Azure vs AWS for small businesses: which should you choose?

Moving a server or an app to the cloud? The two names you'll hear most are Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Both are reliable, secure and used by businesses of every size. For a small business, the right choice depends less on which one is "better" and more on what you already use. Here's a plain-English comparison.

The short answer

• Choose Azure if your office runs on Microsoft: Microsoft 365, Windows Server, Active Directory or SQL Server.
• Choose AWS if you mostly run Linux servers, websites and web apps, or your developers already know AWS.
• Either is fine for backups and a few simple servers. How well it's set up matters far more than the logo on the bill.

Azure and AWS side by side

What about cost?

Both charge by the hour for what you use, and prices for similar servers are close. Prices vary by region and change often, so compare current rates with each provider's official pricing calculator. In practice, the savings come from how the account is run, not which provider you pick:

• Right-size servers — most are bigger than they need to be.
• Switch off test servers and anything not needed at night or at weekends.
• Commit for 1–3 years on servers that run all the time, for a large discount.
• Delete leftovers — unused disks, old snapshots and forgotten test setups.
• Set budget alerts so a surprise bill never reaches month-end.

Don't forget the simpler options

Google Cloud is a good choice if you already use Google Workspace or work heavily with data. And for a single website or small app, a plain VPS or managed hosting is often cheaper and simpler than either big cloud — see our hosting plans.

Five questions to answer before you move

1. What exactly are you moving? File shares, Tally, ERP, a database or a website — and does the software support the cloud?
2. Is your office internet good enough? Everyone will reach the server over the internet, so speed and a backup connection matter.
3. Who looks after it? Security updates, user access and monitoring still need an owner.
4. What's the monthly budget, and who receives the billing alerts?
5. How is it backed up? A cloud server is not automatically backed up — you need to switch on and test backups. Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule.

How we help

We plan and run moves to Azure, AWS and Google Cloud: choosing the right setup, moving servers with minimal downtime, security hardening, backups and cost alerts. Migrations are quoted at a fixed price, hourly consulting starts at ₹1,500$25, and ongoing cloud management is part of our Complete plan.

Frequently asked questions

Is Azure or AWS cheaper for a small business?

For similar servers, prices are close and change often. The bigger difference comes from how the account is set up: right-sized servers, commitment discounts and switching off what you don't use usually save more than picking one provider over the other.

Can we run Tally or our ERP on Azure or AWS?

Yes. Tally and most ERP systems can run on a cloud Windows server, and staff connect through remote desktop from the office or home. Check your software's licensing and plan enough internet bandwidth first.

Is our data safe in the cloud?

Azure and AWS protect their data centres to a very high standard, but securing your servers, passwords and backups is your job. With strong sign-in, regular updates and tested backups, a cloud server is usually safer than a server in an office cupboard.