know what you’re thinking. Don’t they look exactly the same? Well, there are actually major differences between these two cloud services. Azure is used in more regions than any cloud provider. 90% of Fortune 500 companies entrust their business with Microsoft cloud. Azure provides 70 compliance offerings, more than what AWS provides, and was dubbed the most trusted and recognized cloud for programs and institutions of the U.S. government. According to Microsoft, Azure is the only cloud provider that has infrastructure solutions, software, and platform as services. They have four classes, which include data management and databases, compute, networking, and performance. However, Azure’s long list of products and services can sometimes be confusing to navigate. Some people believe AWS is too complex to manage, but this belief differs with an opinion. AWS has been around for longer than Azure, which launched in 2010. It has four classes including content delivery and storage, compute, networking, and database. AWS offers 100 services from storage, database, analytics, compute, networking, mobile, management tools, developer tools, IoT, security, and enterprise applications. All of these can make your head spin! AWS has quite a few high-profile users which help many companies know that it is a trustworthy solution. AWS even did a single deal with the CIA proving it has the capabilities for some of the biggest companies even the government. What they both have Both have been using cutting edge technology in terms of serverless computing and IoT. Both are great to use for mobile apps and computing. Overall you can’t go wrong with either option but you still need to make a choice as to what could better work for you. AWS is a very trustworthy source and has been around longer than Azure. There are definitely more options with AWS so you may find services that they offer that Azure doesn’t which will probably be the reason for choosing them. However, Azure’s technology is gaining serious momentum and may end up being better than AWS as they seem to be adjusting faster to what the market needs are. With Azure you may find better benefits whether that be bringing your project to scale or potential revenue, these are far better suited to Azure. You also have the ability to take a sample application and test the output of both providers which is a much cheaper option. For IaaS Azure is definitely the better option for you. In the end, AWS is still the market leader so you won’t be disappointed in what they offer. In the coming years, it seems that Azure may surpass it which will change the game for AWS as they will need to step it up to stay on top. Which one is better? Well, that depends on your individual business needs. When you ask those who use either of these they will probably say good things about both unless they are using it for something they don’t excel in. Either way, you should have good luck with either. If you need any help determining which one to use for your company you can contact Rob at 408.805.0495 or at team@sdi.la