Organizations all over the world recognize Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services as the most trusted Cloud partners for enterprise and hybrid infrastructure. But, which platform is best for your business?
Gartner’s 2019 Magic Quadrant for Cloud Infrastructure-as-a-Service features Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure as leaders. But what stands out is that Azure entered the Cloud Computing space only in 2010 while AWS was launched in 2006. So while AWS had the first mover advantage, Microsoft Azure built strong features and capabilities to inch closer to its biggest competitor. And it has managed to achieve that. In its recent Q2 2020 earnings report, Microsoft reported a 62% Y-o-Y revenue increase from Azure, marking almost double the growth of what AWS achieved. Microsoft Azure is also the preferred Cloud platform for 95% of Fortune 500 companies, strongly cementing their path forward.
The following aspects highlight why Azure is the preferred choice for businesses.
Security
Designed based on Security Development Lifecycle (SDL), an industry leading assurance process, Azure provides heightened security of the data-centre, enabling smooth functioning of modern applications and unlocking insights on data on a secure platform.
Hybrid Capabilities
Microsoft Azure has already established its Hybrid capabilities. It provides a consistent platform which facilities easy mobility between on-premises and the public Cloud. Additionally, hybrid applications can be developed on Azure. Azure also provides a broader range of hybrid connections including virtual private networks (VPNs), caches, content delivery networks (CDNs), and ExpressRoute connections to improve usability and performance.
PaaS Capabilities
Azure provides stronger Platform-as-a-Service capabilities which are important in the overall Cloud Infrastructure. They provide application developers with the environment and right tools to rapidly build and deploy new cloud services.
.Net Capablities
Azure’s compatibility with the .Net programming language is one of the most useful benefits of Azure, which gives Microsoft a clear upper hand over the rest of its competitors. Azure has been built and optimized to work consistently with both old and new applications developed using the .Net programming framework. It is much easier and straightforward for enterprises to move their Windows apps to Azure Cloud as opposed to others. Thus for the several organizations that use .Net based enterprise apps, Azure is the obvious choice.
Easily integrated
Organizations already using Microsoft software and solutions will find the transition to Microsoft Azure smoother as the integration with existing solutions such as Microsoft 365 and Hyper V amongst others is rather seamless.
Choosing the right Cloud platform is key for enterprises. You as a user must evaluate, What is in it for Me? The scalability, flexibility and capability of Azure makes it the ideal platform for businesses. And while the other platforms do offer similar capabilities, the sheer speed in which Microsoft is launching new components in Azure ensures you as a user have access to a more comprehensive platform.
