Cloud Server Showdown: Amazon Web Services vs. Microsoft Azure

Finding ways to streamline server management for the modern business professional can definitely be a challenge. Different businesses rely on different server solutions and as such, server management solutions will vary depending on the set-up and needs of every professional. However, as the Cloud continues to dominate the business space SQL servers are becoming an increasingly popular option for modern organizations. That’s why we’re going to break down the benefits of using Amazon Web Services instead of Microsoft Azure to managed SQL server sets.

Are You Running SQL Cloud Servers in Your Office? Here’s Why Amazon Web Services is for You

Understanding the benefits of Amazon Web Services for SQL server management

It was just the other day that we heard from a busy professional who was looking to get a better hold on server management for their organization. Their operation relied on 20 SQL servers and they were pondering the best solution for server management. So, we thought it’d be a great time to take a look at Amazon Web Services and explain why they outrun their main competitor – Microsoft Azure.

Many business users rely on Microsoft Azure because it’s what they know and the Microsoft name is familiar. However, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is inching past the competition thanks to a feature-rich service set and an easy-to-use, common-sense infrastructure. Let’s explore the top reasons why Amazon Web Services is the top contender for Cloud server management in your office.

Amazon Web Services: The Cloud Pioneer

When it comes to tenure and experience, AWS actually beats Microsoft in this regard. AWS was originally launched in 2006 and has always been specifically designed to be a Cloud management platform with customizable options for storage, analytics and application services. Known for their custom-tailored approach, AWS has a massive amount of service offerings designed to make Cloud computing a breeze.

When it comes to the number of Cloud services available and the years clocked in the Cloud space, AWS beats Azure hands down. Azure was officially announced in 2008, but Microsoft didn’t have a first version on the market until 2010. While Azure has been making some headway, their service offerings are still more limited than AWS and they don’t have the ‘day-one’ Cloud credibility either. At the end of the day, AWS has the experience and the computing power to better manage large SQL server sets.

Comparing Feature Sets: AWS vs. Azure

As mentioned, AWS came on the scene with a feature-rich and highly customizable solution. Azure, lagged behind but has taken strides to catch up to AWS. Both platforms offer comprehensive cloud services for enterprises of all sizes. Their feature-sets are organized well and allow for streamlined admin control. However, Amazon does have the edge when it comes to customizability and specified service offerings.

In fact, AWS has service offerings designed for different industries including development, financial services, marketing, non-profit, education, automotive and retail among countless others. AWS had also led the charge in terms of shaping the government Cloud sector, thanks to their GovCloud offering. They also boast a wealth of features catered for the healthcare sector, proactively designed to uphold strict HIPAA compliance standards.

Consulting Who Matters: AWS and Azure Reputations Among Users

Now, when it comes to getting an idea of how to rank AWS and Azure in terms of Cloud server management, it helps to survey the people who matter: the actual users. By taking a look at the popularity and reputations AWS and Azure have among their own customers we can get the inside perspective potential users are dying to hear.

Azure definitely has a large and loyal user base, however, AWS is more popular and it all comes down to the user experience. While Azure offers a comprehensive collection of service packages, they’re designed to be used in the specific way that Microsoft imagined. While Microsoft may be providing their large user base with a familiar format and structured usage, Azure falls short in terms of giving users their own experience.

AWS, on the other hand, is set up to let their users design their own service experience. Service offerings can be customized and combined – used separately or in bundles. AWS truly offers the ‘build-your-own-Cloud-services’ advantage. Depending on their specific needs, AWS users are able to create a Cloud management platform that is uniquely their own. This may be the reason that AWS consistently casts a wider net and brings in more users than Azure.

Calling a Winner: Amazon Web Services Takes the Server Management Crown

When it comes down to it, both Azure and Amazon offer a reliable and dynamic Cloud-services platform for businesses using SQL servers. While Azure may be the familiar go-to for many Microsoft-loving professionals, there really is no denying the benefit in getting outside your comfort zone and checking out what AWS has to offer.

Simply put, AWS has more time in the Cloud universe and while first-to-market doesn’t always mean best, Amazon’s platform has been optimized and streamlined over time. AWS has its kinks worked out and has embraced the consumer-driven model, meaning users are the ones who benefit. With a massive and industry-specific service-set, AWS offers more potential for your business to thrive instead of just surviving.

The very purpose of technology is to help drive innovation for your organization. Don’t settle for technology that simply ‘does the job’. Especially when considering solutions for platform/server management, be sure to choose a customizable solution that helps you streamline processes and maximize efficiency. When in doubt, reach out to a managed IT professional for guidance and consultation. An expert will help you weigh the options and determine the best solution for strategically managing your server network.

Did you find this article informative? We’re happy to help! If you liked this, check out these other articles we think you’ll love:

https://www.esozo.com/barriers-and-benefits-in-utilizing-healthcare-cloud/

https://www.esozo.com/are-you-scared-of-the-cloud/

https://www.esozo.com/azure-to-aws-migrations/

Author: Aaron White, Date: 15th July 2018

 

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