Compare Azure with AWS and Google Cloud

Cloud computing is all the rage, but why? Hosting your IT estate in the cloud comes with many benefits, such as increased efficiency with better ways to collaborate, improved cyber security, and much more.  

In the cloud computing industry, there are three major leaders: Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud. Each impressive in its own right, but how do you choose which is best for your business? That’s where we come in.

This article will compare these platforms based on key factors, such as core services, pricing models, performance, security, and integration possibilities.

1) Core Services and Offerings 

Each platform has its own strengths, and we’ve created a graph to show you exactly what each platform’s core services are: 

2) Pricing Models 

The price you pay for a solution will depend on your business’s needs. No two businesses IT estate is the same, nor should the services they be priced the same. Pricing models may differ depending on your IT provider, a trusted provider will be transparent about costings.  

In this section, we compare the pricing models of Azure with AWS and Google Cloud. 

Azure Cloud Solutions 

The different pricing models for Azure cloud services can include: 

• Pay-As-You-Go: You’re charged based your actual usage of resources with no upfront costs.  

• Reserved Instances: Sometimes when you make a commitment to Azure for a fixed length of time (one to three years terms) you may be offered discounted pricing.   

• Spot Pricing: You can buy unused Azure compute capacity at a discounted rate/.  

• Hybrid Benefit: You can leverage your existing on-premises licenses in the cloud for additional savings. 

• Free Tier and Trial Options: As a new user, you can try out Includes free services and credits so you can get a feel for Azure. 

AWS 

AWS pricing models can include: 

• Pay-As-You-Go: You only pay for the services you use.  

• Savings Plans: There is opportunity to make savings over On-Demand pricing in exchange for a commitment to use a specific amount of AWS services for one- or three-years. 

• Volume Discounts:  There is tiered pricing for services like S3, where the more you use, the less you pay per GB4. 

• Free Tier: As a new user, you can access services for up to 12 months. 

Google Cloud 

Google Cloud pricing can include: 

• Pay-As-You-Go: There are no upfront fees or termination charges, and you only pay for the services you use.  

• Committed Use Discounts: When you pre-pay for resources, you could earn savings up to 57%. 

• Spot VMs: Get access to preemptible computing power at a 60-91% discount. 

• Free Tier: Includes free credits and access to 20+ products for free up to monthly usage limits. 

3) Performance and Reliability 

Each cloud provider has its own strengths in performance and reliability, and what one business may find works for them may not necessarily work for you.  Think about what performance you need and the kind of reliability your IT estate need to depend on.

Your IT partner should be guiding you on this, but below you can see for yourself and compare Azure with AWS and Google Cloud.

4) Security and Compliance 

One of the major reasons businesses migrate to cloud computing is because of the security and compliance features. Hosting your IT estate in the cloud comes with security benefits, such as continuous monitoring, disaster recover, secure data and more. 

See below how the three platforms take on security. 

Microsoft Azure 

Azure has many security and compliance features and this is because there is no one single way you should protect your company, instead there should be a multitude of protocols in place to ensure the safety of your data. 

We’ve highlighted some of the best security features you can benefit from:  

• Multi-Layered Security Controls: Azure takes a multi-layered approach with built-in security controls and unique threat intelligence to find and protect against ever-evolving cyber threats. 

• End-to-End Security: Azure provides end-to-end security across your IT estate, protecting all of your data, users, devices, resources, and applications in the cloud. 

• Secure Data: With Azure, your customer data is protected with integrity whilst ensuring transparent accountability. 

Google Cloud 

Although some platforms offer the same thing, they each may have an area that they excel in. Google Cloud does well with: 

• Identity and Access Management (IAM): You can manage access to resources by assigning roles to users and groups.  

• Encryption: Ensure the safety of your data with advanced encryption for data at rest and in transit.  

• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Discover, classify, and protect sensitive information across your cloud environment. 

• Certified compliance: Google Cloud complies with numerous industry standards and regulations, such as ISO/IEC 27001, SOC 1/2/3, and GDPR2.  

AWS 

Each platform may have its own branded name for a service or have created something specifically unique as part of its offering. 

• AWS Artifact: AWS Artifact provides on-demand access to AWS security and compliance reports, including auditor-issued reports, certifications, and accreditations. 

• Amazon GuardDuty: An intelligent threat detection service that continuously monitors your AWS accounts and workloads for malicious activity and unauthorised behaviour. 

• AWS Audit Manager: helps you continuously audit your AWS usage to simplify how you assess risk and compliance with regulations and industry standards. 

5) Integrations

With any cloud platform, you will find that it will have powerful integration possibilities with other products and services from the same provider. With some platforms the integration possibilities are endless.

TSG is for Azure and This is Why 

It’s no secret that we at TSG are a Microsoft house.  We have over 67 certified Azure specialists. We know Azure. We know how to help you make the most of what it has to offer. We know how to help you manage/minimise the costs you incur.  

Our experts can help your people settle into the Azure environment; we won’t just leave you to deal with it and let you fend for yourselves. We are your partner from the beginning and will continue to be by your side. 

Final Thoughts 

When you compare Azure with AWS and Google Cloud, the thing to remember is what will complement your current IT estate? For example, if you and your team are already using Microsoft products Azure will be a seamless integration. Whereas, if you were to mix your systems there could be added difficulties.  

All three cloud services have its strengths and are worthy components of one another. We recommend taking into account what you’re business is looking for, sure shiny new features are great, but your needs should be met first. 

Want to Know About Azure? 

If Azure has piqued your interest in this piece, we’d suggest getting to know the product more. We have many experts in our cloud care team and plenty of Azure content that will keep your brain busy. You can learn more about Microsoft Azure here.