Microsoft Azure vs AWS: What’s the difference?

Overview of Microsoft Azure and AWS

Both Azure and AWS provide cloud infrastructure, software, and services to help businesses build, deploy, and manage applications and data. They offer global reach, high availability, and a wide range of services from virtual machines and databases to AI and analytics but their ecosystems and user experiences differ. 

What is Microsoft Azure?

Azure is designed for organisations using Microsoft technologies such as Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and Windows Server. It supports hybrid cloud environments, enterprise-grade security, and integrates seamlessly with tools like Power Platform and Copilot Studio. 

For example, a multinational manufacturing company uses Azure to unify IoT sensors, AI-driven analytics, and enterprise systems across global factories. This enables predictive maintenance, real-time operational insights, and seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365, driving efficiency and cost savings at scale. 

To deepen your understanding of Microsoft Azure, check out our dedicated blog on exploring  what Microsoft Azure is.  

What is AWS?

AWS is known for its breadth of services and high customisation. It’s popular among start-ups, developers, and enterprises seeking granular control over cloud architecture. AWS offers a highly configurable environment with extensive compute, storage, AI, and analytics capabilities. 

For example, a fast-growing e-commerce business uses AWS to dynamically scale web applications during peak traffic periods while leveraging AWS analytics services for customer insights. 

Key similarities

Despite their differences, Azure and AWS share several capabilities: 

• Cloud-native architecture with scalability, security, and accessibility 

• Enterprise-grade reliability and global availability 

• AI, analytics, and DevOps tools to support modern workloads 

• Extensive infrastructure across multiple regions and availability zones 

Key differences

Ecosystem Integration

• Azure: Native integration with Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and Copilot Studio. Ideal for organisations already using Microsoft products. 

• AWS: Strong integration with third-party applications through the AWS Marketplace. Provides flexibility but less native integration with Microsoft ecosystems. 

Hybrid and Deployment Options

• Azure: Supports hybrid cloud, enabling seamless operation across on-premises and cloud environments. 

• AWS: Primarily cloud-based, with hybrid setups requiring additional configuration. 

AI and Automation

• Azure: Azure OpenAI, Azure Machine Learning, and Copilot Studio provide AI-powered insights and workflow automation. 

• AWS: Offers Amazon SageMaker and a broad AI/ML toolkit for custom AI workloads, with extensive configuration options. 

Developer Tools

• Azure: Optimised for Microsoft ecosystems, with DevOps workflows through GitHub, Visual Studio, and Azure DevOps. 

• AWS: Flexible development options across multiple languages and frameworks, with CI/CD and deployment pipelines. 

Pricing

• Azure: Flexible, pay-as-you-go and reserved pricing options, with potential discounts for organisations already using Microsoft products. 

• AWS: Pay-as-you-go and reserved pricing options; costs vary widely depending on services, configuration, and usage patterns. 

Choosing the right solution for your organisation

Consider the following when deciding between Azure and AWS: 

• Ecosystem fit: Azure works best for businesses already using Microsoft tools; AWS suits those wanting flexibility and control. 

• Control vs simplicity: AWS provides granular control; Azure offers integrated workflows and hybrid support. 

• Budget and licensing: Azure may be more cost-effective for Microsoft users; AWS pricing can vary with scale and service usage. 

• AI and automation: Both platforms offer strong AI/ML capabilities; Azure has native integration with Copilot Studio. 

• Scalability: Both are highly scalable; AWS offers more global reach, while Azure simplifies hybrid deployment. 

How Pragmatiq can support you

Pragmatiq helps organisations navigate cloud strategy, whether migrating to Azure, integrating with Dynamics 365, or exploring automation through Power Platform and Copilot Studio. 

From consultation to implementation and ongoing support, we ensure your cloud environment is secure, scalable, and aligned with your business goals. If you want to explore the benefits of Microsoft Azure, check out our blog.  

Get in touch

Contact us at info@pragmatiq.co.uk  or call 01908 038110 to discuss how Microsoft Azure or AWS can support your organisation.