Cloud technology has become one of the pillars of the modern business world. With numerous service providers offering a variety of solutions, choosing the platform that best meets your needs can be a challenging task.
In the current landscape, two giants dominate the industry - Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. Although both have their strengths, if your company already uses Microsoft technology, Azure may be a superior strategic choice. Here are a few reasons why.
Simplified Integration
The biggest selling point of Azure for companies that already use Microsoft technology is its integration capability. Most companies use at least one form of Microsoft software, be it Windows, Office, SharePoint, or SQL Server.
Azure was built to integrate seamlessly with these products, making migration to the cloud simpler and more effective. In contrast, although AWS can integrate with Microsoft products, it does not have the same level of support and interoperability as Azure.
Familiarity
With Azure, the learning curve is significantly reduced for teams that are already familiar with the Microsoft product line. This translates into time savings and reduced training costs. Additionally, Azure uses a Windows-based platform, making the transition to the cloud more comfortable for teams that are already working in a Windows environment.
Licensing and Cost
For companies that already have Microsoft software licenses, Azure offers the advantage of "Software Assurance License Mobility." This allows customers to transfer their existing licenses to the cloud, saving significantly on costs. AWS does not offer a similar program, which can result in additional costs for companies migrating their licensed software to the cloud.
Enterprise Support
Microsoft has a long history of supporting businesses of all sizes. With Azure, they have taken this support to a new level, offering robust SLAs, 24/7 support options, and a global network of data centers. Microsoft's familiarity with the needs of businesses makes Azure a reliable and secure option for organizations.
In conclusion, it’s not about devaluing AWS - it’s a formidable choice for many organizations. However, for companies that are already deeply involved in the Microsoft ecosystem, Azure offers unique benefits that can help simplify the transition to the cloud and optimize performance. As always, the choice of cloud service provider should depend on the specific needs of your company.