Azure and AWS are two of the most popular cloud computing platforms. Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing service provided by Microsoft that offers a wide range of cloud services, including computing, analytics, storage, and networking. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a cloud computing platform provided by Amazon that offers a broad set of global cloud-based products, including storage, databases, analytics, networking, mobile, developer tools, and enterprise applications. Both platforms have a global presence and offer a variety of services to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes.
Cloud computing has become a critical component of modern-day IT infrastructure, and cloud certifications have become increasingly important for professionals looking to advance their careers. Cloud certifications demonstrate a candidate’s knowledge and expertise in cloud computing technologies and services, providing a valuable skill set that is in high demand in the job market. By earning a cloud certification, professionals can enhance their credibility, increase their earning potential, and open up new career opportunities.
Quick Comparison between AWS and Azure
Let’s take a quick look at the distinctions between these certifications before we go into the specifics and other technical elements of the two platforms. A table illustrating the key distinctions between the two technologies is provided below:
In order to address this query, we will first go through AWS certifications.
What is AWS Certification?
AWS introduced its global certification program in 2013. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Level was the first credential made available. Since then, it has advanced significantly, and it currently provides 12 certifications overall, divided into four groups: Foundational, Associate, Professional, and Specialty.
Let’s now talk about some advantages that come with earning an AWS certification:
Benefits:
- According to PayScale, an AWS Solutions Architect Associate in India has an average yearly pay of about 12 lac rupees. Additionally, with practice, it may exceed 25 LPA. According to a Forbes article, these experts in the US receive raises of more than US$12K annually if they hold Citrix and Linux certifications. These figures might be substantially higher if they had any prior experience with cloud computing.
- One of the most respected credentials among companies worldwide is an AWS certification. Because AWS certificates attest to their experience and expertise in the field, qualified AWS employees can thus find greater prospects inside these firms.
- When you become AWS certified, you are given a badge. You can use this badge to enter the AWS summit events, but it also has an impact on employers on websites like LinkedIn.
What is Azure Certification?
Despite having a smaller market share than AWS, Azure has had tremendous growth in recent years. In terms of the number of businesses using it, Azure has been quickly catching up to AWS, according to a Forbes report. Currently, the vast majority of Fortune 500 organizations use Azure services. The outstanding hybrid cloud features of Azure and its simple-to-use and deploy on-premises features continue to draw in more and more IT businesses from all around the world.
As a result, Microsoft has continued to introduce new Azure role-based certifications. The role-based certifications will attest to your subject-matter competence and present you with excellent career prospects. Azure certifications are improving over time, growing in value along with Azure. Let’s talk about the advantages of Azure certifications next.
Benefits:
- According to PayScale, an experienced Azure Certified Solutions Architect in India makes around 20 LPA. A Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals IT specialist in the United States, on the other hand, typically makes US$126K annually, according to a Global Knowledge poll.
- Your access to chances in businesses using Azure and its features will increase as you demonstrate your experience in these areas. Even businesses that want to use Azure services will require the assistance of specialists. When it comes to employment, qualified experts will be given preference in this situation because it is assumed that they would possess both competence and in-depth knowledge.
- Microsoft’s open-source, cross-platform.NET platform offers a development environment including tools, libraries, and programming languages. Therefore, you will also be able to learn how to integrate.NET with a company’s infrastructure when you receive training for passing an Azure certification.
AWS vs. Azure: Service Comparison
Both Azure and AWS offer a wide range of cloud services, including computing, storage, databases, analytics, networking, and more. However, there are some differences in the services offered by the two platforms. For example, Azure has a strong focus on hybrid cloud solutions, making it easier for businesses to integrate on-premises infrastructure with cloud services. AWS, on the other hand, has a wider range of services, including machine learning, IoT, and blockchain.
AWS and Azure differ from one another in a number of ways. In order to better grasp these distinctions, let’s present them in a table.
While both offer comparable services, there are several aspects on which they diverge. In terms of income creation, flexibility, features, and adaptability, they can be divided.
– Community of Open Source
Microsoft Azure is still in the process of improving its open-source community links. The way the industry views Microsoft hasn’t altered as a result. This furthers Amazon AWS’s dominance in the field of cloud hosting.
– Storage Volume
The cloud object storage service from AWS provides automated replication between regions and high availability. When an instance starts running on AWS, temporary storage begins to operate, and it ceases when the instance is stopped.
Additionally, it offers block storage, which is quite comparable to hard drives. It may either be maintained standalone or linked to EC2 instances. In contrast, Azure employs temporary storage and page blobs for VM-based volumes. S3 in AWS and its block storage are comparable.
– Machine Learning Mechanism
For the building of machine learning models, AWS and Azure both feature machine learning studios. Azure’s studio does not need a significant understanding of data engineering, Python programming, or open-source libraries, in contrast to Amazon SageMaker.
– Support for the Hybrid Cloud Market
Comparing Azure to AWS, which is still developing, the hybrid cloud industry is more established with Azure. The capability of hybrid cloud extends to on-premise data centers and is comprehensive. You can link your private cloud to its public services using its services.
– Licenses and Mobility of Authorizations
Customers won’t experience any issues with licensing or license mobility because of Azure and AWS. You only have to pay for the service you use that’s it. If you have previously paid for the service in Microsoft Azure, you are qualified for license mobility.
Although Azure is simpler to set up for Windows administrators, AWS is more feature-rich and flexible. It is obvious that the majority of the services offered by AWS and Azure are comparable to one another. But when it comes to services like Azure Site Recovery, Azure Event Hubs, Azure Visual Studio Online, and Azure Scheduler, Azure outperforms AWS.
AWS appears to be setting the standard for flexibility and open-source community adaptation. In terms of revenue-generating, it also receives a bonus point.
Azure vs AWS: Career, Certifications, and the Market Value
Three companies dominate the cloud market: Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. In addition to these, there are other well-known cloud companies on the market, but their presence is not as strong as that of the three big players, particularly in the worldwide market.
AWS is currently the market leader in cloud computing, with a market share of over 30%. Azure is the second largest cloud computing platform, with a market share of around 20%. While AWS has been the dominant player in the market for a longer period, Azure has been growing rapidly in recent years.
Both Azure and AWS offer a range of job opportunities for professionals with cloud certifications. However, the specific job roles and requirements may vary depending on the platform. For example, Azure certifications may be more relevant for professionals working with Microsoft technologies, while AWS certifications may be more relevant for professionals working with Amazon technologies. Ultimately, job opportunities will depend on the needs of individual businesses and industries, and both platforms are expected to continue to grow in popularity in the coming years.
Salary:
You may take into account a few factors while choosing between Azure and AWS for your profession. The research shows that AWS experts get an average salary of 6.3 lakhs per year whereas Azure professionals make 6.1 lakhs annually. AWS has greater wages and is also simpler to learn due to its simpler documentation.
You should concentrate on obtaining AWS certifications if your ideal career needs the required skill set. You should choose Azure certifications if the company you work for uses Azure and you want to stick around to provide additional value to the company.
The most important question that you may be asking right now is: Should I pursue an AWS or Azure certification?
Let us start by stating that there is no definitive response to this question. The answer varies depending on a number of variables, including your ideal career, organizational needs, desired pay, and more.
Certifications Clash for AWS and Azure:
AWS:
AWS is still by far the biggest cloud computing service provider in the world today, despite Azure’s quick market share growth. However, the AWS certification takes more weight since it is more marketable given how many businesses utilize the platform. Access to the AWS Certified LinkedIn Community and other AWS-certified professionals is another benefit of AWS certification.
On the top highest-paying certifications list, AWS Solution Architect, AWS SysOps Associate, AWS Cloud Practitioner, and AWS Developer Associate are amongst the best AWS certifications.
Azure:
The Microsoft brand is behind an Azure certification, which is an extra bonus for applicants who are familiar with the internal data systems. More than 55% of Fortune 500 organizations use Azure, therefore becoming certified in Azure raises the likelihood that applicants will land a position at one of these businesses. Additionally, every year, around 365,000 new businesses choose to use Azure, which continuously increases the need for workers with Azure certifications. Cloud Solution Architect, Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions, Architect Microsoft Azure, Implementing Microsoft Azure, and Cloud Architect are just a few of the Azure certifications available.
Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals, Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, and Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate are the most popular and in-demand certifications. As you can see, there are several levels of certification depending on the needs, with one being at the fundamental level and the other being at the associate level. It does not, however, imply that one of these qualifications will inevitably lead to greater chances. Professionals with a broad breadth of knowledge and skills are often trusted by employers.
To get it straight:
Both AWS and Azure are regarded as being flexible, dependable, and consistent. They provide a range of services to address the needs of international organizations and businesses. Without having to spend a fortune, experts have revolutionized their businesses with the aid of cloud service providers like AWS and Azure. Companies like Uber, Salesforce, and Facebook—all things we take for granted today—could not have existed without cloud computing technologies.
Azure vs AWS: Which one is the Future?
You must take a number of aspects into account, including cloud storage cost, data transfer loss rate, security and availability, and rates of data availability, among others, to determine the best public/private cloud service provider.
Azure service is the option for your company to use if you want to save money on cloud computing. You are more likely to save money if Azure charges you based on how much of a VM you utilize. This is 4-12% less expensive than AWS and it supports the latest offerings that make it superior to AWS.
Both the Amazon and AWS technologies are providing advantages globally in their own ways and methods. People may now view photographs of distant galaxies due to NASA’s use of the AWS platform to make its vast collection of images, movies, and audio recordings readily discoverable in one single spot.
Similar to this, People in Need, a nonprofit, scales its early warning system on AWS to advise around 400,000 people in Cambodia when flooding is imminent. This technology has not only helped save hundreds of lives, but it has also made a practical, affordable solution accessible that other at-risk areas may use.
To create the Weka Smart Fridge, which appropriately stocks vaccinations, Azure IoT Suite was used. Nonprofit healthcare institutions are now ensuring that those who wouldn’t otherwise have access to these facilities obtain vaccines as a result.
The imminent freshwater catastrophe facing the world is another issue for which Azure is employed. Working with Microsoft, Nalco Water, Ecolab’s primary water operating unit, develops solutions to assist businesses in water reuse and recycling through the use of cloud computing and cutting-edge analytics.
Still confused? Here’s the solution! Take the cross-certifications!
What are Cross-certifications?
The majority of modern large-scale businesses use cloud services from various providers. Let’s use the well-known telecom juggernaut Nokia as an example. In order to create 5G solutions and other new services for its clientele, Nokia recently announced a partnership with all three of the major cloud service providers, namely AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. However, Nokia is not the only company that has this mindset. Other businesses depend on a variety of cloud service providers for various tasks.
As a result, experts frequently cross-certify using combinations like AWS and Azure or AWS and Google Cloud, or perhaps even using all three cloud providers. In order to streamline their development procedures, employers frequently look for experts that hold several certifications. 64 percent of cloud workers have cross-platform certifications, according to Global Knowledge. Even while AWS now dominates the cloud industry, many businesses have not made the switch. Thus alternative cloud service providers might at any point overtake AWS. Cross-certification gives professionals access to more options in this regard. They are sort of given the opportunity to work on new initiatives without being constrained by the cloud services they choose.
Factors to consider when choosing between Azure and AWS certifications
Both Azure and AWS are popular cloud computing platforms that offer a wide range of services and solutions to individuals and businesses. Both platforms have their own set of certifications that can help you establish a career in cloud computing. If you’re looking to choose between Azure and AWS certifications for your career in 2023, it’s important to consider your career goals and the industry you want to work in. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between Azure and AWS certifications:
- Industry focus: Azure is generally preferred by businesses that operate on the Microsoft ecosystem, while AWS is more widely used across different industries.
- Job market demand: While both Azure and AWS have a high demand for certified professionals, AWS currently has a larger market share and more job opportunities.
- Certifications offered: Both Azure and AWS offer a range of certifications, from entry-level to expert-level. You should choose a certification that aligns with your experience and career goals.
- Cost: The cost of certification exams can vary between the two platforms, so consider the financial impact before making your decision.
- Personal preference: Ultimately, your decision may come down to personal preference. If you have experience with one platform over the other, you may feel more comfortable pursuing that platform’s certification.
Overall, both certifications can provide valuable skills and knowledge for a career in cloud computing. Consider your goals, industry focus, job market demand, and personal preference to make the best decision for your career in 2023.
Quick Difference Summary:
| AWS | Azure |
| AWS has 42 availability zones. | This has 34 availability zones. |
| It helps the user to store data close to them and there is minimal data loss during the transfer of server and storage. | It is less flexible than AWS when it comes to non-windows platforms and there are some bugs that will cost users extra money. |
| AWS is not that open to private clouds thus making azure a better option for storage. | This has high support for hybrid cloud apps and secures sensitive data. |
| It offers a large and complex scale of offerings. | It provides easy transitions for the cloud system. |
| Top companies that use AWS include Netflix, Spotify, Airbnb, etc. | Top companies that use Azure include HSBC, Heineken, Rolls-Royce, etc. |
| Top certification includes: AWS Solution Architect AWS SysOps Associate AWS Cloud Practitioner AWS Developer-Associate. | Top Certifications include: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate. |
Should we choose cloud certifications or not?
Yes, without any doubt! Cloud is the Future
Cloud computing enables businesses to innovate more, launch new products more quickly, improve interdepartmental communication, cut operating expenses, and minimize capital expenditures.
Businesses that aren’t prepared for these developments face the danger of falling behind. However, in order to transition to the cloud, businesses must have skilled personnel with cloud computing certification on staff. Because they are knowledgeable about the subtleties of cloud-based computing, certified specialists can simply solve any issues that may come up during the cloud migration.
A great need for qualified workers has gone largely unfulfilled as a result of this requirement for cloud-certified experts. According to LinkedIn, distributed and cloud computing were the most in-demand talents in both 2016 and 2017. According to Dice, the number of job postings for the AWS cloud platform rose by 76% between 2015 and 2016. Over 18 million jobs globally and 3.9 million in the United States were associated with cloud computing Bootcamp in 2015. Salary ranges for competent experts are both extremely high and competitive. According to Forbes, people with AWS certifications can expect to make an average income of $125,591 for their work in the cloud computing industry.
Several significant cloud service providers initially gained prominence with the advent of cloud computing, but AWS and Azure now dominate the sector. These two cloud hosting platforms are mostly responsible for the increase in employment in the cloud computing industry, which presents a challenge for job searchers.
Final words
The blog has outlined the advantages and disadvantages as well as the differences between AWS and Azure. Nobody believed Azure could catch up in 2015, but they have disproved the opponents. Cloud wars are fascinating and unexpected. But despite the ongoing conflict between AWS and Azure, one thing is certain: the cloud will never go away. In the next years, certifications for AWS and Azure can alternate. You could therefore need to select a certification that satisfies the needs of both you and your employer.
